Modern bathroom design idea begins with a Freestanding Tub Faucet says Burks at sinkformula.com. These freestanding tub filler faucets reflect an authoritative design point of view and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Installing a freestanding tub faucet on a concrete slab requires you to call in professionals, especially if you do not know the plumbing codes you need to follow.
This article will give you a step-by-step guide to follow to help you with freestanding tub installation on a slab foundation.
5 Steps to Install a Freestanding Tub Faucet on Concrete
Step 1: Think of Where the Pipes will Be
It is nearly always necessary to break up a concrete slab to install pipes beneath it. Most tub drains require a P-trap and pipe beneath the drain, making this an uncomfortable situation.
Additional work will include running hot and cold-water lines beneath the concrete slab.
As a result, you must select where the pipes will get fitted during freestanding tub installation. It entails inspecting the copper tubing’s entrance point from the house’s water pipes and mapping the shortest path to the tub faucet.
If the slab is inaccessible, you’ll either have to break up the entire length of the slab or find a way to tunnel beneath it.
Step 2: Do not Break Plumbing Codes
It is essential to follow plumbing requirements when it comes to plumbing installation. It is critical to verify local legislation to see whether or not you are permitted to finish installations on your own.
You must follow specific plumbing code rules for those who wish to maintain their house up to code.
First and foremost, according to the National Standard Plumbing Code, you are not permitted to conceal a hot or cold hot water pipe shutdown valve. Valve access must be available at all times for any valves you put in your plumbing system.
Installing shutdown valves at the point where existing lines meet is thus the best solution in this situation.
Make sure that the P-trap and connections in your tub are located beneath the tub as well. It is critical to avoid backflow from the sewage and keep odors from escaping.
Step 3: Decide on Breaking Concrete or Drilling Holes
When installing a freestanding tub faucet, a significant concrete investment has to be made when deciding to break up your concrete. It has the potential to undermine your concrete slab if your base is not sufficiently sturdy.
If you have access to the exterior of the slab and can utilize a bigger pipe to gently dig the whole length of the slab, this is the preferred method. It is not possible if you cannot get access to the exterior of the slab at an angle parallel to the pipe’s path.
Getting a contractor to obtain guidance is usually a good idea. Additionally, they can generally offer the gear to dig beneath the slab or a drill bit to drill through the slab if necessary. Compared to a complete DIY project, this will save you a lot of time and work.
However, this is also dependent on the availability of the equipment. For example, having a horizontal boring machine is usually the most convenient option for boring holes for pipes.
As an alternative, you may mark out the length of pipe you’ll need on the top of the wall and then break apart the entire line with a jackhammer or hammer drill using the marks you made.
After that, you may clean it up, dig into the foundation, and then place the copper pipe in that location.
Step 4: Make the Holes for the Faucet
Prepare your hot and cold lines by deciding how to put the copper tubing, mark the space, and drill the holes in them.
Next, insulate and install your water lines by sliding them under the slab or running them through the slab from the top. Check to see that the shutdown valves are not hidden beneath the floor.
Freestanding tub faucet installation will require a concrete drill or a hammer drill to cut through concrete. If you’re planning on breaking up a line to a wall, you’ll want to rent a jackhammer.
Once you’ve secured the pipes in place, you may proceed to seal off the openings. Pour fresh concrete over the holes and insert the pipes, including any U-bends required, as well as flexible piping at the ends.
Some individuals choose to use pipe covers or to put wood over pipes to make it easier to unearth them in the event of a problem. Most essential, you should install stabilizers at the top of the pipe to remain upright throughout transport.
You should use pipe caps, and the pipe should be elevated above the area where it will get used to prevent it from accidentally filling with concrete.
For example, it’s often a good idea to route the hot and cold water lines through PVC pipes to save installation costs.
Step 5: Install the Free Standing Tub Faucet
The majority of freestanding tub faucets have a long hollow body, which allows you to connect water lines to flexible tubing. To install a stand-up bathroom faucet, secure it to the floor with a bolt.
To do this task, you’ll often need a concrete drill or another heavy-duty drill, as well as an appropriate drill bit. Given the wide variety of freestanding tub fillers available, installing a freestanding bathtub faucet on a concrete floor may change depending on the model.
The best practice is to wait until you’ve verified that the connections between the faucet and the floor are leak-free before completely sealing the faucet to it.
So, once you’ve connected the pipes, turn on the water to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Most tub faucets have 12″ connections; therefore, make sure you use 12″ copper tubing rather than 3/8th inch tubing when installing your tub faucet. If you plan on using 3/8th inch tubing, be sure you purchase converters as well.
Differences Between Sink Faucet and a Tub Faucet
Regarding bath fillers and faucets for sinks, the two types of faucets are not substitutable. While a bathroom or a kitchen sink is connected to a 3/8″ water supply tube, a bath filler tap is connected to a larger 11.2″ water supply pipe, allowing higher water flow.
A bath tap can fill a tub quicker and efficiently by utilizing water pressure more efficiently. When comparing tub faucets and sink faucets, the water flow rates, installation styles, and amenities such as thermostatic controls and hand showers are the characteristics that distinguish them.
Keep in mind that the tub faucet has a higher flow rate than other home faucets, so you won’t be able to utilize a kitchen faucet or your bathtub.
Conclusion
With freestanding tub filler faucet installation, it’s more than adding a beautiful aesthetic to your bathroom. You need to consider functionality and the plumbing codes you need to follow.
You need to buy a faucet that is tall enough for your bathtub, and you need to consider the pressure of the faucet.
Whether you drill holes or break the concrete, you should not compromise the concrete structure under the tub, as this can lead to problems in the future.
If you are stuck at any stage, do not hesitate to call in a plumber to assist with the installation and ensure that everything is up to code.
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