Installing your shower bath: · When it's filled with water (and an occupant!) your shower bath will be heavy, so the first step to installing your shower bath is to check that your floor joists are up to the strain.
· Fit your taps and waste before you put your bath in place - it will be tricky to reach beneath the bath to attach them later.
Use some silicone sealant to provide a watertight seal around your waste and overflow; your taps should come with a rubber gasket which will create a seal between the taps and the bath once the taps are firmly in place.
· Most baths come with a supporting framework and adjustable legs which can be adjusted to ensure the bath is evenly supported despite any uneven sections of floor.
Use a spirit level to check the level of the bath as you make adjustments.
· Check whether your bath panels are the correct size for your model of bath, or whether they're sold to be cut to size by the installer.
If they need cutting to size, make sure you cut at the foot end (away from the shaped section which allows for your wider shower area).
· Make sure you allow adequate clearance for the heights of the tallest and shortest members of your household when you're positioning the shower riser rail (if you've chosen an adjustable height shower).
Ensure that the controls are within easy reach of everyone, too.
· When fitting your bath shower screen, measure carefully so that the screen sits flush with the edge of the bath, as this will prevent your bathroom getting a daily soaking.
Use the correct tools and fixings for your wall type, and be extra gentle when drilling into tile.
Installing your toilet: · Remember that, although it's costly to move any of your plumbing pipework, the toilet's soil stack is particularly inconvenient to move.
Install your new toilet in the same position as your existing toilet if possible, and ensure you buy a toilet with the correct 'rough-in'.
· If the toilet is situated on a branch drain, it cannot be positioned upstream from the basin or shower.
· Allow enough clear space either side of the toilet to comfortably accommodate users' arms and elbows; allow sufficient room in front of the toilet to make it convenient to use as well (60cm is recommended).
Installing your basin: · The most commonly installed style of basin is a pedestal basin; the pedestal provides support for the basin and hides the water supply and waste pipes out of sight.
Other arrangements will need to be made to conceal these pipes if a wall hung basin is fitted.
· Fit your taps before you install your basin: it will be a lot trickier to do this afterwards! · Use the pedestal to support your pedestal basin while you mark its fixing position on the wall.
Once it's screwed or hung in place and your plumbing pipes are connected up, your pedestal will slide easily back into position.
· Once your walls and floor coverings are in place, use mastic to seal the join between basin and pedestal, between your basin and the wall, and between the base of your pedestal and the bathroom floor.
Don't forget that the above tips are just that - tips.
Always follow any specific plumbing instructions or guidelines which are provided with your new bathroom suite to ensure you get the best possible wear out of your purchases.