Installing the bath after laying the tiles

Repairing a bathroom is a rather complex and multi-stage process that requires a competent approach to business. Therefore, most citizens call specialists for repair work. The services of such masters usually have to pay at fairly high tariffs. Some people, trying to save some money, are repairing themselves. This is usually a trial and error method when a person learns to lay tiles and install plumbing on the go. Moreover, the most common question among beginners is: “Is the bath installed before or after laying the tiles?” There is no definite answer. The sequence of steps is influenced by the material used to make the bath and the size of the room. Let's understand the intricacies of this issue.

Types of bathtubs

The modern plumbing market offers three varieties of bathtubs. Get to know the assortment closer.

• Cast iron. Some consider the installation of such a bath a relic of the past. However, this is not the case. Such models are characterized by high strength and ability to maintain water temperature for a long time. The cost of such products is high, but they are designed for 40-50 years of operation. The disadvantage of a cast-iron bath is the weight, so the installation of products is carried out on a solid foundation.

• Acrylic Quite practical designs that fit perfectly into rooms of any size. Installing such a bath is not difficult even for a beginner, however, some inexperienced masters allow classic mistake: install the product on makeshift supports, ignoring the factory frame (goes in the base picking). Acrylic is a rather brittle material, so an incorrect distribution of the center of gravity can provoke the formation of chips and cracks.

• Steel. The best option for those who are indifferent to the aesthetics and beauty of the bathroom. Steel bathtubs belong to the economy class category, so they are often installed for the first time, subsequently changing to cast-iron or acrylic models. The weight of the steel bath is 30-35 kilograms, so installation / disassembly is usually straightforward. The disadvantages of the product include fast heat transfer: poured water cools down literally in 10-15 minutes.

In the market you can find bathtubs made of bronze or copper. These are expensive products that need special care.

When is it best to install a bath?

Installing a bath before or after laying tiles? This is the main question exciting newcomers. If you install acrylic plumbing, first tile is laid on the floor and walls, then a bath is placed. Lightweight construction and factory installation frame, greatly simplify the installation process.

Installation of steel and cast-iron models is carried out according to another scheme. The floor is first leveled with a screed. When the screed hardens, lay out the floor tile, and then mount the bath. Then the walls are tiled with tiles, guided by the upper edge of the installed font.

A key role is played by the area of ​​the bathroom. A simple example: the length of the room, without finishing, is 180 centimeters. A person focusing on these sizes acquires a bath of a similar length. In this case, first install the font, and then finish the room with tiles. If you do the opposite, the tile "steals" 1 centimeter on each side, respectively, the bathtub just does not fit.

Installation of an acrylic bath

As mentioned above, such models can be installed after tiling the bathroom. For this, each product is completed with instructions and mounting elements. Please note that the factory frame is necessarily equipped with adjustable legs with rubber tips. This feature allows you not to scratch the tile during the alignment of the font.

Installation is performed as follows:

• We assemble the frame according to the attached instructions. For convenience, the bath is usually turned upside down, while the protective film is not recommended to be removed. The frame elements are connected using self-tapping screws, the design itself is located exactly in the center of the font.
• We collect the legs and screw them into the frame. For fixing, studs and locknuts are used. Fastening is usually done by hand, as over-tightening the studs can lead to structural damage.
• We install a siphon: the upper and lower drain holes are placed, then the structure is joined together.
• Then the bath is installed in its place, with legs leveling. Please note that the drain hole should be lower, otherwise there will be problems with water leaving. The distance from the drain hole to the pipe is usually 17 centimeters (manufacturer's recommendation as indicated in the instructions).
• After that, the bath is fixed with hooks to the wall to avoid tipping over. For hooks, you will need to drill a hole in the wall and hammer the dowels. Given that the bathroom is already tiled, care should be taken when drilling not to split it.
• Then the protective screen is installed. Please note that the mounting corners should only be located in certain places that have a reinforcing tab.
• Between the sides of the bath, adjacent to the wall, there will be a small gap. It needs to be coated with sealant.

After installation, the design is checked for stability, a small amount of water is collected to check the operation of the drain.

Mounting cast iron models

Installation of such a bath is carried out after leveling the floor and laying floor tiles. Please note that the tile on the floor must withstand significant loads, so be sure to check this point with the seller.

Installation of the product is as follows:

1. The bath is brought into the bathroom and laid on its side, the drain hole is located in the direction of the sewer. Before this procedure, experts advise covering the tiles with a cloth to avoid scratches and mechanical damage.
2. A siphon and supports are installed.
3. The bath turns over to its normal position and is leveled horizontally.
4. The font is installed in place, leaving about 1 millimeter between the side and the rough wall finish. Keep in mind that the tile is a rather slippery surface, therefore, despite its weight, the bath may shift during operation. To avoid this, the supports are fixed to the tile surface with waterproof glue.
5. The walls of the room are tiled. The places of contact between the tiles and the side of the bathtub protect against leakage with ceramic skirting boards.

Please note that when installing cast-iron and steel baths, grounding is mandatory. To do this, it is better to invite a qualified electrician.

Conclusion

Installing a bath after laying tiles is a fairly responsible process that requires certain skills and knowledge. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist for help. For self-assembly, do not rely on the eye: for a bath to stand for a long time, be sure to measure distances and use a level. Be sure to check the stability of the bath and the operation of the drain before starting operation. Do not attempt to install complex models yourself, such as hot tubs or jacuzzis. Only specialists can handle such products.