To fit a bath, the tools you'll need are:

• Adjustable wrench
• Electric drill
• Hacksaw
• Pencil
• Pipe cutter
• Sealant gun
• Spirit level
• Screwdrivers
• Tape measure

Make sure that when unpacking the bath, all of the accessories (if there are any) are there and that the bath isn't damaged.

Also, make sure that the water at the mains is turned off.

Once the bath has been unpacked, place it on a flat surface and attach the handles, waste and the overflow. Next, fit the taps (these may have to be bought separately as well as the waste).

Positioning the Bath

It is now time to work out where the bath, supports and brackets need to go. To ensure that the floor isn't damaged by the bath, you can use something to raise the bath from the floor (a good thing to use here is a couple of wooden battens). Once this is done, make sure that the bath is level. If it isn't, adjust the feet of the bath until it is level. Next, use a pencil to mark holes on the wall. These marks are for fixing plates or brackets.

Attach a waste trap and make note of any adjustments that will be required to the waste pipe. After this, add flexible tap connectors and mark the water pipes, so that you know where they need to be cut. Then, using your pencil, mark where the bath's timber supports need to go, remove the bath and screw down the timber supports in the marked positions.

Fixing the Bath

Now, it is time to start fixing the bath in place. Drill holes into the wall where the fixing plate or brackets need to go and insert rawl plugs. Next, adjust the waste pipe and water pipes if necessary. Double check the tap and handle connections. If they seem a little loose, tighten up the flexible tap connectors.

Then remove any protective film from the bath (this will normally be found on the side that will be attached to the wall). After this and checking that the edge of the bath by the wall has been degreased, reposition the bath and make sure it is level. Next, add some silicone sealant between the walls and the baths and screw the fixing brackets to the wall and the feet to the floor. Connect the waste trap to the waste pipe and outlet. Then connect the flexible tap connectors. It is vital to make sure that they are not bent or twisted. Then turn the mains water on to ensure there are no leaks.

Sealing Around the Bath

Once the bath is fitted, make sure that there is a small gap between the tiles and the bath (this gap should usually be around 3mm thick). Next, mask the bath and tiles with masking tape (if the tiles needed to be replaced, this must be done after tiling is complete and the grouting is dry).

Then, with a bath full of water, inject the silicone sealant to fill the gap entirely. Then, smooth off and remove the masking tape within 20 minutes (the reason for the bath full of water is that the weight of the water will give a good watertight seal). Leave the water in the bath for six or more hours for the sealant to completely dry. Finally, remember to attach earth bonding cables to the metal piping and fitting to reduce the risk of electrocution.

If you need any help with bathroom fixtures and fittings to remodel your client's home, we offer a variety of products sure to fit your client's requirements. You can contact us on 01702 614044 and our team will be more than happy to help you with any enquiry that you may have.