Bathroom Suite Installation
This article will give you a basic idea of what is involved in replacing
and installing a complete bathroom suite from start to finish. The process
includes tearing out the original bath, basin, and toilet, making any necessary
repairs to the floor, tiling, and fitting the new bathroom.
The Removal Process
Removing the Bath
If you have ceramic tile surrounding the bath you will need to remove the
bottom rows. This will let you get the existing bath out. Remove the bath
panel and surrounds. Move everything out of the bathroom except your tools.
Turn off the water and when the water has fully drained from the pipes remove the bath. Do not cut any pipes unless necessary to get the bath out. Unfasten the wires and earth tags.
Detach the waste and remove any fittings. Unscrew any brackets that hold the bath to the wall. Unscrew the feet from the floor, lift the bath and remove any fitting you will keep then remove the bath from the room.
Removing the Basin
Undo any tap connections. Again, do not cut any pipes unless necessary to
remove the basin. Remove any fittings and unscrew the basin from the wall
(and floor, if attached). Take everything out of the room.
Removing the Toilet
Flush the toilet to remove any water left in the cistern. Sponge out any
remaining water. Unfasten any connections then unscrew the fixings. Lift
the toilet out in one or two pieces (depending on the type). Remove it
from the room.
Remove the Tile
Remove any tile that you will be replacing with a chisel and hammer. If you
plan to keep the tile, you may want to place some masking tape around the
edges. Place the tile in a container and remove it from the room.
The Make-up Process
All of the bits and pieces are put into place in preparation of installing the new suite in this process. Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your new suite for how to proceed with the make-up. Install isolation valves for each water supply. You will have two for the basin, two for the bath, and one for the toilet.
Repair any fixing brackets prior to installing the bath. Install the waste trap. You may reuse the existing trap or install a new one. Always use new washers. Install the tap connectors for the hot and cold connections. Measure from the top of the bath to the bottom of the isolation valve. This lets you know where placement will be. Mark where your fixing brackets will be and take out a piece of the wall to recess them under your tiles.
Install the waste of the basin if you are installing a pedestal type, it will be too difficult to do later. Install the tap connectors for the hot and cold connections. Again, do your top to bottom measurement for the basin placement.
With the isolation valves closed, turn on the main valve slowly. As the air is removed, open the valve fully and check for any leaks.
Replacing the Tile
By doing the tile now it will be easier because there will be fewer cuts. Measure out your tile requirements carefully. You may even want to put them in position temporarily to see how they fit.
Begin by painting two coats of an adhesive on the area behind the tiles.
Using the mark for the bath you had drawn earlier for the tap connectors,
make another mark on the wall that is the depth of your tile minus 1 inch.
Fix some thin batten to the wall making sure that it is level and begin the
first row by placing tiles on the batten and work upward. When done remove
the batten and tile down. Grouting is the final step after the installation
process is complete.
Repairing the Floor
If the floor shows rotting or is in need of additional support, replace the rotted wood and/or add bearers to give support to the bath. Cover the new wood with a wood preserver.
The Installation Process
Installing the Bath
Place the bath in position making sure it is level by adjusting the feet.
Attach to the wall by screwing on the brackets. Screw down the feet to
anchor the bath. Push your connectors into place. Join the fittings. Open
the isolation valves and fill the bath with water to determine if there
are any leaks. With the bath full, you will want to place your sealant
between the bath and the wall.
If you have any boxing, lay your tiles for it. Put the bath panel in place and fix it to the bath. You should also reattach the earth tags and any wires taken off during the removal process.
Installing the Toilet
Grout joints if needed. If installing the same type of toilet simply reverse
the removal instructions. Read your manufacturers instructions if installing
a different type. Screw the pan to the floor and the cistern to the wall
and ensure it is level. Use silicon to set your screws.
Installing the Basin
Measure from the back of the basin to the center of the waste outlet. You
will want the waste pipe pointing upward from the center of the pedestal.
Seal the top of the pedestal with a putty sealer. Determine the amount
of waste pipe needed and install it. Mark where your screws will go. Place
the basin on top of the pedestal, screw in the waste connection, connect
the tap, and secure the basin to the pedestal and the pedestal to the floor.
Turn on the isolation valves, check for leaks, and try the taps.