How challenging is it to install a one-piece bathtub in place of a poorly installed shower insert?
Asked by Lourdes Hernández 
4 weeks ago
Last Updated: October 25, 2024
Do you know how hard it is to install a one-piece bathtub? When we first moved in, we had a really poorly installed one or two-piece shower insert, so we ended up taking it out and making sure all the plumbing lines were still accessible.
‘t forget to check the dimensions of your doors and hallways. The most challenging part will be maneuvering the darn thing into place.
Thanks for the advice!! That definitely makes a lot of sense. Are two separate pieces harder to work with?
Yeah, as long as the drainage lines up. I removed a huge garden tub and replaced it with a larger center drain floor pan. I had to cut through concrete and redo the plumbing, it was quite a hassle and not really worth it in the end.
Is there a reliable way to determine if the drainage will work properly?
Just double-check to ensure that the floor is nice and level.
The 4-piece option is definitely the easiest, especially if you’re referring to the base and surrounding walls. If you’re considering a single piece (with walls and tub already connected), I have no idea how you would manage to maneuver that into the bathroom through the house and install it. In all my years as a service plumber, I’ve never heard of anyone attempting to install a one-piece unit after the house was built.
True this all adds up. With 3 little ones, my thinking was a bit off but got it. So a 4 piece is pretty straightforward, right? I won’t be the one handling it, no worries 🤣
Yeah they’re not too hard. Check out some YouTube videos first and then see if you want to give it a try yourselves.
Appreciate it! Definitely.
Double check that the walls are plumb and square
They were previously aligned. But sure I’ll double check the square part. Thanks
Plumb means perfectly vertical not slanted
6 out of 10.