How to install a new inset bath in a pre-existing frame?

[crisis]

Hello friends, 

I successfully removed the concrete bed under the old bath , without damaging the slab, with the help of some workshop members' advice. I'm back for some help with trouble shooting how to install the new bath. The pics attached show the measurements of the existing bath frame which I was hoping to re-use. I have a bath chosen that fits but I am not sure how to get it into the frame. I can't drop it in because of the tap fittings. There is not enough space to angle it in from the far end. There is not enough room to angle the far lip of the bath under the tap points and then drop it in either. The conclusion I have come to is that I need to remove the whole front side of the frame, slide the new bath in onto a fresh cement base and then immediately position a new, pre-prepared frame on the front side before filling the bath (in this case weighting it down with buckets of water). The bath I want to put in is 1700mm long x 700mm wide at the top. The tub part is 570mm wide Thoughts? Advice? Things I haven't thought about?

Anyone worried about waterproofing I will install waterproof angles around the three sides prior to installing the bath, and pre-install an angle on the pre-prepared outward facing replacement frame. 

Thanks friends

.

[EricL]

Hello @crisis 

Thanks for sharing your question about your bath. Your idea of removing the front section of the bath frame I believe is a sound idea. I Propose removing just the two front support pieces and the top section of the bath frame. Predrill the position of the support screws so that it can quickly be remounted without taking so much time.  My best advice is to have the plumbing fittings ready as well to make sure that when you place the bath into position the plug and wate can be installed as well.

Another thing you can do is to use ordinary concrete and not quick drying so that you have time to adjust the bath and re-install the frame. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @crisis 

Yeah I like your suggestion about removing the front and dropping the bath in. @EricL's suggestions for the steps to go through sound like a good way forward. 

That Jbox under the bath. Mmmm I dont know the rulings about if its allowed or not but it may be worthwhile to have a look into it before the bath gets put in place. Just in case it needs to be modified. 

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @crisis 

Those tap fittings are only temporary caps. If you turn the mains water off and unscrew them, you will find the actual tap thread will be about 1/3rd the length of the caps which may give you enough to drop the tub in from the top. Otherwise removing the front timbers and sliding it in will work. 

I would also double up the rear and right support timbers as this will give you more play to position the tub Currently it would sit under the render which would be too deep when you allow for tile adhesive and tile thickness. This may then mean relocating the front frame forward.

Nailbag

[crisis]

Thanks @EricL I hadn’t thought about actually placing the same frame back again but I probably can. 

In terms of fixing that back into place do you think it would work if I used brackets on the sides and the back of the vertical supports and a connector on the front? I can screw the left and right edges into the edge of the rest of the frame.

Thanks again, it’s great being able to test my ideas 

[crisis]

Thanks @Dave-1 . I’ve had the Jbox checked. It’s not ideal but there is no alternative.

[crisis]

Thanks @Nailbag , unfortunately the faucet under the taps doesn’t allow enough space to get the bath in. It’s also what meant I had to cut the old bath out instead of lifting it. 
Thanks for the advice

[EricL]

Hello @crisis 

Using brackets is a sound idea, I propose pre-testing the fitting to make sure everything is in place, and test fitting the bath. I would just like to remind you that @Nailbag raises a very good point in regards to the position of the render. For more perspective, imagine the render, adhesive and tile installed into the small space at the side of the bath. You must provide more space for installation otherwise it will be too close and there will no space to adjust.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[crisis]

@EricL @Nailbag Thanks I have taken the advice on the frame on board and it was something I hadn’t thought of or considered. I have removed the front of the frame and am now waiting on the bathtub to arrive before building up the frame.

Is H3 pine ok to use for the frame? 
Thanks 

[EricL]

Hello @crisis 

H3 treated pine can be used to frame your bath. My best advice is to do a dry fit and to bring some of your tiles to fit as well to make sure you've provided enough space for everything that you'll be putting in.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric