Bathtub installation: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering bathtub installation

Tub installs fail at the drain, the overflow, and the floor, and all three are hidden once the tub is set. Check the floor, set the drain right, and test with water before the walls close.

What customers ask

  • Will this tub fit through my door?
  • Is my floor strong enough for a full tub?
  • Why is the tub draining slowly after install?
  • Can you keep the old drain?
  • Who installs the tile around the tub?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the tub type and size, the access route, the floor type, and whether the old tub leaks or the overflow is damaged.
  • Bring an overflow kit, a drain kit, a trap, gaskets, a waterproof membrane, and a test plug to the first visit.
  • Check the subfloor and framing once the old tub is out, and show the customer the condition before setting the new tub.
  • Set the tub level on a solid base, and check the drain fit before the walls are started.
  • Quote the tub, the drain and overflow, the faucet, the waterproofing and the finish as separate lines.
  • Fill the tub and run the drain and overflow under water, and check the wall and floor for leaks before you leave.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of a tub install before the walls close, showing the drain, overflow and membrane
  • List the tub types you install, such as alcove, drop-in and freestanding
  • Note the access and delivery work you do for large tubs
  • Show a before and after of a tub set on repaired framing

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a check of the drain and overflow after the first week of use
  • Recommend a caulk check at the tub edge at a set interval
  • Suggest a valve and faucet check if the old valve is being reused

Licenses and permits

Bathtub installation's plumbing portion is commonly done by licensed plumbers, and framing, waterproofing and tile may need other licensed or trained trades. Confirm the requirements with your state or local licensing agency before you take the work.

Questions

What do I say when the customer wants to skip the water test?

Explain that the test is the only way to catch a drain or overflow leak before the walls are closed. Show the test as part of the job and do not close the walls until it is done.

How do I handle a freestanding tub on a floor that needs framing?

Stop and show the framing. Quote the framing repair separately, and do not set the tub until the floor is rated for the load.

What should I tell a customer whose old overflow is cracked?

Show the crack and explain that the overflow is hidden. Recommend replacing it while the tub is out, and put the part in the quote.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

More plumbing guides for pros

Start here

About this guide

Get bathtub installation requests

Customers pick you by name. Signup is free, and you pay only for leads you accept.

Join as a pro
Sign up free