analysis: Bathtub Plumbing: 4 Things Homeowners Should Know

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1. You have the option to renovate or overhaul

Notes:

• Analyze Your Situation:

  Depending on the condition of your bathtub plumbing, you can decide whether to have it repaired or completely replaced.

• Minor issues rarely warrant a complete plumbing overhaul, but knowing which issues are considered minor can be the difference between a budget-friendly fix and several hundred dollars’ worth of unneeded pipe replacement.
• Here’s a quick list of common minor plumbing issues that you should familiarize yourself with:
  • Minor plumbing leaks:
    caused mostly by broken seals that regulate water flow. If damaged, the faucet may drip. It could be a damaged cartridge, broken washers, or malfunctioning O-ring. Any of these items can be replaced fairly easily with the right tools.
  • Other plumbing leaks can include pipe corrosion, damaged pipe joints, clogged lines, and other.
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  • Paint faded pipes:
    plumbing pipes exposed to UV rays can weaken over time. One way to protect pipes is by painting them. If the paint is fading, it might require new paint or other covering to keep the pipes protected.
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  • Loose thread on faucets:
    this results when the faucet or handles come loose over time from constant use. It can also become loose with lime deposits building up. This may be an easy fix by cleaning the threads or by replacing the component.
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  • Worn out caulk:
    caulk is used to keep bathtubs, showers and other bath appliances from leaking. If the caulk is worn out, you may notice water building up around the appliance. You need to remove the old caulk and replace it with new.
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  • Damaged faucet trims:
    trims are the decorative hardware that surrounds a tub, shower or sink faucet. They can get damaged or worn out over time. You simply replace the trim or purchase a new appliance.
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  • Dinged or worn-out shower drain:
    shower drains wear down over time with all the things that run through it: shampoo, soap, dirt, dead skin cells, and hair build up in a slimy film. Drains can also get clogged. Simple replace the drain and make sure shower drains are flowing freely.
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• The Question is to Renovate or Upgrade:

  Generally, bathroom renovation plumbing is more budget-friendly compared to overhauling, as long as the issues aren’t that severe.

• However, repairing more serious bathtub plumbing issues will almost always cost you more in the long run than if you go for a complete replacement because repairs are less likely to yield good results
• If you’re not confident in your ability to identify the problem, you can always get help from a professional. Don’t hesitate to call reputable plumbers if you need a more thorough plumbing inspection.
• 1. bathroom redesign
  2. shop ideas
  3. next topic

• • Bathroom Redesign:

    Any bathtub remodeling or upgrade must be proceeded first by deciding on the styling of the bathroom. Whether you have a small and cluttered bathroom or a large and dull bathroom, you can add some creative redesigns to give the bathroom a spa-like look and feel.

    Start your redesign by viewing the varying bathroom styles you have to work with:

    

    copyright image by unsplash.com

    Bathroom Styles
    	Traditional Style	view
    	Modern Style	view
    	Contemporary	view
    	Industrial Style	view
    	Transitional Style	view
    	Eclectic Style	view
    	Coastal Style	view
    	Farmhouse Style	view
    	Victorian Style	view

    (from google images)
    	Asian Style	view
    	Craftsman	view
    	Mediterranean	view
    	Mid-century	view
    	Rustic	view
    	Scandinavian	view
    	Shabby-Chic	view
    	Southwestern	view
    	Tropical	view

    Your bathroom should give you a pampered feeling when you walk in. Although you do not have to spend thousands to make the bathroom look or feel luxurious, you can add one or two luxurious items coupled with a few upgrades to make the bathroom feel welcoming.

    view post: (new win)
    	5 bathroom redesign ideas to impress family and friends

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  bathroom remodeling guidesbathroom mirrorsbath hardware set

2. You need the right accessories

Notes:

• There are dozens of bathtub plumbing accessories you will need to ensure maintenance is quick and relatively stress-free. If your bathtub was installed at least a couple of decades ago, chances are high that it lacks modern accessories.

• It pays to know what the market has to offer today since you will have to upgrade your old bathtub. Here are some vital bathtub plumbing accessories you wouldn’t want to miss:

  • Retaining Nut:

    This firmly attaches the pipes to the wall. Also, it keeps the bathtub in position and keeps it from budging even when pushed forcefully.

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  • Waste Outlet:

    This draws waste down the sewage using gravity.

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  • Trap:

    Usually designed in an ‘S’ shape, this part prevents unpleasant odor from reentering your house from the sewer system.

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  • Faucets:

    The type of faucet you choose determines the water pressure.

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  • Shutoff Values:

    These are used to control the flow of water to your home. In case of a major leak, you can completely cut off the water supply to prevent flooding in your house.

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  • Diverter Pipes:

    These allow hot and cold-water flows to be joined into a singular opening.

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  • Overflow Pipe:

    This catches excess water buildup in the tub and directs it to the drain, so your bathroom doesn’t flood.

  • [view sample]
• 1. understanding how-to plumbing
  2. why rough-in plumbing
  3. shop ideas
  4. next topic

• • Understand How-To Plumbing:

    There are two home projects that are best left to professionals: plumbing and electrical wiring. If you lack the experience and knowledge, making a repair or installing a new component could result in more damage that could require professional help to fix.

    But it’s not a bad idea to understand plumbing basics and language to identify what you need and how to shop for service. Besides, having the knowledge may allow you to make minor repairs that can save you money.

    

    copyright image by envato.com

    Here are some resources that allow you to understand plumbing basics:

    About Plumbing     (google images)
    	How Plumbing Works	view info
    	Plumbing Diagram	view info
    	– Kitchen Sink	view info
    	– Dishwasher	view info
    	– Bathroom Sink	view info
    	– Bathtubs	view info
    	– Showers	view info
    	– Toilets	view info
    	– Water Heaters	view info
    	– Water Intake	view info
    	– Drainage to Sewer	view info
    	Plumbing Components	view info
    	– Part Names	view info
    	– Plumbing Symbols	view info
    	– Plumbing Venting	view info
    	How Plumbing Operates	youtube
    	Plumbing 101	youtube
    	How to Plumb Bathroom	youtube

  • Why Rough-in Plumbing:

    You and/or your plumber should develop a sketch or layout plan for all bathroom plumbing needs and exactly where the plumbing will be located and installed.

    Note that plumbing will be covered up behind walls and under floors. So if for any reason a future repair or service is needed, you will have rough-in plumbing layout that shows exactly where the plumbing pipe, joints, and other components are located.

    

    copyright image by envato.com

    Get more information by viewing this post:

    view post: (new win)
    	understanding rough in plumbing and why it’s essential

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3. Freestanding bathtubs are trending

Notes:

• A freestanding tub sits on its own, unlike the conventional ‘drop-in’ ones which are built into the wall. Many homeowners find this setup more attractive, which is also why they are more popular these days.
• If you decide to install a freestanding tub, it’s good to understand how the plumbing is done, as it’s slightly different from the regular bathtubs. Usually, the water supply pipes aren’t attached to the tub in any way.
• This means you should have enough space around the tub for the inlet pipes. Moreover, most freestanding tubs don’t ship with a faucet. Therefore, you can choose any faucet style you want. This is a good opportunity to express your sense of style.
• 1. choosing the right tub
  2. shop ideas
  3. next topic

• • Choosing the Right Tub:

    Making the right decision when it comes to your bathroom tub can be challenging. Tubs come in a wide variety of styles, and you want to make sure you select one that matches the style of your bathroom.

    You should pick a tub size based on your bathroom space and needs. When there are more than one person in the household or if you are over six feet tall, a large bathtub might be a better choice than a small model. This is also true for children.

    

    image by envato.com

    Having another bathroom with at least one large bathtub might make sense if you have a large family. There must be enough space around the shower or bath for them to feel comfortable.

    Let’s review the types of bathtubs available:

    Bathtub Types
    	Freestanding	view
    	Alcove/Recessed	view
    	Tub/Shower Combo	view
    	Corner Tubs	view
    	Drop-in Bathtubs	view
    	Clawfoot Tubs	view

    (from google images)
    	Under-mount Tub	view
    	Walk-in Tub	view
    	Jetted Tub	view
    	Hot Tub	view
    	Japanese Tub	view
    	Round Tub	view

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  freestanding bathtubfreestanding tub faucetfreestanding towel rack

4. There are standard dimensions to follow

Notes:

• Sticking to standard dimensions when installing or repairing a bathtub helps minimize the risk of getting incompatible parts.

• Here are some universally-accepted dimensions for bathtub plumbing that you wouldn’t want to veer too much from:

  • Tub Supply:

    The shower head should be about 80 inches from the floor level. The tub supply faucets should be about 20-22 inches from the floor level. Also, the spouts should be about 4 inches above the tub rim.

  • Vertical discharge hole:

    You should place the drain at the same level as the floor

  • Back wall discharge hole:

    You should install the drain on the centerline. The drain access hole can be about 12 inches away from the framing, and with a width of about 7 inches.

• 1. Understanding Rough-In Dimensions
  2. don’t forget the shower
  3. shop ideas
  4. plumbing services
  5. conclusion

• • Understanding Rough-In Dimensions:

    One of the most important reasons to create a rough-in plumbing diagram is to ensure that everything is installed correctly.

    Mark the space where your new plumbing will go, and draw the appliances’ connections on the floor and walls when renovating. Doing so will help you position the pipes correctly.

    You need to understand dimensions and code to get good and up-to-code rough-in plumbing plan for your bathtub and bathroom appliance installation:

    Rough-In Plumbing Dimensions     (google images)
    	Bathtub Dimensions	view images
    	Shower Dimensions	view images
    	Toilet Dimensions	view images
    	Bathroom Sink Dimensions	view images
    	Rough-In Dimension Bathroom	view info
    	What FAILS Plumbing Inspections	youtube
    	Learn Plumbing Code	youtube

  • Don’t Forget the Shower

    You’re renovating your bathroom. Your goal is to make your bathroom more functional and appealing by installing a walk-in, frameless, and/or full-body shower.

    It is a complex process that requires the assistance of a professional. Plumbing is not only about finding design inspiration but also finding reliable suppliers, solving issues that arise, and adhering to building codes.

    

    copyright image by envato.com

    Depending on your bathroom’s structure, plumbers will know what strategies to use to install a full-body shower.

    Full Body Showers  (google images)
    	Full Body Showers Ideas	view samples
    	Full Body Shower Systems	view samples
    	Full Body Shower Components	view samples
    	Full Body Shower Plumbing	view samples

    Steam Showers  (google images)
    	Steam Showers Ideas	view samples
    	Spa Shower Systems	view samples
    	Steam Shower Components	view samples
    	Steam Shower Plumbing	view samples

•  

• Conclusion

  It’s good to know the basics of bathtub plumbing as a homeowner. First and foremost, make sure you’re familiar with most of the common bathtub accessories.

• Second, understand typical plumbing dimensions and installation best practices. This way, you’re in a position to do minor repairs and upgrades on your own.
• Or even if you call a plumber, you’re able to direct them accordingly.

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• What comments can you share about
  bathtub plumbing and other bathroom plumbing needs?