Installing A Bathtub Liner: Step By Step Process
The bathtub liner is a thin PVC plastic or acrylic material that adds a fresh look to the unattractive bathtub surface. The liner protects vulnerable children and adults from bathing accidents. Installing the liner is very easy and quick. We have researched the best methods available and have come to the following conclusions that will help you complete this DIY task efficiently.
To install the tub insert, follow these six simple steps:
● Clean the tub so that it is scorched.
● If there is a problem with the bathtub (drainage, cracks, etc.), fix it before starting the installation.
● Loosen the knob and faucet.
● Apply glue to the entire bathtub.
● Attach the liner to the tub and place it on top of the glue.
● Clean the tub with warm water and mild detergent.
I know you still have questions in the depths of your heart, but it’s hard to handle. But we will try our best to help you answer all of them and clearly outline the above instructions. So, let’s straighten the point.
Prepare the bathtub
Start by checking for all types of damage and fix it accordingly. Then remove dirt and debris from the tub’s surface to ensure adequate adhesion.
Pour denatured alcohol on the surface of the tub to clean the tub. Rub the surface with a towel or clean carpet to remove oil and scum.
Loosen the knob
Remove the knobs from each bath bracket and put the bath liner in place. Put them together, so you don’t lose them.
If you need to reinstall the knob, you can take this opportunity to replace the faucet later.
Dirty adhesive
Glue the surface of the dry bathtub. Apply it evenly to cover the entire surface.
All omitted spaces affect the overall effect of the liner. The adhesive selection also plays a role.
Attach the liner to the bathtub
Gently slide the bath insert into the shower unit. Apply sufficient pressure to expel all air and ensure the liner adheres to the adhesive.
Place heavy (but not too heavy) objects to help apply pressure. You can also use a rubber mallet to remove the air below.
Apply to caulk
Apply silicone sealant to the edge of the bathtub. This prevents moisture and provides a clean finish. Allow the silicone to cure for 5-10 minutes.
Clean the tub and insert it with a small amount of warm water and mild detergent. Please avoid the use of scouring powder or liquid polishes, as they can cause permanent damage to the liner.
Now you can use your new bathtub. You can choose to wait at least 24 hours before using it, but if you can trust that the liner is solid, you can use it immediately.
How much does it cost to install a bathtub liner?
Professional installation of a single liner costs approximately $ 1,223 to $ 1,509. Let’s break down the lower cost. The cost of one tub liner is $ 893. Add that to your labor costs of about $ 306.
A plumber may also need a total of $ 24 in consumables. All in all, you’re giving up $ 1,223 for the entire installation project. Actual costs will vary depending on your desired finishing options, job requirements, and job size.
Why spend so much money when you can efficiently perform this task yourself? Make sure you have everything in need and follow the instructions in the letter. If you have any doubts about your DIY skills, we recommend that you consult a professional plumber.
Is a bathtub liner good?
If you have owned a bathtub before, you may have heard of a bathtub liner. The liner is made of acrylic or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Pads are one of many indispensable essentials.
The acrylic liner is most famous for its attractive appearance, while PVC is popular for its high durability. Whichever tub insert you choose, it will serve its purpose well.
First, the liner improves the reliability and durability of your tub. Bathtub liners have impressive properties, including:
● High dimensional stability
● Good molding properties
● High resistance to aggressive bathroom chemicals
● Rigidity
● High impact resistance
● High scratch resistance
● Antibacterial resistance
And all these properties make the bath liner a perfect replacement for a worn-out bathtub. The installation process is speedy and hassle-free.
Can I buy a tub liner?
Bath liners are standard bathroom accessories that can be purchased from both online stores and retail stores.
The best thing about these liners is how affordable they are. PVC bathtub liners are available from a minimum of $ 890 to a maximum of $ 1000. Be careful; these prices do not include installation.
The bath liner is the best alternative to a poorly-conditioned bathtub. They can save you a lot if you think about arranging your bathroom.
If the insert is sized to fit the tub and can be installed correctly, you don’t have to worry about a complete bathroom makeover.
What to look for in a bathtub liner?
The material comes first. High-quality bath liners should only be made with a gel coat. And they should also be coated with a strong fiberglass material for additional reinforcement.
With such a liner, it is relatively easy to install it yourself without stress or hassle. In addition, most of these fit perfectly, eliminating the need to replace or modify existing bathtubs.
The quality liner has a soft, supple, and non-slip surface to prevent collisions and is highly comfortable.
The desired liner warranty must have an extended service life—reasonable enough everywhere between 1 and 3 years.
Will the tub liner be damaged if water leaks to the back of the tub?
If you step into the tub and notice a sticky sponge-like sensation under the tub liner, you’ll see water leaking between the two surfaces.
This is terrible news. Untreated water under the tub liner leads to further leaks, mold, and, ultimately, the dissolution of adhesives and paints. In addition, the accumulated water will eventually stagnate and have a strong odor.
Step 1-Check warranty
Call or contact the supplier to inquire about possible replacements before trying to resolve the problem yourself so that later you will not experience a “tampering problem”.
Check the warranty of the liner. It usually comes with a lifetime warranty that can be transferred from some manufacturers. Even if the liner was purchased from a previous owner, it is advisable to contact the suppliers and manufacturers to learn more about the origin of the liner.
If the warranty is unavailable, the next step is to decide whether to replace the bathtub with a new one or repair an existing one.
Step 2-Find the cause of the leak.
Before anything goes wrong, you need to know the cause of the leakage. Liners is just a sheet of acrylic molded into an old bathtub and glued or taped. It covers all surfaces inside and outside the bathtub and is crimped at all seams.
If water gets in between the two layers, inspect the tub thoroughly to determine where the leak is occurring.
2.1-You can start by checking all the seams around the liner and vertical wall trim. Look for caulking cracks and holes where water can seep and collect.
2.2-Check the entire liner surface for cracks. The shell does not always exactly match the contour of the original bathtub. This can cause the acrylic to bend or crack over time, allowing water to seep.
2.3-If the caulking is in good condition and the liner is undamaged, there may be a
drain or overflow connection leak. By removing the overflow cover, you can see the seal between the tub and the wall.
Make sure that a sufficient amount of silicone adhesive ensures a good and firm bond between the two surfaces. The drain can be disassembled by first removing the plug. You can then use a padlock wrench to remove the drain insert through the liner, pan, and gasket before screwing it.
Gently pull on the liner to see if the proper silicone adhesive layer is used and properly dispersed. Be careful not to damage the liner, as this area of the liner is the thinnest for apparent reasons.
Step 3-Fix the leak.
If you decide to repair a defective tub, the most costly solution is to install a new liner. This includes removing existing liners that may be glued to the bathtub.
The glued foil should be cut or torn. If you decide to install a new liner, get an accurate quote. It may help to choose a new bathtub instead.
3.1-You, don’t need much material other than sweat and effort to check the liner installation and recovery. Please note that the chances of success are 50/50 or less.
Starting with step 2.3, with the overflow cover and drain removed, get a strong hanger with a thick gauge wire and bend the ends to form an overly bent “L”. You pull straight up. A 1/8 x 3/4 inch (3 x 19 mm) aluminum flat bar that is similarly curved could be even more helpful.
3.2-Before attempting further repairs, you must first try to remove the accumulated water trapped inside. You need to get rid of as much water as possible by standing in the tub and “flushing” the water or squeezing it out while applying pressure to the liner. Push the water towards the drain.
3.3-Be careful with this next step, as the liner is the thinnest in this area and can easily tear or break if you try to pull it with a temporary “L tool”. Insert the curved part of the tool under the liner in the drain opening and pull it straight up to lift the liner and scrape off any residual water. When you try to lift the liner, you can see how much bond is left and finally determine the seriousness of the problem. If any of the connections between the liner and the tubs are broken, and the liner needs to be completely removed, this can be impossible without damaging many units.
3.4-Remove as much water as possible while the assistant holds the liner lifted with the “L-tool”, then wipe as much as possible around the drain and between the tub and liner to dry. You can then apply a large amount of silicone glue between the two surfaces around the opening.
3.5-Overcoat the plumbing putty, then reattach the drainage pipe to secure it firmly.
3.6-Use the same technique as the drain (excluding the plumbing putty) to securely reattach the overflow cap.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for about how to replace your worn-out tub, you don’t have to look for anything more than a tub liner. I hope you find this post helpful. We also hope you will realize how easy it is to install the bathtub liner. However, if you have any doubts about your plumbing skills, it doesn’t hurt to seek professional help.
