Attaching legs to an acrylic bathtub. Installing an acrylic bath: the subtleties of the process. Installing an acrylic bathtub: instructions for dummies

Installing a new bathtub or reinstalling it after renovation is an important stage in arranging a bathroom. If tiles have already been laid, it is important not to damage the surface. Tile is a fairly fragile material. Also, the steel bathtub is fastened to the wall before laying the final coating. It all depends on the type of repair work.

The method of installing a bathtub depends on the material from which the bathtub is made:

• cast iron;
• metal;
• acrylic.

The easiest way to install a cast iron bathtub. It is heavy and is held securely in place by its own weight. Metal and acrylic are lightweight materials. The mass of such tanks is much less than the weight of the human body. Therefore, installation requires a number of features.

Connecting the bathtub to a wall, ideally three, is a necessity. Please note that the wall does not serve as a support. It is necessary to hang special hooks or create a supporting frame.

One of the options for mounting the bathtub to the wall using special holders that are screwed into the wall

The easiest way is to make a design from metal corners. It is convenient to work with it if the bathtub is only 2-3 cm shorter than the wall. Between the edges of the sides and the vertical surface there will be a gap sufficient for mounting a metal screen. The algorithm for installing a bathtub to the wall is as follows:

• the height of the bathtub is measured to the lower edge of the sides;
• mark the wall at the appropriate level, taking into account that the sides should rest on the corners and the legs should stand firmly on the floor;
• carry out a “fitting” - how well the calculations coincide with reality;
• The stops are fastened 3 mm below the marked marks, because a rubber gasket is installed for shock absorption;
• the bathtub must be placed on the corners;
• install a siphon and connect it to the sewer;
• adjust the height of the legs;
• check the level;
• The sides and walls are covered with mounting tape, and the gaps are filled with foam;
• carry out waterproofing.

Thus, the bath is securely fastened. If renovation work is in full swing and the tiles have not yet been laid, the sides are decorated with a ceramic border for decoration and waterproofing at the same time.

Metal corners are made 5-7 cm shorter than the sides, otherwise they may peek out and interfere with the next stages of work.

Installing a bathtub on bricks requires the presence of a rigid frame under the sides

Installation of an acrylic bathtub: mounting features

To understand how to attach an acrylic bathtub to the wall, let’s understand a little about the properties of the material. It is quite flexible. It holds its shape well, is aesthetically pleasing, but is sensitive to scratches and other damage. It is advisable to hide all fixing structures and make them as invisible as possible.

Fastening an acrylic bathtub to the wall is most often done using special brackets that come with the plumbing fixtures.

In order not to damage the surface of expensive plumbing equipment, it is better to entrust its installation to professionals

Craftsmen also build special screens - a kind of “box” into which the bathtub fits. This method is convenient if the bathhouse is significantly shorter than the wall - by 20-30 cm or more. It is advisable to use a metal profile as a material. The work is carried out as follows:

• take measurements - the height of the bathroom to the sides, the length of the tank, the width;
• if necessary, measure the space between the edge of the bathtub and the wall;
• According to the obtained dimensions, the profile is cut;
• build a rigid frame;
• attach the structure to the wall;
• install an overflow, install a siphon, and a sewer outlet pipe;
• install the bathtub in place;
• adjust the height of the legs, set the level;
• the joints are covered with mounting tape and blown with foam;
• carry out waterproofing.

The final stage is laying tiles or other facing material. By the way, if the bathtub is installed on a frame, it is much easier to cover the front wall with tiles. There is a base for laying ridge slabs or plasterboard, on which the tiles fit perfectly.

A metal frame for installing a bathtub is a reliable way to secure plumbing fixtures

Before installation, a metal or acrylic bathtub is treated with polyurethane foam to improve sound insulation.

Other popular and reliable methods of attaching a bathtub to the wall

In addition to the standard methods of attaching an acrylic bathtub to the wall with brackets or identically attaching a steel bathtub, there are several other quite affordable and reliable methods.

How to attach a bathtub to the wall with foam

• If you need to mount an acrylic bathtub, then you can go the easiest and most convenient way. Acrylic bathtubs are very light and even the housewife can turn it over. We turn the bathtub over and treat it with polyurethane foam. Approximately as shown in the photo.

Treatment of the bathtub with polyurethane foam. After treatment, the foam will dry in 6 hours, but its complete drying will occur within 24 hours. Turning the bath over. We install screens and are no longer afraid of her falling and instability.

When treating a bathtub with polyurethane foam, remember that the foam expands greatly when it dries. Don't go overboard with plumbing connections.

• The second way to strengthen a bathtub with foam is to treat a steel and acrylic bathtub in a stationary position. The position of the bath is leveled using a level and the required height for connecting to the sewer is calculated. There should be a gap of 1 cm between the wall and the bathtub. Next, it is advisable to fill the bathtub with water for greater stability and completely treat it with foam.

Strengthening the bathtub with polyurethane foam.

Strengthening the bathtub to the wall with bricks

Typically, installing a bathtub on a brick frame occurs when the bathtub has no legs. But you can make such a frame to increase the stability of the entire structure. You can lay bricks both across and along the bathtub - it does not matter. Laying “across” involves installing the bath directly on the bricks.

Installing a brick frame across the bathtub. Then metal corners are fixed to the wall and the bathtub is additionally secured. When laying bricks lengthwise, they become the sides of the bathtub. This frame is very durable, and any owner can make it with minimal skill.

Almost anyone can make a brick frame for a bathtub.

Don't forget to leave a small hole in the masonry to adjust the siphon.

Now you can strengthen the bathtub yourself, but if you are not confident in your abilities, you should not take risks and experiment where others have already become excellent specialists and thoroughly know all the intricacies of installing bathtubs from various materials

Choosing and buying an acrylic bathtub is only half the battle. Much depends on the quality installation of this plumbing product. Correct installation of an acrylic bathtub will allow you to use it for a long time and with maximum comfort.

But incorrect installation or even small mistakes often cause breakdowns. Sometimes they can be eliminated through repairs, but it also happens that an incorrectly installed acrylic bathtub requires a complete replacement.

Before starting installation, you should properly prepare the room and stock up on the necessary tools and materials.

First, remove the old bathtub, dismantle the old drain, clean the sewer pipe, and insert a piece of corrugated hose into it. After this, it is recommended to immediately treat all joints with sealant.

During the installation of an acrylic bathtub, its surface should be protected from accidental scratches and other damage, for example, with a layer of packaging cardboard

In addition to these necessary works, you may need to level the floor of the bathroom or the area where the bath will be installed. It should be remembered that it is better to turn off the water before starting preparatory work, and after completing the preparation, remove all debris from the bathroom.

In addition, the place where the bathtub will stand before installation must be covered with soft, shock-absorbing material to protect it from damage.

Experts advise purchasing an acrylic bathtub immediately before installation. Long-term storage of an acrylic product in unsuitable conditions can lead to its deformation.

Safety precautions

You can install an acrylic product alone, because the weight of such plumbing fixtures is relatively low. But this feature of acrylic also conceals its disadvantage. Acrylic is a relatively fragile material that must be handled with great care. A small drop may cause chips or cracks.

The same result is possible if you drop a heavy tool into the bathtub bowl. In addition, the acrylic surface can be easily scratched if handled carelessly.

Before installation, you must study the recommendations provided by the manufacturer on how to properly install an acrylic bathtub. They are usually included with each product. The bottom should rest on the frame or legs exactly in those places specified by the manufacturer. Changing the position of the bath over time can lead to its deformation and even breakage.

From the very beginning, you should choose a bath of sufficiently high quality. If, when pressed by hand, the walls of the bathtub bend, or the product emits a pungent odor, or its walls allow light to pass through when illuminated by a flashlight, then it is made of low-quality acrylic; you should not buy such a bathtub.

A high-quality bathtub should include everything necessary for its installation, as well as detailed instructions and a product data sheet. The fewer supports required for installation, the stronger the bathtub. The quality of fittings and fasteners that come with the bath should also be checked in advance.

Installation procedure for an acrylic bathtub

To determine the procedure for installing an acrylic bathtub, you need to select the appropriate type of installation. Such products are installed as follows:

• on the legs, which are supplied by the manufacturer complete with the product;
• on a factory frame with legs;
• on a frame made of brick.

In addition, sometimes, to give the bathtub maximum strength, a combined installation method is used. In this case, the bathtub simultaneously rests on both the legs and the brick frame. The easiest way to cope with the installation of structures that come with the bathtub: legs or frame.

To work with brick, you will need certain construction skills, since the laying should be done evenly, accurately and with precise dimensions.

Regardless of the installation method, free access to all communications should be ensured. This is not difficult when installing on legs or a frame, but when doing brickwork, you will need to leave a gap of several bricks in order to easily carry out the necessary maintenance of communications.

Option #1 – mounting on legs

As mentioned earlier, you first need to study the manufacturer's instructions, which should detail the installation process for the bathtub. Typically, when installing a clawfoot bathtub, the following steps are performed:

• Installing the legs in the designated places.
• Installing a clawfoot bathtub.
• Height adjustment of legs.
• Securing the position of the bath.
• Finishing work.

To screw the legs, you first need to find mounting points on the inverted bathtub. They look either like holes drilled for fasteners or like mounting pads. The legs are simply screwed in these places. If installation is carried out on a special platform, then the legs are installed on guides that are attached to the bottom of the bath.

To adjust the height of the legs of an acrylic bathtub, you should use a building level. First, set the height of one leg, then use it to determine the position of the remaining legs.

You should never attempt to drill holes in other areas yourself. This can lead to deformation of the product due to improper use, the bathtub may tip over, since the positions for the legs are selected taking into account the correct distribution of the load of the weight of the container filled with water.

An empty bathtub can stand almost level on incorrectly positioned legs, but when filled, not very pleasant surprises may appear: cracks, leaks, etc. There have also been cases when incompetent craftsmen accidentally drilled through the bathtub.

When the legs are installed, the bathtub must be carefully turned over and placed on supports in the designated area. At this stage, it doesn’t hurt to immediately cover the bottom of the bathtub with something soft, so as not to spoil its surface due to unforeseen accidents. After this, you can begin adjusting the legs.

First, align the position of the sides that are in contact with the wall, then adjust the position of the outer sides. To make the adjustment, you will need a building level, as well as a set of wrenches and a suitable screwdriver. You need to proceed as follows:

• Raise one of the corners to the required height by rotating the leg screw.
• Place a level on the adjacent corner and level its position.
• In the same way, align the position of the remaining corners.
• Check the position of the bathtub corners diagonally.
• Correct errors if found.

The adjustment process can become significantly more complicated if the bathroom is already tiled with ceramic tiles. In this case, you will have to adjust the height of the side so that it exactly matches the bottom edge of the ceramic finish. Experts recommend installing the bathtub first, and only then performing finishing work.

Sometimes it is necessary to install the bathtub not strictly horizontally, but with a slight slope towards the drain. To do this, it is enough to change the height of the legs with a difference of only two centimeters. But usually the required slope is already included in the design of the bathtub itself by the manufacturer.

In this case, it is enough to level the corners and sides of the bathtub. After this, the bath can be considered installed. They carry out connections to water supply and sewerage, as well as finishing work.

Since acrylic bathtubs do not retain heat very well, experts often recommend additional thermal insulation of the bathtub using several cans of polyurethane foam. To do this, the bathtub should be turned over, the outer surface of the bottom and sides should be moistened with water and carefully treated with polyurethane foam. The material should be applied in a thin stream so that the foam does not slide off the sides of the bathtub during the drying process.

For additional insulation of an acrylic bathtub, a coating of polyurethane foam is used. Apply the material in a thin stream so that it is distributed evenly

Processing should be carried out after the position of the legs and frame has been adjusted. The legs should also be foamed to further strengthen them. After applying the foam, you will have to wait 6-8 hours until it dries. The bathtub can then be turned over, placed in place and covered with a decorative screen or otherwise finished.

The installation process is shown in detail in the video:

Option #2 – installation on a factory frame

The procedure for installing a bathtub for which a factory frame is supplied is not much different from installing it on legs, except that the amount of work in this case is slightly greater. Here is one example of such installation:

• Unpack the frame elements.
• Turn the bathtub upside down.
• Mark the outer side of the bathtub bottom, indicating the places where the frame elements are attached;
• Drill holes for fasteners.
• Screw the mounting brackets to the bottom.
• Attach the legs of the frame to them, as well as its other elements.
• Connect the upper and lower drain holes and assemble the siphon.
• Seal all connections.
• Turn the bathtub over and put it in place.
• Level the bathtub using a building level.
• Mark on the wall a place for installing special hooks, which are necessary to prevent the bathtub from accidentally turning over.
• Drill holes and install hooks.
• Hang the bathtub on these hooks and check its position again using a level.
• Connect the siphon to the sewer.

After this, it is necessary to check the tightness of the connections. To do this, fill the bath with water and after some time inspect the connections to identify leaks. If it is found, the problematic connection should be treated with sealant again.

If it is necessary to screw the guides to the bottom of an acrylic bathtub, you should use the fasteners supplied by the manufacturer and drill only on the designated installation sites

When figuring out how to install an acrylic bathtub with your own hands, you should consider a number of important points. Extreme care must be taken when drilling into the body of an acrylic bathtub. The depth of the hole should not exceed 6 mm, otherwise you can simply make a hole in the bathtub body.

Experienced craftsmen wrap a little electrical tape around the drill to indicate the depth to which it should plunge into the thickness of the acrylic. To install self-tapping screws on the bathtub body, special places are usually provided in which the thickness of the acrylic is higher than on the rest of the body.

When installing an acrylic bathtub on a frame, you must use a regular screwdriver rather than a screwdriver to install fasteners

In addition, you should not replace the fasteners that come with the frame with any others. Their dimensions are carefully calculated so as not to spoil the surface of the bathtub. As a last resort, the fasteners can be replaced with elements that exactly match the dimensions of the fasteners provided by the manufacturer. To tighten the fasteners, use a regular screwdriver. Using a screwdriver can lead to breakage of the screw thread.

After completing the installation of the acrylic bathtub, the frame and communications can be covered with a beautiful decorative screen. Brickwork and tiles are also used as such finishing.

Option #3 – installation on a brick frame

Most often this is caused by the implementation of some non-standard design solution or configuration features of the bathroom. It also happens that the bathtub is supplied without a frame in order to reduce the buyer’s costs.

When choosing the type of brick base for an acrylic bathtub, you should give preference to a base in the form of two separate supports, since it is easier to install and use

It is worth noting that a brick frame, if made correctly, is characterized by increased strength. Such a structure can serve flawlessly for many years, although its creation will take much more time than installing a factory frame.

To make the base you will need brick, mortar, a metal profile (you can take a corner), a trowel, self-tapping screws, sealant, a hammer, etc. A brick frame is made as follows:

• On the wall you need to mark the position of the lower edge of the bathtub rim.
• Drill several holes for fasteners according to the markings.
• Install and secure the metal profile.
• Then the location of the brick base is marked on the floor.
• Carry out brickwork according to the markings.
• Wait until the solution dries completely.
• Install the bathtub onto the base.
• Connect the communications and treat them with sealant.
• Fill the bathtub to check the correct installation and tightness of the connections.

A few helpful tips will help you complete these steps correctly. A metal profile installed at the level of the bottom of the bath is necessary to improve the reliability of the base. The distance from the floor to the installation site of the profile should not exceed 0.6 m.

The brick base can be made either in the form of two separate supports, or in the form of a rectangular frame. The distance from the ends of the bathtub to the brick supports should be the same, and the drainage area should be free.

When making a rectangular frame, it is necessary to take care of the hole to ensure free access to communications. If it is necessary to give the bath a slight slope towards the drain, one edge of the base should be made slightly higher than the other.

The difference in height can be achieved by placing a special metal plate about a centimeter wide in the masonry. Experienced craftsmen can achieve such a difference by using a larger amount of solution.

Is it worth making a combined foundation?

If the strength of the factory foundation is in doubt for some reason, or the bathroom owner simply wants to ensure maximum reliability of the structure, use a combined support option. Usually, the bathtub is first installed on legs and adjusted in height.

The combined support of the frame (or legs) and brickwork can significantly strengthen the base and increase its service life

After this, measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the bath to determine the height of the brickwork. A place for a brick base is marked on the floor. Then the bath is removed and masonry work begins. An important point when creating such a design: the height of the legs and the brick frame must exactly match so that the weight of the bath is distributed evenly across both supports.

Undoubtedly, this option is more thorough than using a conventional factory frame. At the same time, if there is a need for dismantling, you will have to work hard.

Acrylic bathtubs from various manufacturers offered in retail chains have one significant drawback - the dependence of their service life on the installation method. The bathtub material has a fairly pronounced plasticity and “adapts” to the shape of the installation site. The situation can be aggravated by incorrectly mounted legs or frame, and the universal frame used for an acrylic bathtub must be precisely calculated to evenly distribute the load.

So is a frame needed?

Some manufacturers, including the well-known Ravak brand on the market, have different views on installing a bathtub on a specially made frame or frame, believing that the legs included in the kit are sufficient for proper installation. Some manufacturers provide the consumer with a kit that includes an acrylic bathtub, a special metal frame, and all accessories for installation.

Different methods of manufacturing acrylic products using additional polymers greatly influence the quality characteristics and strength. Cast acrylic products with an acrylic layer thickness of about 5 mm and an additional reinforcing layer are more durable and can withstand the load of water and a person standing in the bathtub on the included legs.

Important: In some cases, cheaper models with a thin, about 0.5 mm, layer of acrylic applied to a substrate of ABC plastic or polyurethane can simply crack from uneven load with all the ensuing consequences. Repeated plastic deformation of the sides leads to a violation of the tightness of the joints of the bathtub and the adjacent wall cladding, penetration of moisture into a confined space and the formation of pathogenic microorganisms.

To ensure safe operation, it would be preferable to install an acrylic bathtub on a frame, which is confirmed by numerous training videos.

Types of frames and stands for acrylic bathtubs

Depending on the quality of the product and the composition of the installation kit, there are several ways to install an acrylic bathtub:

• A manufacturer-supplied acrylic bathtub stand with a profile that matches the shape of the product. Parts of the profile of the required length are assembled into a single structure onto which the included legs are attached. The load on the bottom of the bath is evenly distributed over the rigid flat frame, but the sides of the bath remain unfastened and are supported only by the strength of the material;
• A more complex stand for a bathtub made of acrylic is a fairly rigid spatial structure with installed legs and support elements for the sides of the bathtub, made of galvanized “U”-shaped metal profile. This design is more reliable in operation and not much more difficult to install;
• Spatial frame - a frame for a corner acrylic bathtub, which is equipped with products designed for two people and equipped with hydromassage. Made from a hollow square section profile, such a frame has high strength, several points of support on the floor and evenly distributes the load to various parts of the bottom and sides of the bathtub;
• If there is no factory installation kit, the frame can be made independently or a brick stand can be used, laid on a cement-sand mortar and exactly repeating the bottom of the acrylic bathtub being installed.

Installing an acrylic bathtub on a frame

Let's assume that a caring manufacturer has equipped his acrylic product with an installation frame and consider the process of assembling it and then installing the bathtub. Assembling the frame for an acrylic bathtub is not difficult and can be done with your own hands.

• We take out the installation kit from the package, which comes with detailed instructions. We lay out the frame for the acrylic bathtub in the required sequence, prepare the necessary fasteners and begin assembly. The more curved surfaces in the bathroom, the more complex the frame becomes and the harder it will be to assemble and install it in place. Before assembling the frame of an acrylic bathtub, you need to make sure that there are points for attaching it to the wall and do not forget to install the necessary fasteners so as not to do the work twice;
• We assemble the frame according to the instructions and install it in place. If it is necessary to secure the bathtub bowl to the frame using the supplied fasteners, we prepare the mounting points by placing the assembled frame on the inverted bowl. Using a drill with a device that limits the drilling depth, we prepare a hole with the diameter indicated in the instructions and pre-screw in the screws by half their length.

Important! Under no circumstances should drilling depth limiters be neglected. This can result in the bathtub failing even before use.

• Drilling holes is mandatory to prevent possible cracking of the acrylic when screwing in the fasteners. After this operation, the frame of the acrylic bathtub is installed in place, its position is checked using a building level and, if necessary, it is fastened to the wall;
• Following the instructions, we install the acrylic bowl on the assembled frame and secure it in places prepared in advance using the fasteners included in the kit. The use of non-standard, longer or shorter fasteners is strictly prohibited to avoid structural failure or damage to the bottom of the bathtub;
• After completing these operations, the acrylic bathtub on the frame is ready for installation of the mixer and siphon and for further safe operation. After installing the equipment, we cover the vertical part with a decorative shield included in the kit. If there is no shield, you can make it yourself from plastic or plasterboard covered with mosaic or ceramic tiles.

Please note: The frame for an acrylic bathtub is made individually by the manufacturer for each model, and only in exceptional cases can a universal frame for your bathtub be used for a whole series of similar products that differ slightly from each other.

If the frame is not included

If the kit does not include a factory frame, you will need to make it yourself or install the bathtub on a brick stand. A homemade stand for an acrylic bathtub is made from two rows of ordinary bricks in the shape of a rectangle divided by partitions into two or three sections. The partitions serve as additional support for the bottom of the acrylic bowl and evenly distribute the load. While the masonry gains the necessary strength, a suspended reinforced frame for the acrylic bathtub is installed, on which the sides will rest and decorative elements covering the front part of the equipment will be attached. We calculate the height of the frame mounting by measuring the distance from the supporting surface of the side of the bath to the bottom plus 30 - 35 mm.

After the brickwork has dried, prepare a portion of the mortar to apply to the brick box for the acrylic bathtub in a layer of 50 mm evenly over the entire surface of the masonry. After this, carefully lower the bowl onto the solution and seat it in place until the sides touch the frame. After the solution has dried, the bath can be connected to utility networks and operated without restrictions.

Conclusion

Even complex equipment for relaxation with hydromassage, installed on a frame or on a homemade box, can withstand extreme loads without damage, and small additional costs will ensure long-term safe operation.

When repairing and replacing plumbing fixtures with your own hands, the question of correct installation of the hot tub inevitably arises, since not only the comfort while taking a bath, but also the service life of the product depends on the quality of this operation. Installing an acrylic bathtub consists of the correct sequence of actions, which includes assembling the product, preparing the installation site and installation itself. In this article we will discuss options for installing an acrylic font and attach video material that will clearly demonstrate the main processes.

Installing a plastic bathtub is not an easy task, since acrylic itself is a sensitive material and can be easily damaged by a sharp or heavy object. Also, the installation process itself should not be delayed, since the bathtub, if stored incorrectly or for a very long time, can change its original shape. Today, the methods for installing acrylic bathtubs can be different, and if you do not have the time and desire to do this, then it is better to call professional workers who know all the intricacies of this process. But even if you call third-party specialists, you still want to know what processes the installation technology consists of in order to control the quality of work.

Installation options for acrylic bathtubs

So, before installing an acrylic bathtub, let's look at the most common installation methods that are used everywhere today. The main ways are:

• installation on support legs. This installation option is considered the simplest and fastest, since the font itself is already provided for this option, has legs included with the model, and there are also detailed instructions that clearly indicate the entire assembly process;
• installation of an acrylic bathtub on a metal frame, which comes standard and is assembled before installation;
• installation of an acrylic bathtub on bricks. This option is used if the product does not have a factory frame and, in addition to a rigid base, it is necessary to raise the font to a certain height. This method provides a solid base, which prevents deformation and increases service life;
• Another option is to fasten acrylic bathtubs using a combined method. This option combines several of the installation options listed above.

For your information. The rules for installing acrylic bathtubs allow each of the listed methods for certain types. For example, if the product comes with a special metal frame, then it is highly advisable to use it and not come up with anything extra, since this frame is designed specifically for this model, taking into account the places of greatest stress. Here it is extremely important to install the acrylic bathtub according to the instructions, which must be included in the kit.

If the model does not have a factory frame, and instead only legs are provided or they are missing, then homemade options can be used to strengthen the product. Later in the article we will look in detail at how to properly install an acrylic bathtub using the methods listed above.

Mounting on support feet

Installation on support legs is considered the simplest and fastest installation option, which does not require special skills or complex tools. The assembly of an acrylic bathtub with legs is carried out according to the attached instructions, which are necessarily included with the product and consists of such steps as screwing the legs to the font and adjusting them in place. During installation, additional holes may be required. Before drilling an acrylic bathtub, purchase a special wood drill bit and set the drill to low speed.

Screwing the legs to the bathtub

Before installing an acrylic bathtub on legs, you need to make sure that there are special seats on the lower part of the product body. They are very easy to identify, since they are clearly highlighted on the bottom surface of the product, and sometimes marked with special symbols or stickers. These places may have pre-drilled holes so that the assembly of the acrylic bathtub is quick and error-free. In some cases, there are specially marked places where you will have to drill holes yourself.

It is important to remember that if there are pre-drilled holes in the font, then the support legs must be mounted in these places and it is not recommended to make any additional holes unless this is provided for in the instructions from the manufacturer.

Before drilling an acrylic bathtub in a place not intended for this, you need to take into account possible unpleasant consequences. Installing the legs in the wrong place can disrupt the load distribution when the bath is filled with water, which will lead to deformation and damage to the product. It is also necessary to take into account that the finished bathtub has areas of increased material stress and drilling an acrylic bathtub in the wrong place can lead to cracking of the product even before installation.

If there are no holes, then you can drill a hole in the acrylic bathtub yourself; there should be special places on the body of the product that can be seen by the characteristic thickening compared to the rest of the surface. There may also be special guide elements that intuitively tell you where the legs should be placed. If for some reason the included support legs are not suitable for you, then you can install an acrylic bathtub on bricks, which will be much stronger and will ensure even distribution of the load.

Adjusting the support legs

Almost all support legs have a design that allows you to adjust the height of each support and set the font strictly horizontally or with the desired slope; for this you will need a building level.

First, install the acrylic bathtub against the wall. Then there is a general adjustment of the product in height; for this, each leg has a thread cut on the rod, which allows you to unscrew or tighten it to achieve the desired height. Once the approximate height of the bathroom has been established, you can begin horizontal leveling. Correct installation of an acrylic bathtub can only be done using a level that is installed on the side of the product in a horizontal position. Next, using a wrench or manually, the level is adjusted to the desired value, then the legs are fixed in this position with specially provided nuts as shown in the photo above.

In some cases, to securely attach the bathtub to the wall, special hooks for acrylic bathtubs are used, which are screwed into the wall in advance. These fasteners can be metal or plastic, and in expensive models they are usually included with the product. Fasteners are often used in models without a factory frame and their design allows you to secure the side of the bathtub adjacent to the wall.

Please note that the mounting hooks for an acrylic bathtub must be installed immediately before installing the bathtub itself on the tiled wall surface. In this case, it is important to mount them strictly horizontally at an equal distance from each other along the entire contour of the side adjacent to the wall. If an acrylic bathtub is installed under tiles, then the hooks are attached to the wall before the cladding, after which the laying of the tiles begins from the side of the bathtub in the upward direction.

Installation of a hot tub on a factory-made frame

The best and most reliable installation method is considered to be installing an acrylic bathtub on a factory frame, which must be made for a specific model and supplied with it. This option can be considered relatively simple, fast and reliable, not requiring special skills or tools. The most important thing is that before assembling an acrylic bathtub, carefully study the assembly instructions and make sure you have all the necessary components. We will not delve deeply into the study of this process, since detailed information is available in special documents for the product. In general, the assembly scheme for an acrylic bathtub consists of the following steps:

• the font is turned upside down and laid on the floor, you must first lay thick paper or fabric so as not to scratch the acrylic;
• then the frame is assembled and secured to the font;
• Upon completion of assembly, the product is turned back over and the acrylic bathtub is strengthened in the place provided for it.

It is important that the assembly procedure can be performed in several ways depending on the model or manufacturer. There is an assembly option when the frame is assembled separately, and only then the acrylic bathtub is installed on the seats. In another option, the supporting frame can be assembled directly on the bathtub.

In the vast majority of cases, if there is a factory-made supporting frame, then fastening the acrylic bathtub to the wall is not required. If the frame seems too weak to you or does not provide reliable protection of the bathtub from deformation, then you can provide additional fastening for the acrylic bathtub in the form of hooks, which we described above.

Installing a bathtub on a homemade frame

Very often there are situations when the purchased model does not have supporting legs or a factory frame. In this case, a completely logical question arises: how to install an acrylic bathtub in this case and what materials to use. In such cases, there are two options: buy a universal frame and somehow fit it to your model, or create a supporting structure with your own hands. Of course, a well-made individual frame will be much stronger than any factory one, but before you strengthen an acrylic bathtub in this way, you need to understand that this task will require a lot of time, effort and special skills.

The most common option is to mount acrylic bathtubs on a metal frame made of aluminum profile, and ordinary bricks are used to support the bottom. To build the structure you will need:

• bricks for lining under the bottom of the font;
• aluminum or metal profile for the construction of a supporting structure;
• cement mortar for fixing brickwork;
• sealant, which will be used to seal the seams;
• self-tapping screws for assembling the frame;
• trowel and container for mixing cement mortar.

It is important to remember that when working with heavy and sharp objects you need to be careful, since it is very easy to make a hole in an acrylic bathtub with an accidentally dropped tool and the product can be considered damaged. Take precautions and protect the hot tub with thick film or thick paper.

Before correctly placing an acrylic bathtub, it is necessary to mark its future height on the wall, based on which the height of the brick lining will be formed. Then we measure the distance from the floor to the indicated line and subtract the height of the bathtub itself from the resulting figure, as a result we get the required thickness of the brick lining on which the bathtub will be installed.

It is better to start installing an acrylic bathtub to the wall by installing a metal profile that will serve as a support for the font. Next, at the level of the lower part of the edge of the side of the bathtub, it is necessary to install a metal profile on dowels along the entire perimeter of the contact of the font with the wall. It is on this profile that the bathtub will rest with its sides. Then, before installing the acrylic bathtub, we install a brick pillow of the required height under the bottom of the product.

Important. Before fastening acrylic bathtubs using this method, all calculations must be made in such a way that when installing the font, its sides clearly lie on a pre-installed profile, and the bottom of the bathtub lightly touches the brickwork under its bottom part. Fastening an acrylic bathtub to the wall in this In this case, it is carried out using a sealant, which is applied to the profile and at the same time serves as a seal against water leakage.

At this point, the creation of the frame can be considered complete, but you can make a protective front screen from the same metal profile in the front part. This screen will help close the insides and provide additional strength for the outer side, as well as create a hatch for maintenance or repair of the siphon. Now you know how to properly install an acrylic bathtub on a homemade frame, but the presence of empty space under the font will increase the noise from falling water and additional sound insulation will be required.

Sound insulation of acrylic models

You can often hear the question, do you need to foam an acrylic bathtub? If we are talking about simple models that do not have additional options in the form of a jacuzzi and are installed on their own frame with protective decorative screens, then of course it is possible to foam, and in our case it is even necessary, this will provide additional sound insulation. By the way, if the question arises of how to further strengthen an acrylic bathtub, then it is the foam that will give the product additional strength from the effects of deformation.

Cutting acrylic bathtubs

Very often there are situations when, when deciding how best to install an acrylic bathtub, due to inexperience, you can make significant errors in calculations, as a result of which the acrylic bathtub does not fit into the space allocated for it. If there is no decorative cladding on the walls of the room, then an acrylic bathtub is installed in a groove. To do this, a special groove is cut out in one of the walls of the room and one side of the font is inserted into it as shown in the figure above. This option compensates for shortcomings and plays the role of additional strengthening.

Is it possible to cut an acrylic bathtub if the decorative cladding is already installed and there is no possibility or desire to redo it? Theoretically, it is possible, but this event must be approached as responsibly as possible. Before shortening an acrylic bathtub, make sure that this does not compromise its rigidity, since it is the curved edges of the sides that give the product additional resistance to deformation.

If the situation is hopeless, then you can cut off the side of the acrylic bathtub, but before that you need to take some steps to prevent cracking of the bathtub. To do this, go to any car store and buy a repair kit for plastic bumpers, which consists of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. This fiberglass is used to reinforce the area you are going to trim. For example, if you need to cut off 2 centimeters of the side of a bathtub, then starting from the third centimeter you need to apply fiberglass, cover it with resin and wait until it dries completely.

If this is not done, then when you want to saw off the acrylic bathtub, there may be tension in this area of ​​the product that will cause cracks to appear. Fiberglass will prevent this crack from going further and will stop the cracking.

Important. If you don’t know how to cut an acrylic bathtub, we recommend using a hacksaw or an electric jigsaw. For a jigsaw, purchase a small wood file. It is strictly forbidden to use a grinder with cutting discs, since this is a highly revolving tool and it will only melt acrylic.

Before cutting an acrylic bathtub, consider wearing personal protective equipment, as acrylic shavings will be hot during cutting and can cause burns if they come into contact with your hand.

From the material proposed in this article, you already know whether it is possible to cut acrylic bathtubs, what tool to use, and you also learned how to attach an acrylic bathtub in a bathroom in several ways. To reinforce the material, we suggest watching the video below.

When carrying out renovations in an apartment with a complete replacement of plumbing, its owners quite often have to deal with the problem of securely fastening the equipment installed in the bathroom. This is especially true for the work procedures for installing a new bathroom, the specific installation of which is determined by many factors, including the material of the product and its texture. Thus, a traditional cast-iron bathtub, which is distinguished by its considerable weight, is best installed using a long-proven method, which involves its reliable support on the legs that are included in the kit and are adjustable in height.

For lighter acrylic bathtubs, for example, additional fastening will be required to ensure its reliable fixation and uniform distribution of loads throughout the body. In our article we will consider in detail the installation features of each of the samples of this plumbing product.

Methods of fixing bathtubs

For anyone who wants to figure out how to strengthen a bathtub so that it does not wobble, we advise, first of all, to decide on the material from which it is made, since this largely determines the method of its installation.

When choosing a product, you most often encounter the following options:

• classic cast iron bathtub;
• steel bathtub.

For each of the samples of these products, a special, only suitable method of fastening must be used, which also takes into account the peculiarities of the relief of the walls of the bathroom itself.

Cast iron bathtubs are sufficiently stable due to their significant mass, so their installation is permissible anywhere in the room. Typically, such bathtubs are installed on standard legs that are included in the delivery of the product and are securely fixed to its body using special steel wedges or bolts. As an additional fastening, a pre-laid brick base or corners fixed to the wall can be used (in the case of a brick base, its body may not be located close to the walls).

It is best to place a steel bathtub on several support points, so it should be located directly against the wall. Since the legs included in its kit do not provide the required reliability of fixation, a special brick podium is often used to increase the stability of the product.

The following techniques can be used to secure a steel bath:

• use of polyurethane foam, which seals the junction with the wall and at the same time strengthens the contact area;
• installation of special metal profiles on the walls to provide additional support;
• and finally, a regular wall insert.

To securely fasten and ensure uniform load distribution, it is best to install an acrylic bathtub on the same brick podium or use a special metal frame for these purposes.

Let's look at each of the methods of attaching bathtubs discussed in this chapter in more detail.

Polyurethane foam

Using polyurethane foam to fix a bathtub is the simplest and most affordable method of simultaneously fixing it to the floor and walls. When implementing this method, the bathtub is first adjusted in place and height using adjustable legs so that there is a gap of about 0.75–1.5 cm at the walls, and then it is filled to the brim with water.

After this, you can begin to seal the gaps between the bathtub body and the adjacent walls of the room, as well as between its legs and the floor using polyurethane foam.

Sealing foam tends to expand when it dries, so its use must be strictly dosed. Otherwise, unwanted deformations of the structure are possible, reducing the reliability of its fixation. Despite the fact that the “setting” time of the polyurethane foam is about 12–35 hours, work on finishing the walls can begin in about 6 hours.

Application of brick frame

A brick frame is most often used in cases where you decide to fix the bathtub without the help of legs and ensure even distribution of loads along the entire perimeter of the support. With this installation method, it is possible to lay out the frame both along the bathroom and across it.

In the case of a transverse arrangement, the bathtub must rest directly on the brick, which will require additional fastening of the frame to the walls using metal corners (steel or aluminum). In this case, the pre-prepared corners are fixed with dowels on the wall so that the free edges of the bathtub have additional support and it does not wobble when pressed.

When laid longitudinally, something like a trough is formed, into which the installed bathtub product is placed. The gap or cavity formed between the walls of such a base and the bathtub itself must be sealed with polyurethane foam, which also helps to increase the reliability of its fastening. In the case of laying out the front wall to the very top, it is possible to completely hide the body of the bathtub, thus preparing the base for subsequent tiling with ceramic tiles.

When performing this work, it is imperative to provide a small inspection hole necessary to provide access to the siphon. When finishing, this hole can be closed with a piece of drywall or by installing a small plastic door. In the case when you plan to decorate the walls with ceramic tiles, a ready-made screen can be used as the front panel of such a base.

This method of fixing bathtubs is mainly used when installing acrylic products, which, as a rule, already include a ready-made steel frame (if it is not available, this accessory can always be purchased separately or made independently). During the installation of such a bathtub, the installation or guide strips of the frame are first attached to its bottom using self-tapping screws (note that they are fastened in places specially designated for this purpose, which have thickenings). And then the included legs are installed on the guides secured in this way using a bolted connection.

After securing the legs, the bathtub will need to be put in place and the points where its body will touch the walls of the room must be marked, after which special strips will be installed at these points to provide additional support.

It is necessary to leave a small gap between the bar and the side (no more than 2–4 mm), taking into account the expansion of the bath after filling it with water.

Inserting a bathtub into a niche

In small-sized apartments, a situation often arises when a bathtub is difficult to fit into the space allocated for it, which, on the one hand, significantly complicates its installation, and on the other hand, provides the possibility of rigid and reliable fixation in a bathroom niche.

To insert and rigidly fasten the bathtub, you will need to prepare grooves in the wall on each of its sides according to the thickness of the edge of the product (for these purposes, you can use a hammer drill or grinder). The edges or flaps of the bathtub should be inserted into the grooves prepared with their help with a slight “tightness”, which guarantees maximum rigidity of the fastening due to the complete absence of play.

If the legs supplied in the kit are not sufficiently rigid, you can further strengthen the fastening of the bathtub by using special transverse profiles that serve as supports for its flaps.

Video

How to install a bathtub in a groove, see below: