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tonny1 · Aug 22, 2009, 06:47 PM

Hi everyone, my contractor recently installed a new fiberglass bathtub. He didn't nail or screw the tub flange onto the studs. Is that a proper way to insall a tub? I read some books and they all said to nail it in. When I step on the tub and do a little walk on it. I can feel some little noise and some movements. Im not sure if things will be all right. Thanks very much for your help.

massplumber2008 · Aug 23, 2009, 05:17 AM

Hi Tonny1:

Certainly doesn't sound like a correct installation... ;) Most fiberglass tubs I install get set in a bed of mortar or structolite to keep the tub from flexing/creeking over time. They also get screwed to the studs.

However, to be fair to this installer, can you tell us the name of the fiberglass unit?

Let us know and we can give definite answer...

MARK

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tonny1 · Aug 23, 2009, 06:09 AM

Hi massplumber2008, thanks for your input. The manufacturer's is Alcove from Montreal, Canada (They have a website at Alcove.ca) The model name is Petunia 0260L3, it's a regular tub, and the instruction book says its alcove installation. It also does not mention about screwing flange to the studs or making a mortar bed. It only tells to attach pieces of 2x4 around the alcove, which Im not sure if he did it either, and attach 2 pieces of wood vertically in front of the tub to stablize it, in case of the one with separate apron. But mine is apron built in, or moulded in, sort of.

massplumber2008 · Aug 23, 2009, 06:54 AM

Hi Tonny:

Looking at the instructions at alcove.ca (pg.#16) I see that there are perforated STRAPS holding the unit to the studs. The straps ARE NOT mentioned in the instructions. They do, however, mention that NO mortar or other substrate is to be used... so NIX that... OK?

Call the manufacturer and see what they think about the straps... looks like they need to be installed for correct installtion.

MARK

speedball1 · Aug 23, 2009, 07:08 AM

When we install any fiberglass, plastic or steel tub we frame the backside with a length of 2X4 or nail 2 X 4 jacks to the studs for support. We also secure them to the studs with screws.

When I step on the tub and do a little walk on it. I can feel some little noise and some movements.

I don't give a hoot what the manufacture says. If the tub floor flexes or gives when you step into it you'll have a problem on down the line. Regards, Tom

tonny1 · Aug 23, 2009, 07:38 AM

Thanks a lot Mark and Tom. Ill call Home Depot to see how much they charge to reinstall this tub, and Ill try to go after this guy later. I cannot find the scale as mentioned in your signatures, its not available anymore?

massplumber2008 · Aug 23, 2009, 05:43 PM

Tonny...

Talk to the tub manufacturer directly and see if they recommend the straps... see EXACTLY how they require this tub to be installed.

This will give you the power to present a reasonable argument with the manager at home depot!

Let us know what they say... O.K.

Thanks.

tonny1 · Aug 25, 2009, 05:38 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Tonny...

Talk to the tub manufacturer directly and see if they recommend the straps....see EXACTLY how they require this tub to be installed.

This will give you the power to present a reasonable arguement with the manager at home depot!!

Let us know what they say...O.K.?

Thanks.

Mark, sorry about the late reply. I ve been crazyly busy with my bathroom, the only full one in the house, we haven't had no bathtub for 2 weeks, I've been taking shower with my garden hose, and sending family members away for bath :mad: Anyway, I ended up taking the tub out and reinstall it myself, with support ledger board around, which he did not do it... And this time I screwed it to the studs all around. It all sound and solid now. No, HD did not install this in the first place, Ive called them and they said theyd charge 40 bucks just for someone to come and take a look. The guy who did this referred to by my brother, who's got his basement finished by that guy. But only too late that I found out the guy is not plumbing expert, he's a general contractor, his expertise is tile installing, and he sub things out when it comes to plumbing, electrical stuff etc... Well there's lesson to be learnt every time, I guess.

And I called Alcove, only to give up after sometime waiting...

Thanks very much for your help, Mark and Tom.

speedball1 · Aug 25, 2009, 05:44 AM

Thanks for the update Tony. Sorry you got a lousey plumber but give yourself a pat on the back. You did a muc h better job then he did. Good luck, Tom

tonny1 · Aug 25, 2009, 05:50 AM

Thank you, sir.