Replacing Bathtub

Veronica · Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:52 am

Hello,

We just purchased a doble wide on permanent foundation. In our bathroom, our garden tub is slightly cracked. We want to replace it but not with another plastic tub. We would like to go ceramic since the home will never be moved. Can this be done? Also, can we change it to a regular size tub instead of a garden size?

Thank you.
Veronica
[email protected]

hvac1000 · Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:55 am

Yes you can change the tub if you are handy with tools. Ceramic is very heavy and hard to work with. There are some great fiberglass tubs like I have in my unit at home.

Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:02 am

I too would choose a fiberglass tub over a cast iron or glazed metal one.

Of course a 'temporary' fix for a cracked bathtub would be this kit here: http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/quickfixtubrep.htm

Mark

Veronica · Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:04 am

Thank you.

Fiberglass is good. Can the size of the tub be changed as well?

And is it better to purchase a tub at a mobile home parts store or can I just go to a local Lowes and order what they carry?

Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:07 am

If you wish to change the tub size to a standard tub, you can buy them anywhere. Biggest thing about changing the tub size is moving the drain. If you can successfully do that, then your good to go! Waterlines will also have to be moved, but that's generally a simpler task if you have the right pex tools and fittings.

Mark

Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:09 am

I should probably also add a note about the drain. Right now your tub probably does not have an overflow. A standard tub will have an overflow. Not a big deal, just requires a different drain that incorporates an overflow into it.

Changing a tub, especially to a different size, is not a simple task. Unless your really handy with tools, changing a tub is not really a task for the average do-it-yourselfer.

Mark

Guest · Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:35 am

Just wanted to comment, like the one piece shower stalls appears they were installed during the construction, if you had to replace it, then the new one won't fit through the door, so a mulitple piece unit would have to be used. I was thinking about replacing my tub ( 2 person air-jet ) but after thinking about it will it fit through the door? or do I have knock down a wall just to install it? so I threw out that idea out the windows so to speak.

Greg · Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:33 pm

Veronica, one thing that Mark forgot to add, Maesure first to make sure a standard size tub will fit. I am in the planning stage for our master bath (full size jacuzzi) I may have to move a wall 2" to make it fit unless I relocate it. Greg

Sylvia · Sat Sep 08, 2007 4:59 am

We purchased on regular tub and replaced a cracked garden tub in the old master bath. DH just bought a special order return mobile home bathtub for the guest bath yesterday at Menards.

If you take off the door, a small tub *may* fit through. It worked in the master bath.

Yanita · Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:34 am

Hi,

You have gotten great info here, LOL, as you can see about everyone has done this project at one time or another. Might I suggest you get the Repair and Upgrade Manual that is located in the books/parts link above. It will give you a real good idea of what is involved.

Hi Sylvia, haven't heard from you in a while! Glad to see you are still with us!

Yanita