| Preparing for Installation |
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What the full bath adds over the half bath is a tub, shower, or tub-shower combination. More extensive installation instructions including how to move pipes and tackle difficult plumbing jobs are covered in other sections of this website. (Tip: Use the Search feature on the top of this page to find them.) Here, let’s take a look at how to install a typical tub and shower. You’ve designed your full bathroom and selected components. What else do you need to start the job? Tools, materials, and room preparation, covered below. How long will the job take? Prep time depends on the condition of the existing room, the complexity of the remodel, and your experience. Preparing the room for a new tub or shower could be just a few hours or a few days, depending on whether you need to move walls or plumbing. Obviously, installing a sunken tub will require more time. The actual installation of the tub or shower including faucets should take less than one day. If you are new to remodeling, plan to do it over a two-day weekend to be safe. Materials you need include the bathtub, shower, or tub-shower combo, plus the new faucets and drain, caulk, plumber’s putty, dry-set mortar, and some wood shims for leveling the tub or shower. Remodeling Tips Make sure you get clear, readable installation instructions with the tub or shower you buy as some have special requirements. In addition, some manufacturers include single-use tools for alignment or installation that will save you buying an expensive tool. Tools include plumbing wrenches, carpenter’s level, tape measure, screwdrivers, utility knife, and a caulk gun. You also may need a saw for cutting plastic pipe or a copper tube cutter.
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