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How to install bathtub on existing tiled bathroom floor?

Hi Community,

I wish to install a bathtub(corner bathtub with 120 X 120 cms dimensions) on existing tiled floor of our bathroom. The space is a shower enclosure at the moment. I can remove the shower screen installation carefully without damaging the existing tiles and fill up the existing holes with silicon.

I wish to keep this project low cost and practical than spending a lot on making things look good.

I do not wish to take out the tiles or do any sort of plumbing but make most of the existing installations such as

1. Use the existing drainage for the bathtub drainage, by using the flexi drainage pipe

2. Use the existing handheld shower to fill up the tub

3. Install shower curtain rod to be able to use the bath + shower combination.

For such project I have following questions.

1. Is it legal to do it myself as DIY project if I do not touch any plumbing and do not touch any of the tiles to the extent possible?

2. Do I need to worry about strength of the tiled floor as it was constructed as a shower and I may want to put a bathtub (quite heavy with water and occupant during the time of usage)?

3. Is there any other risk involved in it that the community can point out?

Happy for any suggestions from the experts of the community.

Thanks in advance!

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @abvdy. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing a free-standing bathtub.

It sounds like a creative and budget-friendly project, and it's great that you're thinking it through carefully. There’s no issue with tackling this yourself if you're not modifying any plumbing, but it's important to note that you will need to engage a licensed plumber to connect the bathtub waste properly. Simply using a flexible hose and inserting it into the existing floor drain wouldn't meet plumbing regulations — a solid, sealed connection needs to be made to ensure it’s watertight and compliant.

In terms of weight, most bathroom floors are built to handle a bathtub, but since your existing space was previously a shower, it may not have been designed with that load in mind. A full tub of water plus an occupant can be quite heavy. If you're at all concerned, it would be worth having a builder or structural professional assess the floor to make sure it doesn't need reinforcing.

One thing to be mindful of is the floor under the existing shower screen. In many installations, the tiles are cut to fit around a waterstop angle – a small aluminium strip that helps stop water migrating beneath the tiles and out of the enclosure. If this is the case, you might find the tiles are cut underneath the frame and not full-sized underneath. Not every shower has one of these installed though, so you might get lucky and only need to fill a few small holes with silicone after removing the screen.

Also, take care when removing the shower screen, as the glass panels can shatter easily if bumped or twisted. It’s a good idea to have someone help you during the removal. Ensure you wear appropriate PPE — including safety eyewear, cut-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and enclosed footwear — to keep yourself safe while handling the glass and sharp edges.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

abvdy

Thanks for the quick response @MitchellMc . I shall engage professionals as advised.

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