An experienced do-it-yourselfer with plumbing knowledge can learn how to fit a bath. When planning the project, measure the existing tub space and select a new tub that will fit. Replacing your tub also requires accessing the plumbing supply and drain lines. This might involve cutting holes in walls to complete new plumbing connections.

Process for How to Fit a Bath

1. Turn off the water supply to the old tub.
2. Using screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, disconnect faucet handles, shower head, drain cover, and overflow cover.
3. With the utility knife, cut through all of the caulk around the tub and its surround.
4. Starting at the top, pry away the tub surround panels or tile.
5. Disconnect the tub drain under the old tub.
6. Use a jigsaw to cut an acrylic or fiberglass tub free of its flange that is nailed to studs.
7. Pry the remaining flange off of studs.
8. With the old tub out of the way, dry fit the new tub.
9. Set the tub aside and cut a 2×4 the length of the tub space. This is called the ledger board.
10. Measure the height of the new tub’s attachment flange and mark the wall.
11. Use wood screws to attach the ledger board so that it reaches the bottom of your mark.
12. Wrap a coil of plumber’s putty around the drain strainer’s bottom and place it in the new tub’s drain hole.
13. Screw the drain chute to the strainer and tighten with pliers.
14. Connect the overflow drain parts to the new tub.
15. Position the tub with the drain over the floor’s drain opening.
16. Confirm that the tub is level and adjust with shims as necessary.
    1. Glue shims in place.
17. Connect tub flange to the wall with nails or screws according to manufacturer’s instructions.
18. Dry fit tub surround pieces and measure where you need openings for faucet hardware.
19. Cut faucet openings with jigsaw.
20. Attach surround pieces to wall and caulk all of the edges.
21. Connect faucet supply lines and drain.
22. Caulk where the tub meets the floor.
23. Wait 24 hours before running water.