Fitting concealed baths entails plumbing in the pipe work and valves behind the enclosures and even below the tile level. This could vary in difficulty depending on the type of bath you wish to install. As with any home improvement project, the basic rule remains pretty much the same: the better the product quality, the easier it becomes to fit in. Be sure to also verify that your installation meets the requirements and specifications of the Plumbing Code of Australia as well as the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 (PDA).
As a money saving method, you could perform some of the elementary tasks yourself prior to calling in the experts. Wherever you're using trades-people, be totally clear regarding every part of the installation they're undertaking for you. If at any stage you feel that things are starting to get over your ability, call in the experts before you mess. Mistakes can be costly!
Ultimately, it will depend on your budget and personal preference. An exposed bath would of course be the cheapest option, but it may not give you what you desire in terms of design options and flexibility in positioning.
Planning Basics
Your plumbing bills will begin to spiral the moment to commence moving outlets and, therefore try as much as is possible to keep your other fixtures where they currently are. However, it's not just about plumbing where you'll need to be alert, changing your type of fixtures could also drastically escalate the plumbing bills.
If you're planning on installing a fancy concealed bath, establish precisely you're plumbing costs are likely to be before you get too carried away by the available options. Before you head shopping, discuss your plans in detail with your plumber. There is no point obtaining a great buy deal on a certain bath fixture if it will cost you the whole bank balance during the installation.
Ensure that you've allowed for sufficient ventilation to lessen any potential mould problems underneath the bath as well as in keeping with the Building Code of Australia requirements.
Work Time-Line
Meticulously list down all the installation tasks in the order in which they ought to happen. It's important to allow for some waiting time because some items like the adhesives take time to set. Things do happen and there always will be delays and therefore never assume all your materials will arrive precisely when they are needed.
Remember that to change the plans once the installation process is underway could be very expensive and this will in addition not go down very well with your professionals.
Plumbing And The Electricals
Before calling in the professional, you could undertake some of the preliminary tasks like demolition. However, there are two trades you may not legally do on your own: plumbing and the electricals. This is an expert area, so as you pick your plumber, ensure he or she is qualified and certified to handle these aspects of your installation.
Waterproofing
Before you start the basic tasks, you may need to have a qualified plumber to cap off the water preferably at the home mains. A crack or a weak joint is a potential leak later which could imply you'd have to rip up the whole bathroom. It is best to get the services of a professional water-proofer to handle this task.
Babak Tavakoli is water systems expert at ACS Bathrooms. He fully understands what your house needs in terms of water usage and efficiency. At ACS Bathrooms, he will go to great lengths to ensure you get the best quality bathroom products. Go to www.acsbathrooms.com.au/baths/concealed-baths.html for more information, tips and ideas.
