DIY plumbing: Your bath tub

Taking on any sort of Do It Yourself project can be a bit daunting if you aren't up to speed on what's required so doing your own plumbing can land you in hot water if you get it wrong. Most plumbing jobs will require a professional by law but there are some you can do yourself so long as you follow the correct procedures.

DIY Plumbing: Preparations

If you are the handy type, installing and doing the plumbing on your bath tub yourself will not be a problem but if you aren't sure of the requirements, or have never done this type of work before, it would be a good idea to follow up on some DIY advice. Some things to note in preparation for the job are:

• Be sure to have all the right equipment to do the work
• Get informed about the building codes and restrictions
• Use the correct type of fittings
• Make sure you are using the correct size pipes

Do your research thoroughly and find out exactly what materials you'll need to tackle the installation from start to finish. Ask someone in the know, before you start, if you're unsure of any of the steps.

DIY plumbing for your bath tub

If you've armed yourself with all the correct fittings and materials then you are less likely to run into any major problems that could end up adding to the workload and costing you money.
One of the first things you need to do is to install all the necessary pipes and related fittings. Be sure to use the correct plumbing tapes, sealants and connectors. Having done this, you can then place your bath into the desired position. Check that the waste is properly connected.
Note: Ensure that the drain is positioned above the water trap. This is very important.
Once you've completed the initial installation you will need to connect the water lines for the hot and cold water to the tap. Check that the connections are secured properly as problems can develop if they're not.
Finally, you will need to check all your water pipes and lines for leaks. Turn on the water and let it run through the system. If you suspect a leak anywhere, check it out and fix it! It will pay in the long run to be really diligent on a job like this as shortcuts could lead to all sorts of problems down the track.