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-   -   Installing a whirlpool tub on concrete slab, replacing shower (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=197537)

  • Mar 22, 2008, 08:21 PM
    jnyrth
    Installing a whirlpool tub on concrete slab, replacing shower
    Hello, first time homeowner needing some help here. I have a bathroom in my basement that had a shower in it but we decided that removing it and installing a whirlpool tub would be much nicer. So I bought the tub, I have the drain for the tub, my only problem is that the drain from the original shower (coming up from out of the floor) is about 6 inches away from where I would like my tub to sit. The drain is coming out of a 6x6 inch square cut out of the foundation and is a 2 inch PVC pipe. My new tub has a drain but the diameter for it is only 1 inch. What do I do about connecting the two drains? Can I use flexible PVC between the two with a 1 to 2 inch connector at the end? Or can I 90 degree elbow off the bath drain, run straight pvc across to another 90 elbow and then have a 1 to 2 inch converter to connect it to the outgoing pipe in my floor? Any insight is appreciated.

    Ok I have gotten a few users telling me that I need to chop up the concrete and move the pipe. This is not something I have ever done, how do I do this??
  • Mar 23, 2008, 05:12 AM
    speedball1
    The best way to address this problem would be to break out the floor and move the trap and raiser over six inches. Since your tub waste will terminate under the floor line you will have to break up cement anyhow. A dog-leg of two 90s is asking for a clog but with both of the options you presented you will have to break up the slab to install either one so why not do the job right in the fitrst place. Good luck, Tom
  • Mar 23, 2008, 06:11 AM
    massplumber2008
    Hi jnyrth:

    Speedball has stated the correct pathway to resolve the issue. Chop up floor and move pipe so under tub waste and overflow assembly. I just wanted to clarify that all tub waste and overflow assemblies require an 1.5" pvc female adapter or a 1.5" pvc desanco fitting to transition from the tub waste and overflow assembly to the pvc pipe (I recommend the desanco fitting... connects onto tailpeice from overflow and allows adjustability to install the desanco onto the pvc riser). Have good holiday... Mark
  • Mar 23, 2008, 06:37 AM
    speedball1
    About My Drain Problem
    jnyrth]Ok so how do I do this? My drain goes into the ground about 3 feet. Once I chop up the concrete do I have to dig down 3 feet? Since it is a concrete slab how do I maneuver in there? I am confused as to what to do if I chop up the concrete to move it a few inches.
    I was planning on having my tub raised up by 7 inches and have a step to get into it, it is not OK to run the pvc above the concrete?
  • Mar 23, 2008, 06:49 AM
    speedball1
    You didn't tell us you were planing on platforming the tub. In that case I would install a 45 degree elbo on the trap raiser and 45 over with anotther to pick up the tub. The old trap and raiser should be 2". I would connect the raiser coming out of the 45 to the tub waste with a 2" compression fitting with a 2 X 1 1/2" nylon gasket. Mark may chime in with a better solution so stay tuned. Regards, Tom
  • Mar 23, 2008, 08:21 AM
    massplumber2008
    1 Attachment(s)
    Hi guys:

    Hey, is this a 5 foot whirlpool tub? One that looks like a tub? Or is it a whirlpool that is more like a jacuzzi..

    If your whirlpool is regular tub size, then maybe this tub waste and overflow assembly will help some... see pic. Below.

    It is referred to as an above the floor tub waste and overflow OR a sideoutlet tub waste and overflow assembly.

    Turn the side outlet horizontal and connect using the drain pipe set up Tom suggested.

    I set all whirlpools in a base of perlited gypsum structolite mortar... supports the tub, firms the bottom so no flex when get in and out of tub, and allows you to distribute the weight of the tub onto the floor and not the tile (if tub is installed on a platform). Hope that made sense.

    Let us know what type whirlpool tub... and also... are you installing step just because of this drain issue?

    Talk soon... Mark
  • Mar 23, 2008, 09:54 AM
    jnyrth
    Mark- Yes it is a 5 foot whirlpool that looks like a regular bathtub with a few jets. The drain that I have looks like that but instead of coming out to the left it comes out to the bottom.

    Now Tom, your idea, does that not require me to open up the concrete? That can all be done above it?

    I really appreciate all of your help, I am a 26 year old girl who likes to tackle anything after watching the DIY network... but don't want to do a hack job.
  • Mar 23, 2008, 12:52 PM
    speedball1
    Quote:

    Now Tom, your idea, does that not require me to open up the concrete? That can all be done above it?
    You might have to cut a notch for the pipe but it would be nothing compared to breaking up the slab to install a regular tub waste. Good luck, Tom

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