Installing A New Bathroom

For several home owners, the simple thought of renovating a bathroom may appear daunting, but the perfect way to make it appear much easier is to consider it as an individual project. Remove and replace old toilet, basin, bathtub and so on. If viewed this way, such plumbing projects may appear manageable. The household activities of people who have a modern copper pipe installation in their home would be less disrupted compared to old lead pipes which you may be forced to eliminate. Here are tips on how to install a new bathroom.

Remove existing fittings

It is advisable to have some old cloths ready to mop any water that escapes from the system while carrying out this work.

The first step is to cut off water flow to the bathroom and open the bathroom taps so that residual water is drained out. Disconnect fittings and temporarily cap the pipes using check valves and service valves. However, water supply to other parts of the house should not be interfered with.

Next, remove the old items to be replaced. Probably the old basin, bath, toilet, or all; but it is advisable to deal with the toilet first. The old bath may be a bit heavy and you may require some assistance to remove it from the bathroom, as well as the house.
It will be much easier to work with the basin because this will be probably supported on a pedestal. While removing the old toilet, begin with cistern and disconnect its base. Don’t damage waste pipes, cover the pipe end with polythene and cloths to stop debris from getting into the waste system.

With everything eliminated, proceed to correct all the defects uncovered, like damaged plaster work or rotten floorboards. Complete the dirty work and then prepare for your new room decorations and fittings. The preparation work must include wall channelling for the electric wiring conduit for items such as heated towel rail, additional lighting or extractor fan. Don’t put any plug or socket fitting in the bathroom.

Fitting the new bathroom

If applicable, the fitting instructions must be read properly and well understood prior to installation. But if you don’t have the luxury of written instructions, you must be well acquainted with what should be done before doing anything. If you have some doubts, allow a professional to do the installation for you.

Now, with an empty and clean room, you can start fitting the new equipment pieces. Begin with your toilet pan, by linking the pan outlet to the old waste pipe with a special rubber pan and plastic trap connector. Once the toilet pan outlet has been connected according to instructions with the connector, secure the pan outlet to the floor and make sure the level positioning is accurate. Fit in the cistern and then connect the water supply pipe and overflow pipe valve. The water supply pipe must be fitted with isolating valve to allow easier maintenance in the future.

Finally, install the basin and bath. However, it is advisable to fit combined overflows, waste outlet and taps, before installing the basin and bath.