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View Full Version : Can you use sink plumbing for a clawfoot tub?


sunvalleylab
May 23, 2010, 08:46 PM
Hi. There is plumbing for a sink in this room. In fact there is a freestanding cabinet with sink. I want to remove the sink. Can I use this existing plumbing for a new clawfoot tub/plumbing?


1) Do I need to open the wall and/or make holes in the floor? For supply and drain?

****OR can it be plumbed exactly where the sink plumbing is... which is the answering I am hoping for as this is a rental unit.

2) What is the $$$ range for this type of plumbing project? I would be hiring a plumber.

Thanks.

creahands
May 24, 2010, 02:52 AM
If the drain is in wall, then answer is no.

The cost to do the correct install is relative to area u live in.

Get 3 estimates and go from there.

Good luck

Chuck

sunvalleylab
May 24, 2010, 07:49 AM
Thanks for the info re: no.

Was hoping for a little more detail...

I am trying to figure out how big of a job this is... whether I rent this space depends on the answer.

1) Can the fittings for the vintage tub come from the wall or do they need to come from the floor as shown in many photos.

2) What does a vintage tub drain work entail? If the tub is ever removed (it would be in my bedroom), is it easy to get everything back to original state?

Additionally, a ball park figure is appreciated regardless of locale.

Thanks - H

Milo Dolezal
May 24, 2010, 08:02 AM
Hi Sunvallylab,

Drain: You will have to cut wall and floor to modify existing drain to fit your new tub. Drains for tubs come up from the floor, not from the wall. Moreover, some Codes require drains for tubs to be 2" with 1 1/2" vent. Most sink have only 1 1/2" drain. Check with you local plumbing Code to see what the requirements are.

Water: Depending on design, faucet for the tub will be installed either on the wall or on the tub. Either way, you will have to do relocate h/c water pipes to accommodate new lay-out. As far as size of water pipes goes - here you should be fine with existing 1/2" water supplies.

Installation of Claw Tub requires good planning including precise rough-in drain placement. Location of drain will give you overall position of the tub. In other words: where the drain is - is exactly where the tub will sit. Therefore, plan carefully. We usually do "dry" test. We put tub in place before we install drain and then mark the exact location of new plumbing.

It will take same amount of work to do reverse installation.

As far as the cost of the claw tub install goes - it is a very broad question that depends on your location, your house design as well as type of tub you will be using. But for the project estimating purposes I would figure labor cost for the tub conversion to be between $1,000 and $2,000 (plumber only). Time-wise and under normal circumstances, it is a 2 day job. One day for rough in and second day for finish installation.

Good luck with your project. Let us know how you did. Milo

sunvalleylab
May 24, 2010, 08:56 AM
Thanks Milo!!

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

I really appreciate the detailed answer and photos.

I'll keep you posted!

H