May 8, 2013

Tub Plumbing - The Workaround

Bottom left: old water supply line
Top right: new water supply line
In my last bathroom remodel post, I showed you how we'd gotten the refurbished tub back in, plus the next problem we ran into: the old and new water supply lines to the tub weren't the same. Pictured left, you can see that the new one (top) juts out farther than the old one. This was a problem because there wasn't enough room between the tub and the wall to accommodate it. On top of that, the two lines were different sizes, so we couldn't simply switch them out.

After trying every solution he could think of, including calling the manufacturer, Dan finally decided he needed to order a couple of elbows, to come up with his own solution.

He cut the new pipe and attached it to the elbows, and ....


... they fit! Whether or not this will work will have to wait to be tested, because the lines still have to be hooked up in the crawl space.

You can see that the plumbing is a tight fit, but this was the best option. The dryer is on the other side of that wall, so putting the plumbing in the wall with an access cover was not a likely solution.

We still have to install the shower riser kit, but that should be more straightforward because the faucet was a part of the kit.

The other thing he got in was the toilet, although it, too, still needs the water supply connected.

It's definitely starting to look like a bathroom!

It's the same make and low water flush model that we installed in the kitchen bathroom. It isn't the cheapest toilet on the market, but unlike some low flush jobs, we know it does what it's supposed to. Happily, I found it for a really good deal at Home Depot.

Once Dan gets the water hooked up, we can actually start using this bathroom! After he gets the shower riser installed, the sink and vanity will go in next. Then it's almost done except for towel racks and a door.

14 comments:

Dani said...

Oh, I bet you can't wait to use this bathroom. Reckon that the tub and the stained glass create a stunning room - just love it :)

The Cranky said...

Huzzah for creative solutions! I can't wait to see the finished bathroom...with the start you have already it's sure to be brilliant.

daisy g said...

Your patience is paying off. Great job!

DFW said...

So close. It looks great. Still love that window!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Leigh, it's coming along nicely! and Yes, I also love the window...so pretty!

Renee Nefe said...

Glad that you got that part worked out (knew that you would!)

Looking forward to seeing the rest.

Woolly Bits said...

it always amazes me how these supposedly "smaller" jobs add up in time! sometimes I think it's easier to raise a whole roof than to install those fiddly things, where nothing seems to fit together:( but it looks like you're going to be able to have a nice bath soon:) you might need it to calm your nerves if Ziggy doesn't do something soon:) maybe we should all chant: Ziggy, Ziggy, Ziggy....

Su Ba said...

Great solution on the pipes! Congrads to the "plumber". And I know what you mean about the low-flush toilet. We used three different ones until we were steered to a model that actually worked right. Believe it or not, I love my toilet. If we ever move and can't find another like it, I want to take it with me.

Michelle said...

Woohoo!!! Almost done! I bet you can't wait to take a long, relaxing soak after a long day working outside. :-)

Susan said...

It's like fitting together a jigsaw puzzle! But it sure will look nice when you're done. I agree with Woolly Bits - ZigGY! ZigGY!

Sandy Livesay said...

Leigh,

Almost completely done! It really looks good my friend. Our low flow toilet is a pain, we have to use a bucket of water to flush the toilet if someone flushed the toilet 20 minutes earlier. We've tried to increase the water pressure, not possible. So we live with it until we move on to something else.

Mama Pea said...

Thanks for the update, Leigh. A lot of people would have given up on the whole project but you and Dan keep persevering until you figure it out. I think we all give you a lot of credit for that.

Donna OShaughnessy said...

Doors are overrated but the towel rack...gotta have it. You two are so inspiring. Keep it up. If you quit then I will and we got too much to get done here.

Leigh said...

My apologies to one and all for not replying to your comments, which I am always delighted to find. Lily kidded yesterday morning, so I was busy with non-computer things!