How to Install a Freestanding Bathtub?- A DIY Method With 6 Steps

Installing a freestanding bathtub or any kind of bathtub is not a difficult task if you have a sophisticated guide on installing a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom. Aside from getting the freestanding bathtub to your bathroom, you can do all the work without paying a plumber. A bathroom with a bathtub is a retreat where you can feel the sensation of coming home and soaking in that hot water. It is a great way to remove all the stress from your day. 

This guide will walk you through installing a freestanding bathtub in simple steps and help you find relief.

Tools and Materials that You Need to Install a Freestanding Bathtub:

Before installing a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom, you must make sure that you have all the necessary materials for the installation. The following materials list will help you install the bathtub without any hiccups.

• Cleaning materials: Materials such as rags and plastic sheets to protect and clean the floor before and after the installation.
• A Level: A device to determine the level of your bathroom floor.

• Freestanding bathtub.

• A 4x4 piece of lumbar support: Lumbar supports the whole bathtub system during installation.

• A drop-in drain:  A necessary tool if there is no drain passageway in your bathroom.

• Caulk: to prevent the leakage and ensure that all the joints sit together.

• Plumber putty: This seals all the joints to prevent water leakage and is similar to caulk.

• Silicone: Helps to fix the bathtub to the bathroom floor after the installation. 

• Pipe pieces: You must ensure that you have all the necessary plumbing pipes, such as seal-washers. Your bathtub provider will give you the necessary materials for installation, but you must ensure that all the items are provided correctly and there are no missing items before installation.

• Protective blanket: It helps protect the bathtub's sides when you tilt for the installation process.

Things that You Need to Make Sure Before Installation:

STEP 1: Slope

Make sure your bathroom has a proper slope. If your floor lacks a slope, the water flow to the drain will not function, which leads to a blocked drain which can cost you money. You can use the level device to see your bathroom's vertical and horizontal aspects. Once you have that information, you must carry out the next step.

STEP 2: Placement

A freestanding bathtub has a unique characteristic that helps you bring elegance to your bathroom. A freestanding bathtub comes in various sizes and shapes suitable for different types of bathrooms. 

According to the information you gathered from the level device, you must pick a bathtub that suits your style and fits your bathroom aesthetically. You can place a freestanding bathtub virtually anywhere, such as in the corner, near the wall, or even at the center of your bathroom. However, you must ensure proper plumbing where you want to install the tub. If not, then you must call a plumber. 

STEP 3: Clean the bathroom floor

After deciding where to place the bathtub, you must clean the entire bathroom floor so that the dust and debris do not accumulate underneath the tub. Simple cleaning is enough, and you will clean it again after the installation.

Steps to Install a Freestanding Bathtub:

After you take care of the prerequisites, it is time to install the bathtub in your bathroom.

STEP 1: Place the protective blanket in the adjacent area where you want to install the bathtub. It will help you protect the bathtub's sides when you do the installation.

STEP 2: Now, place the 4x4 lumber in the area where you want to install the bathtub. Place the bathtub on top of the lumber, and align the drain line with the bathtub drain. 

STEP 3: A freestanding bathtub comes with a drain kit. If not, make sure you purchase one with your bathtub. You can pop that drain kit and align it with your bathroom drain line. Ensure that you tighten the drain nut enough so there is no water leakage. You must also clean the bathtub’s drain to remove the factory dirt and debris.

STEP 4: Clean the drain hole in your bathroom. It helps to do the installation without any water blockage. A drain cleaner or bleach will suffice. Once the drain dries entirely, take a small amount of clear silicon and place it around the underside of the pipe flange.

STEP 5: Attach the drain tailpiece to the bottom of the bathtub. Place the rubber or plastic bushing with the plumbing material at the top of the tailpiece and screw the drain nut up the tube until it tightens both the bathtub’s drain and the drain tailpiece. Now you must add the lubricant to the seal to ensure there is no water leakage in the pipe connection. 

STEP 6: Place caulk around the bottom edge of the bathtub. Take out the lumbar support and carefully bring the bathtub to the floor. Use a damp cloth to clean the excess caulk and debris and plumber putty to cover the tub drains and the floor.

Now you must clean the area thoroughly, put your tools away, and then wait 24 hours to give the lubricants and caulks the time to adhere correctly and prevent water leakage.

After 24 hours, fill the tub with the water and check for any water leakage. Once there is none, you may dive into a relaxing bath as a reward for your hard work. 

Tips to Maintain a Freestanding Bathtub:

After you feel that relaxing sensation, you must find a way to experience that sensation as long as possible, and the following tips should help you to achieve that experience.

1. Always look for the clog in the drain. You can pull it out with a small stick if hair or debris is in the gutter.
2. Use mild cleaning components, which will help you preserve the bathtub for a long time and will also help you remove surface-level scratches.
3. Do not use strong solutions such as concentrated bleach to remove stains. Instead, mix water and diluted bleach with a ratio of 10:2, respectively. Apply it to the tub's surface and leave it for 15-20 minutes to remove any surface-level stains.
4. Always check the floor drain. You may unclog it using any small sticks or a small vacuum to suck out all the debris. 
5. Check the heater or faucet immediately if you smell rust or grease in the water. Rust in the water may stain or damage the bathtub in the long run. 
6. If you want to sand the bathtub, try using 400 grit sandpaper or 600 grit sandpaper for a more refined finish. 

FAQs:

How do you secure a freestanding bath?

You can use a silicone-based caulk adhesive to secure a freestanding bath to the bathroom floor. Before placing the tub where you want to install it, you may put the caulk around the area. Once you set the bathtub, you may use silicone lubricant on its sides to ensure that it will not tilt over.

Do you tile under a freestanding tub?

It is better to tile under a freestanding tub as tiles help against water leakage. Custom and printed tiles also bring artistic nature to your bathroom and elevate the mood while helping you relax during your bath.

Can a freestanding bath go against a wall?

Yes, you can place your freestanding bath against your wall. It will look gorgeous, especially if your wall has some custom designs.  

Soak Away All Your Stress…

People tend to think that a relaxing space at home is a luxury. However, installing a simple freestanding bathtub in your bathroom gives you much-needed relaxation after a long busy day.

We hope you follow the simple steps discussed and install your freestanding tub with minimal effort. Trust us, you are in for a very satisfying reward.

Remember that using Epsom bath salts in your bathtub will elevate your experience more. It will remove toxins from your body system and help you sleep better at night. Soaking in that hot water and forgetting all the stress is one of the most relaxing experiences in life. 

If you are looking forward to buying a freestanding tub and don’t know where to start, don’t worry, we have an amazing collection of freestanding bathtubs. Check them out, and if you are not sure which bathtub style suits you best, visit our free bathtub buying guide to learn more.