Control de temperatura del medio

Ledger

Stub wall Box for

control connections

Stub wall location

Dedicated GFCI circuit(s) for blower and heater

Front support wall

Drain line

P-trap

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Build support framing as outlined in your installation

manual, according to whichever type of installation you are undertaking (see page 89). In this photo, a wet wall is being framed at the head area of the tub. An identically sized stub wall is installed in the corner to support the foot end of the tub. A third stub wall will be constructed to support the front of the tub after the tub is in place.

Install water supply risers with shutoff valves. Make

sure to create or allow for an access panel so you can get at the supply and drain plumbing easily. Here, a section of the wallcovering on the room side of the wet wall will be removable. You also need to make sure you have ready access to the motor and pump for the jetted tub. On the model shown here, a removable front apron allows ample access.

Install a 1 × 4 cross brace in the stub wall cavity so you can

secure the supply pipes with pipe straps.

Run new wiring circuits and install receptacles as required

in your installation manual. You will need a permit for this part of the job. If you do not have signifi cant experience with home wiring, hire a pro for the wiring. In most cases, you’ll need a dedicated circuit for the pump and another (often 240-volt) for the motor, and perhaps even a third circuit for accessories and peripherals, such as lights.

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92 ■ COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLUMBING

Check the subfl oor to make sure it is level. If you

encounter a dip or low area (especially if it is in the area where the tub feet will rest) fi ll it with fl oor leveler compound (available at home centers and fl ooring stores). It is important that the tub be level or have a very slight slope toward the drain.

Prepare additional circuits as required for your tub. Here, a

circuit is being run from the tub installation area to a remote wall switch that will regulate the air fl ow. Do as much of the wiring and plumbing installation as you can before the tub is in place.

Install wall controls as specifi ed by the manufacturer. Check

with your local inspections offi ce. They may want to inspect your wiring and plumbing lines before the tub is installed.

Attach the drain/overfl ow pipe assembly to the tub prior

to installation, using rubber gaskets and pipe joint compound. Measure the distance the drain tailpiece will need to drop to connect with the drain trap and trim the tailpiece to fi t (inset photo).

Tip 쑺

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Secure the drain/overfl ow assembly by tightening the

overfl ow coverplate and the drain strainer onto the assembly, from inside the tub.

Slide or lower the tub into the installation area, taking

care not to disturb the drain/overfl ow assembly. Make sure the drain tailpiece aligns exactly over the P-trap opening.

Check the tub for level. If it is not level, check to make sure

it is resting cleanly on the subfl oor all around. If needed, shim underneath one of the feet to level the tub. Do not shim under apron if your tub has one that is already installed.

Secure the leveled tub in place as directed in your

installation manual. Here, 2 × 4 block are screwed to the fl oor around the perimeter of the bathtub basin to create small curbs that prevent the tub from shifting. Build a 2 × 4 stub wall to support the front tub rim.

(continued)

Front stub wall location

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94 ■ COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLUMBING

Hook up the drain line by attaching the drain tailpiece to the

P-trap in the fl oor. Use thread lubricant so you can get a good seal on the slip fi tting.

Test the drain system to make sure it does not leak. Using a

hose, fi rst add a small amount of water and visually inspect the slip fi ttings and the area around the drain body. If it looks good, fi ll the tub up past the overfl ow line to make sure the overfl ow pipe seal does not leak. Drain the tub.

Make wiring hookups. Here, the hard work is already done

and the blower and pump motors simply need to be plugged into their dedicated receptacles. If this unit had a heater, it would require an additional dedicated circuit. The blower motor also needs to be attached to the lead from the wall regulator installed in step 8.

Install wall panels around the tub area. If you will be

installing wall tile, use cementboard. If you’ll be installing a manufactured surround, mold-resistant drywall will do.

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Install the wall surface materials, cutting holes for the

spout and valves as needed.

Install the spout supply valves and hook them up to the

supply risers. Tubs are not predrilled for faucets as sinks are, so you’ll need to decide whether to drill holes for the valves in the tub rim using a step bit, or to mount the faucet in the platform or the rim of the support wall.

Attach the spout and the valve handles and test the supply

system. To clear any debris from the lines, remove the spout aerator and run both hot and cold water for a minute or so.

Attach the removable front apron or replace the access

96 ■ COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLUMBING

Bidets are becoming ever more popular in the