A claw foot tub adds design appeal you cannot get with any other bath tub. Installation is a snap with the right tools and step by step instructions.

For the experienced do it yourself homeowner, installing claw tubs should not be too difficult. If you are a novice with little to no experience, you may want to hire a professional or a handy man to help you.

Step One

Gather the materials you will need to install claw tubs. The materials you will need include:

• Channel Locks for attaching nuts and bolts
• Hacksaw for any necessary trimming
• Pipe Wrench
• PVC or metal pipe depending what kind of existing pipes you will be connecting to.
• Glue and primer specific to the pipe you are installing.
• Plumbers tape
• Pipe coupler (piece to connect pipes together)
• Bathtub Drain
• Clawfoot bathtub faucet of your choice. You should have already determined that the fixture will fit with your tub. If you have not purchased one, visit your local home improvement store with the make and model number of your claw bathtub. They should be able to assist you with locating a proper fixture.
• You will need someone to assist you with moving the claw tub when the time comes.

Step Two

Turn http://www.betterbathtub.com/wp-admin/page-new.phpoff the main water supply and locate your existing plumbing. Cut a hole in the wall or floor to gain access to your plumbing. Clear the area and bring in your claw tub.

Step Three

Get someone to help you if you have not already and set the tub where you want it to go. Once you are sure your plumbing is where it needs to be; you can install the faucet fixture and then hook it to the hot and cold water supply.

Step Four

Next, fit your clawfoot bathtub drain gasket and waste line. Using your pipe glue, apply it to the drain line, and then take a wrench to finish tightening down your gasket. Screw in the strainer cap.

Step Five

Attach the drainpipe to the overflow hole and lock it in place with the retainer. Install your p-trap and make sure your tub drain connects to the floor drain.

Step Six

Once all connections and fittings have been secured, turn on the main water supply and check for leaks. If you have any leaks, it is probably because you need to redo the plumbing connections. It is critical to get enough glue and use plumbers tape to ensure a water tight seal. Once leaks (if any) are taken care of, you can add water to the tub and check for drainage. You should not have any leaks in your drain pipes. Fix any drain leaks you find.

These claw tubs installation instructions are based on the assumption you have plumbing knowledge. If you do not have any plumbing skills you can hire a plumber to do all the plumbing work, yet still do any other work yourself.

You can prepare the area, buy all needed supplies, move the claw bathtub in to place, then have the plumber complete any plumbing and fixtures work. You would also handle any clean up after the plumbing is done. Installing claw tubs with the assistance of a professional will still save you a little money over having someone do the entire job for you.