Freestanding bathtubs are also known as soakers or if modeled after older tubs. They are easier to install than between the wall tubs, and as their name implies, designed for soaking away life's little stresses. Instructions as follows: Firstly, Place something, such as a heavy wooden box or a strong tool box that will support the weight of the tub. Cover the box with something that will not scratch the surface of the tub. If you have packing material that came with the tub, this will work. Place the tub on the box, thus raising it high enough to work underneath. Secondly, note the position of each foot. They are not interchangeable because the tub was leveled at the factory. Thirdly, install the two feet on the end of the tub that has the drain. It will require two people to attach each foot, one for holding the bolt and one for appropriately centering the foot over the attaching bolt while not scratching the bathtub or forcing the threads. Fourthly, install the two feet on the tub's end opposite the drain. Fifthly, remove the supporting structure, allowing the tub to settle on its feet. If the tub wobbles, adjust by adding or subtracting space washers in the wobbly legs. Since the tub was level in the factory, wobbling is probably due to variations in shower room floors. Sixthly, mark out a place where you want to put the tub. Seventhly, mix up enough mortar to level the tub. Eighthly, apply this mortar to the floor and then lay a piece of polyethylene over the mortar. Ninthly, rock the tub into a stable position. Be sure to use a level, shims and the mortar. Shims should be placed over floor joist. Complete the tub's skirt. Tenthly, attach the corner supports to the end of the tub skirt that need not be removed. Eleventh, measure, cut and glue on the skirt. If there is another side that will be permanently in place, repeat the process. The corners that have been abutted together should be covered with outside corner trim. Twelfth, stiffen the part of the apron that is to be the access panel by gluing a piece of 1x1 fur stripping along its bottom on the side that will face the tub. Repeat the process at the top. Glue vertical supports of 1x1 spaced 18 inches apart. The access panel may be affixed to the tub side with industrial Velcro stripping. Tips & Warnings The exact way feet attach to tubs may vary somewhat between models. Check the supplier or manufacturer's specifications and instructions carefully. There are a number of freestanding tubs that require no skirts. Explore all options. The number of companies manufacturing freestanding bathtubs has increased significantly over the past ten years. Do not attempt to complete installation without an assistant. There are also traditional clawfoot tubs made of cast iron that should only be installed by a professional plumber. Do a thorough evaluation of the floor joists to assure that the weight of the tub will be readily supported.
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