You may need to pry off a plastic cover to gain access to the screws. You may be able to reuse some of these accessories, so keep them if you don’t want to buy new ones.
Be sure to wear safety gear, including goggles and a dust mask, throughout this process. Work from the top of the surround down to the bottom.
You may need to slice through the caulk that connects the tub and floor before removing the tub. Use a utility knife to do so. As you do this, check and see if you need to replace any damaged parts.
If you’re replacing an old tub, choose a new tub with a similar configuration and make sure the drain and faucets are on the same side and in roughly the same location to make installation easier. Make sure your tub comes with all the faucets, drains, and accessories you will need. Typically, you’ll need a faucet, water handle(s), and the drain, which includes the drain chute, strainer, strainer cover, trip lever, stopper, linkage, and overflow drain cover. If needed, remove any toilets or sinks that might get in the way of the installation.
Set the tub somewhere safe after you make sure it fits so you can move onto installing a ledger board. Use caution to prevent scratches or other damage to your new tub!
A ledger board helps support the weight of the tub and ensures it can be securely attached to the wall.
Use pliers to tighten the strainer from the inside of the tub and remove any excess putty.
The trip lever is what you move up to prevent water from draining out of the tub. The stopper and linkage go inside the pipe to stop or allow the flow of water. The overflow drain will prevent the tub from overflowing if you leave the water running as it directs the water into a drain pipe.
Some manufacturers may advise you to spread mortar on the floor and set your tub on the mortar to secure it in place.
Make sure you measure the location for accessories multiple times before cutting into the surround! A one-piece surround is the easiest type to install.
Be sure to choose silicone caulk meant for use in bathrooms.
