Tub install redo? Does the concrete need to be removed?

5 years ago

Our plumber installed a new tub and broke the flange in 3 places. We have a new tub ready to install and have found another new plumber that has been in business for over 30 years. So, now I need some information to make sure this plumber knows what he is doing. Last week, my neighbor was cursing and yelling at a plumber that he had fired, so at least I am not the only one who has problems finding contractors.

Jetta tubs says to set the tub in mortar. The previous plumber only wanted to set the tub in canned foam stuff, but Jetta's instructions says in bold print to NOT do that, so I told the plumber to follow the instructions. As you can see from the first picture, he did not put enough mortar on the back end of the tub. The tub was not sitting on the mortar at all.

1. Does the mortar need to be removed or can the plumber add more mortar on top of the dried mortar?

2. Are there any other questions that I should be asking? Is there anything else that I should watch for or ask the plumber to do? When the last plumber brought in a bucket of water and a bag of concrete, I assumed he would mix the mortar in the bucket. Wrong! He mixed it on my marble floor! It never occurred to me that someone would do that. Then, he left the mess and didn't clean it up and tracked footprints on my carpet and wood floor.

3. Should the hole in the concrete by the PVC be filled in or left open? I can see the dirt from the ground in the hole. Will this cause creepy crawlers to get inside my house? The wall behind the shower head is a hall Closet.

4. According to Jetta, in the picture below, the plywood and wood blocks should stay on the tub when it is installed in the mortar. (A layer of plastic goes on the wet mortar first before setting the tub on the plastic.)

So, I could use an expert's advice. Thanks.

Featured Answer

User

5 years ago

Yes. Remove and redo. The purpose of the mortar is to fit the individual tub and support it. Fill with water as its put in place. The weight keeps things aligned properly.

That mortar should be installed on a slipsheet, to make removal easier. That probably isn’t. But the future mortar should be.

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Comments (6)

millworkman
5 years ago
I would remove it and start over. 20 minutes with a hammer and that will be gone, its 30 bucks worth or mortar. Cheap insurance.
Peke thanked millworkman
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Peke
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks.

What is a slipsheet? Where can I find one?

I have to rely on the plumber to know what he is doing. It is not about the cost of the mortar. I paid $1700.00 for the first tub to be installed.

If he says to leave the concrete, then I will tell him to either remove the old concrete or go home.

As for running water in the tub, the last plumber said there was no way to run water since the faucet is not installed yet. I found out that is not true, but I don't know how he should do it.

So if he doesn't want to run water in the tub, tell him no thanks and go home.

Thanks, again. It is nice to have information when they tell me something that may or may not be true.
User
5 years ago
A slip sheet is a piece of 6 mil poly plastic or 30 lb tar paper laid on the subfloor so that the mortar moisture doesn’t get into the wood subfloor, or bond with a concrete one. It makes eventual removal easier. That’s key if you’re dealing with questionable labor.
Peke thanked User
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
Filling a tub with a hose and that doesn't have a drain connected doesn't sound like a good idea. Line the bottom of the tub with a furniture pad, cover that with plywood, and gently walk the tub into the mortar bed. It should be level when it's set.
Peke thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
Peke
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks to both. The tub company wanted a sheet of plastic set on the mortar before the first tub was installed. The plumber argued with me about it. He left and came back in a couple of days and did it. Good thing since he broke the tub flange. So that is the same concept, but between the mortar and the old concrete slab.

Joseph, when does the drain get connected? After the tub has been set in mortar?

Does the mortar need to dry a certain number of days before we can use the tub?

We have old blankets and some plywood. When he checks for level, that is only on the tub deck, right? The bottom of the tub will slope still.

Another week and the plumber will be here.....supposedly. This bathroom has been gutted for 14 months now. Now if I could just get an electrician to show up.