How to Rough Plumb a Bathtub for a DIY Plumbing Project

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How to Rough Plumb a Bathtub

A bathtub is a fixture that can add both luxury and function to any bathroom. However, before you can enjoy the benefits of a bathtub, you need to rough in the plumbing. Roughing in the plumbing involves installing the pipes and valves that will connect the bathtub to the water supply and drain. This is a relatively straightforward task, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid leaks and other problems.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of roughing in a bathtub. We will provide step-by-step instructions and tips to help you get the job done right. By the end of this article, you will be able to rough in a bathtub like a pro!

What is Rough Plumbing?

Rough plumbing is the process of installing the pipes and valves that will connect a fixture to the water supply and drain. This includes the following steps:

  • Installing the water supply lines
  • Installing the drain line
  • Installing the overflow drain
  • Installing the bathtub faucet

Rough plumbing is typically done before the walls are finished, so that the pipes and valves can be hidden behind the walls. This makes it easier to maintain the plumbing in the future.

How to Rough Plumb a Bathtub

To rough in a bathtub, you will need the following materials:

  • A bathtub
  • A bathtub faucet
  • A drain assembly
  • A water supply line
  • A drain line
  • A set of PEX crimp rings
  • A set of PEX tubing cutters
  • A hacksaw
  • A tape measure
  • A level
  • A pencil
  • A marker
  • A pair of pliers
  • A crescent wrench

Step 1: Install the Water Supply Lines

The first step is to install the water supply lines. These lines will bring water from the main water supply to the bathtub faucet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Determine the location of the water supply lines. The water supply lines will typically be located in the wall behind the bathtub.
2. Cut the PEX tubing to the appropriate length.
3. Crimp a PEX crimp ring onto each end of the PEX tubing.
4. Insert the PEX tubing into the water supply valves.
5. Tighten the PEX crimp rings with a PEX crimper.

Step 2: Install the Drain Line

The next step is to install the drain line. This line will carry water from the bathtub to the drain. To do this, you will need to:

1. Determine the location of the drain line. The drain line will typically be located in the floor below the bathtub.
2. Cut the PEX tubing to the appropriate length.
3. Crimp a PEX crimp ring onto each end of the PEX tubing.
4. Insert the PEX tubing into the drain assembly.
5. Tighten the PEX crimp rings with a PEX crimper.

Step 3: Install the Overflow Drain

The overflow drain is a safety feature that prevents water from overflowing the bathtub. To install the overflow drain, you will need to:

1. Determine the location of the overflow drain. The overflow drain will typically be located in the wall above the bathtub.
2. Cut the PEX tubing to the appropriate length.
3. Crimp a PEX crimp ring onto each end of the PEX tubing.
4. Insert the PEX tubing into the overflow drain assembly.
5. Tighten the PEX crimp rings with a PEX crimper.

Step 4: Install the Bathtub Faucet

The final step is to install the bathtub faucet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Determine the location of the bathtub faucet. The bathtub faucet will typically be located on the side of the bathtub.
2. Remove the old faucet if necessary.
3. Apply plumber’s putty to the threads of the new faucet.
4. Screw the new faucet onto the water supply lines.
5. Tighten the faucet with a crescent wrench.

Step 5: Test the Plumbing

Once you have finished installing the plumbing, you should test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Check for leaks around the faucet, drain, and overflow drain.
3. Fill the bathtub with water and check for leaks.
4. Drain the bathtub and check for leaks.

If you find any leaks, you will need to tighten the connections or replace the parts that are leaking.

Roughing in a bathtub is a relatively straightforward task, but

Step Tools and Materials Instructions
1
  • Hacksaw
  • Pipe cutter
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Plumber’s tape
  • Plumber’s glue
  • Flexible water supply line
  • Copper drain pipe
  • Bathtub drain assembly
  • Bathtub overflow assembly
  • Bathtub faucet
  1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
  2. Remove the old bathtub by disconnecting the water supply lines and drain pipe.
  3. Cut a hole in the wall for the bathtub drain assembly.
  4. Install the bathtub drain assembly in the hole in the wall.
  5. Cut a hole in the floor for the bathtub overflow assembly.
  6. Install the bathtub overflow assembly in the hole in the floor.
  7. Connect the water supply lines to the bathtub faucet.
  8. Connect the drain pipe to the bathtub drain assembly.
  9. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and test for leaks.
2
  • Safety glasses
  • Work gloves
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Hacksaw
  • Pipe cutter
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Plumber’s tape
  • Plumber’s glue
  1. Wear safety glasses and work gloves to protect yourself from injury.
  2. Use a level to make sure the bathtub is installed level.
  3. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the bathtub drain and the wall.
  4. Cut a hole in the wall for the bathtub drain assembly using a hacksaw or pipe cutter.
  5. Apply plumber’s putty around the drain assembly to seal it in place.
  6. Connect the water supply lines to the bathtub faucet.
  7. Connect the drain pipe to the bathtub drain assembly.
  8. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and test for leaks.
3
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub drain assembly
  • Bathtub overflow assembly
  • Bathtub faucet
  • Water supply lines
  • Drain pipe
  1. Install the bathtub in the desired location.
  2. Install the bathtub drain assembly in the hole in the wall.
  3. Install the bathtub overflow assembly in the hole in the floor.
  4. Connect the water supply lines to the bathtub faucet.
  5. Connect the drain pipe to the bathtub drain assembly.
  6. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and test for leaks.

A bathtub is a plumbing fixture that is used for bathing. It is typically made of porcelain or acrylic and has a drain at the bottom. Bathtubs can be either freestanding or built-in. Freestanding bathtubs are typically placed on a platform or in a shower stall, while built-in bathtubs are installed directly into the floor.

Rough plumbing is the process of installing the pipes and fittings that will connect the bathtub to the water supply and drain. This is a necessary step before you can install the bathtub itself. If you are not comfortable with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional to do this work for you.

Planning the Rough Plumbing

The first step in rough plumbing a bathtub is to plan the layout. You will need to determine the location of the bathtub, the type of bathtub you want, the size of the bathtub, the type of plumbing you need, and the amount of materials you need.

Determine the location of the bathtub

The first step is to determine where you want to place the bathtub. You will need to make sure that there is enough space for the bathtub and that it is located in a convenient location. You will also need to make sure that there is access to the water supply and drain.

Choose the type of bathtub you want

There are two main types of bathtubs: freestanding and built-in. Freestanding bathtubs are typically placed on a platform or in a shower stall, while built-in bathtubs are installed directly into the floor. Freestanding bathtubs are more versatile and can be moved around, but built-in bathtubs are more permanent and can offer a more luxurious experience.

Determine the size of the bathtub

The size of the bathtub you choose will depend on the amount of space you have available. You will also need to make sure that the bathtub is large enough for your needs.

Determine the type of plumbing you need

You will need to determine the type of plumbing you need for your bathtub. This will include the water supply lines, the drain line, and the overflow line. You will also need to determine the type of valves you need.

Calculate the amount of materials you need

Once you have determined the layout of your bathtub, you can calculate the amount of materials you need. You will need to purchase pipes, fittings, valves, and other materials. You will also need to purchase a bathtub flange and a bathtub drain.

Installing the Rough Plumbing

Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you can begin installing the rough plumbing. The following steps will walk you through the process:

1. Connect the water supply lines to the bathtub.
2. Connect the drain line to the bathtub.
3. Connect the overflow line to the bathtub.
4. Install the bathtub flange.
5. Install the bathtub drain.
6. Install the bathtub overflow.

Connect the water supply lines to the bathtub

The water supply lines for a bathtub are typically 1/2-inch copper pipes. You will need to connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the bathtub faucet. You can use a Sharkbite fitting to connect the pipes to the faucet.

Connect the drain line to the bathtub

The drain line for a bathtub is typically a 1-1/2-inch PVC pipe. You will need to connect the drain line to the bathtub drain. You can use a PVC coupling to connect the pipes.

Connect the overflow line to the bathtub

The overflow line for a bathtub is typically a 1-1/2-inch PVC pipe. You will need to connect the overflow line to the bathtub overflow. You can use a PVC coupling to connect the pipes.

Install the bathtub flange

The bathtub flange is a metal plate that is installed under the bathtub. It provides a flat surface for the bathtub to rest on and helps to prevent leaks. You can use a sealant to install the bathtub flange.

Install the bathtub drain

The bathtub drain is a metal or plastic fitting that is installed in the bottom of the bathtub. It allows the water to drain out of the bathtub. You can use a sealant to install the bathtub drain.

Install the bathtub overflow

The bathtub overflow is a metal or plastic fitting that is installed in the side of the bathtub. It allows the water to overflow out of the bathtub if it gets too full. You can use a sealant to install the bathtub overflow.

Rough plumbing a bathtub is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid leaks. If you are not comfortable with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional to do this work for you.

3. Testing the Rough Plumbing

Once you have finished rough plumbing the bathtub, it is important to test the plumbing to make sure that there are no leaks. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Check for leaks around the bathtub drain and overflow.
3. Check for leaks around the bathtub flange.

If you find any leaks, you will need to fix them before proceeding with the installation of the bathtub.

4. Finishing the Rough Plumbing

Once you have tested the rough plumbing and there are no leaks, you can finish the plumbing by caulking around the bathtub drain and overflow, and around the bathtub flange.

To caulk around the bathtub drain and overflow, follow these steps:

1. Apply a bead of caulk around the drain and overflow.
2. Smooth out the caulk with your finger or a wet sponge.
3. Allow the caulk to dry completely.

To caulk around the bathtub flange, follow these steps:

1. Apply a bead of caulk around the flange.
2. Smooth out the caulk with your finger or a wet sponge.
3. Allow the caulk to dry completely.

Once the caulk has dried, you can install the bathtub skirt.

Rough plumbing a bathtub is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that there are no leaks. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily rough plumb a bathtub and have a finished product that you can be proud of.

Here are some additional tips for rough plumbing a bathtub:

  • Use high-quality materials and tools.
  • Make sure that all of the connections are tight.
  • Test the plumbing for leaks before moving on to the next step.
  • If you are not comfortable with rough plumbing, hire a professional to do the job for you.

    How do I rough plumb a bathtub?

Rough plumbing a bathtub is the process of installing the pipes and fittings that will connect the bathtub to the water supply and drain. It is an important step in the bathtub installation process, as it ensures that the bathtub will be properly connected to the plumbing system and that it will function properly.

To rough plumb a bathtub, you will need the following materials:

  • A bathtub
  • A bathtub drain
  • A bathtub faucet
  • A bathtub spout
  • A supply line
  • A drain line
  • A set of PEX pipes
  • A set of PEX fittings
  • A pipe cutter
  • A hacksaw
  • A wrench
  • A tape measure
  • A level

Step 1: Install the bathtub drain.

The first step is to install the bathtub drain. The bathtub drain is the part of the bathtub that will connect to the drain line. To install the bathtub drain, you will need to:

1. Measure the distance from the center of the bathtub drain to the wall.
2. Cut a piece of PEX pipe to the desired length.
3. Insert the PEX pipe into the bathtub drain.
4. Secure the PEX pipe to the bathtub drain with a PEX fitting.
5. Connect the drain line to the PEX pipe.

Step 2: Install the bathtub faucet.

The next step is to install the bathtub faucet. The bathtub faucet is the part of the bathtub that will control the flow of water to the bathtub. To install the bathtub faucet, you will need to:

1. Measure the distance from the center of the bathtub faucet to the wall.
2. Cut a piece of PEX pipe to the desired length.
3. Insert the PEX pipe into the bathtub faucet.
4. Secure the PEX pipe to the bathtub faucet with a PEX fitting.
5. Connect the supply line to the PEX pipe.

Step 3: Install the bathtub spout.

The final step is to install the bathtub spout. The bathtub spout is the part of the bathtub that will deliver the water to the bathtub. To install the bathtub spout, you will need to:

1. Measure the distance from the center of the bathtub spout to the wall.
2. Cut a piece of PEX pipe to the desired length.
3. Insert the PEX pipe into the bathtub spout.
4. Secure the PEX pipe to the bathtub spout with a PEX fitting.
5. Connect the supply line to the PEX pipe.

Rough plumbing a bathtub is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the bathtub is properly connected to the plumbing system and that it will function properly.

What are the different types of bathtubs?

There are three main types of bathtubs:

  • Cast iron bathtubs are made of cast iron and are very durable. They are also very heavy, so they can be difficult to move.
  • Steel bathtubs are made of steel and are lighter than cast iron bathtubs. They are also less durable than cast iron bathtubs.
  • Acryllic bathtubs are made of acrylic and are the lightest type of bathtub. They are also the most affordable type of bathtub.

What is the best type of bathtub for me?

The best type of bathtub for you depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a durable bathtub that will last for many years, a cast iron bathtub is a good option. If you are looking for a lightweight bathtub that is easy to move, a steel bathtub is a good option. If you are looking for an affordable bathtub, an acrylic bathtub is a good option.

What are the steps involved in rough plumbing a bathtub?

The steps involved in rough plumbing a bathtub are as follows:

1. Measure the distance from the center of the bathtub drain to the wall.
2. Cut a piece of PEX pipe to the desired length.
3. Insert the PEX pipe into the bathtub drain.
4. Secure the PEX pipe to the bathtub drain with a PEX fitting.
5. Connect the drain line to the PEX pipe.
6. Measure the distance from the center of the bathtub faucet to the wall.
7. Cut a piece of PEX pipe to the desired length.
8. Insert the PEX pipe into the bathtub faucet.
9. Secure the PEX pipe to the bathtub faucet with a PEX fitting.
10. Connect the supply line to the PEX pipe.
11. **Install

Rough plumbing a bathtub is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your bathtub is properly installed and ready for use.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary tools and materials.
  • Carefully measure and mark the location of the bathtub on the floor.
  • Use a saw to cut the drywall around the bathtub opening.
  • Connect the bathtub drain to the sewer line.
  • Connect the bathtub faucet to the hot and cold water supply lines.
  • Test the bathtub to make sure that it is properly installed.

By following these steps, you can rough plumb a bathtub like a pro.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.