Post by stanPost by stanPost by ThePainterDoes anyone have any tips or instructions on installing a 3 piece shower kit
so it doesn't leak?
Please no suggestions on getting a one piece because space restrictions
won't allow it.
justin
We had to use a 3 piece fibreglass unit to replace our old tub and tub
surround (which had been replaced once before over some 40 years),
because our bathroom is in centre of house and has no window. Even at
that had to remove the door-box of the 24 inch wide door to get the
pieces into the bathroom.
We had to redesign and re frame around tub to accommodate a difference
of length and width, just regular carpentry. Also afterwards new
mouldings and repaint bathroom.
In new construction it seems usual that the bath unit is delivered and
put into the house either during construction or certainly before the
'big front window' is installed! And/or replace it by hacking a hole
in outside wall of house?
Make sure you use glue and or caulking around tub, to join and seal
between the pieces that is anti-mildew/anti fungus.
We chose a design of tub unit with a stiffer back wall provided by the
moulded shape, for better rigidity, in preference to another, slightly
cheaper IIRC that had a lot more flex or give. We also made sure that
the bottom the tub is well supported. And IIRC we added a wood support
to back wall also. Seemed to us that these units are not as rigid as
traditional light steel or other separate tubs.
Another tip might to be very careful where the taps will come through
the shower wall; we opted to stay with separate cold and hot taps.
Simpler and more reliable, in our opinion, than 'mixer' valves; and
then found that one of them impacted just where was/is a crease or
stiffening fold in the shower head end of the unit. So we had to shape
the dress-up ring that surrounds the chrome pipe coming through the
wall. If we had realised that earlier we could have moved it's
location. However the finished location is symmetrical and both
controls are equal distance away from centre-line of the tub.
BTW we took the opportunity to replace all the copper plumbing that
was in that wall which has the bath taps and the vanity basin taps.
There were no problems but after about 40 years considered it a good
idea (our water is slightly acidic; but no pinholes yet. The only
other way in to break into that wall, to the plumbing, is from other
side, from our 'big' room after moving bookshelves.
We are pleased with the unit which has now been in use for some 4 to 5
years. It is a little smaller than a tub with it's surround flat on
the wall but, only a very obese person might have any trouble with
that. Think total weight of water plus tub plus person!
As am a senior I mounted an additional stainless hand grip about 4.5
feet above the floor to the right of the tub. Using six stainless
steel screws into the substantial new framing around the opening for
the tub. It can also be used as towel holder
One member of the family insisted on a light fixture in top of the
f.glass tub unit. Although I never use it and think it is unnecessary.
It is wired through the bathroom GFI for safety and to meet code. We
also eliminated the old style 'shaver outlet' which are no longer
approved by later electrical codes. Nice to not have insurance company
question anything if one 'ever' did have a claim!
Also stuck in some wiring for speakers to be installed, but haven't
used that yet. Intention is, to cut two apertures and install two
marine grade speakers facing back across the fairly small bathroom
from above the tub unit. Give ability to listen to radio broadcast,
Internet or TV sound feeds. But one is not usually in the bathroom all
told for very long anyway.
That's all can think of at moment. Good luck with your project.
Rob wrote.
"I never installed mine as it was in the house when I bought it but
I've had to re-caulk twice due to leaking. The reason they are so
prone to leaking is the they are not completely solid (ie the frame
moves a bit with the opening/closing of the door/etc.) The second
time
I did it I bought some of this tape at home depot that is made for
tubs, etc. and I taped all joins with it and then caulked over all
the
edges of that tape after that. I plan on ripping out the thing next
year, if I can get one more leak-free year I'll be happy.
For anyone that is thinking about purchasing one I would try to avoid
it. I've seen similar size 1 piece units out there, and while they
are
more expensive, they'll save you a lot of headaches down the road."
Interesting about stressing rigidity and other measures to support and
reduce flexing!!!! We have had no leaks at all.
And oh yes we have never used shower doors they seem to get very
'scummy' and a bu**er to clean.We have two shower curtains, an inner
plastic one (with a spare) and an outer more decorative one. We bought
two plastic and every couple of months the plastic one goes in the
washer, with towels, seems best and the spare plastic one installed
IIRC they were either $4.75 or $2.75 each). Maybe once or twice a year
the outer one is also washed.
Since our bathroom is within the house it is essential to have a good
working bathroom fan (maintain it every year or two by oiling the
bearings) and to run it for good while after each bath/shower use.
Especially if one leaves warm water in the tub to cool down to assist
warming the house!
As the OP mentioned a one piece is almost impossible to place in an
already built house unless prepared to chop hole in an outside wall
and possibly also an inside wall to get it into the bathroom itself.
At one point we were entertaining the idea of an added en-suite
bathroom. One advantage of the idea was that we could have built the
addition on end of house adjacent to master bedroom and could have
made provision for it to be replaced somewhat more easily he some 20
to 30 years in future when needed!
But then we humans rarely look ahead! One can recall some 50+ years
ago when St. John's was rejoicing about the 'New water line' from
Windsor Lake!
Today after numerous breaks and leaks during last few years along
Higgin's Line and Portugal Cove Rd. it is agonizing about a 70 year
old deteriorating installation that needs/needed major replacement!
Geez didn't we plan for maintenance and replacement???????? Aspiring
municipal politicians please take note!- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
PS. Just before somebody starts a 15 posting debate about who said
We had one TV channel, CJON Ch 6, and Don Jamieson was the announcer.
years old; i.e. approaching 70!