How to Level Your New Bathtub

You can increase the value of your home by renovating your bathroom. You can replace a dated, discolored, or damaged bathtub with a new one as part of the renovation. In order to prevent water from falling off the side of the tub onto the floor, and to prevent the tub from moving when you sit inside it, it is imperative that you ensure the tub is level prior to installation. Most standard tubs can be leveled with shims, but larger tubs will level best in mortar.

Mortar

1. 1.Make note of the distance between the base of the tub and the bottom of the side flanges. In the case of mortar installation, the legs will be concealed, so this method of leveling is most suitable for tubs without decorative legs.
2. 2.Measure the dimensions of the tub base. Create an outline of the tub base on the floor where you plan to install the tub.
3. 3.Allow thinset mortar to thicken for several minutes after mixing it with water. Use a trowel to apply it to the marked area. Just keep adding mortar until it’s an inch deeper than the legs or the height difference between the tub base and the flanges.
4. 4.Just push the tub down until it’s touching the floor, then place it on top of the mortar.
5. 5.Make sure the tub is level by placing a level on one side, and pushing down if needed. Repeat with the remaining three sides of the tub. Ensure that all four sides are level.
6. 6.Remove any mortar that has squeezed from underneath the tub with a trowel for large quantities and a damp rag for small amounts. Before the mortar dries, thoroughly clean the floor and the exterior of the tub to avoid having to remove dried mortar later.
7. 7.Allow the mortar to dry at least 24 hours.

Shims

1. 1.A level should be placed on one of the long sides of the tub. It is helpful if you have a helper lift the tub, allowing you to place shims under the legs or at the point where the base touches the floor. Shims should be metal or hardwood; plastic or softwood shims can compress with the weight of water and people.
2. 2.Lower the tub and check the level at the back. If necessary, add shims to level the tub. Repeat on the remaining two sides.
3. 3.Make sure each side is level. Secure the shims in place with silicone caulk after lifting the tub a final time. Using a utility knife, cut the end off the caulk tube and squeeze the caulk onto the bottom of the shim. Allow excess caulk to seep out the edges, then press the shim in place.
4. 4.Repeat the process with the remaining shims. Install the tub by covering the tops of the shims with caulk. Before the caulk dries, retest the level so you can move it and add more shims.
5. 5.Wait until the caulk dries overnight.