Replacing a tired tub with a new soaking, garden, or alcove model is one of the fastest ways to refresh a bathroom—and boost resale value. Yet the search phrase “how to install bathtub” proves that DIY videos rarely cover hidden framing, drainage, or cost overruns. At CountBricks, we install hundreds of tubs each year across diverse residential layouts. Below we share our proven process, the common pitfalls, and where our AI-driven estimates save time and budget.
1. Confirm rough opening dimensions and subfloor load rating.
2. Select the correct style—acrylic alcove, cast-iron drop-in, or freestanding—based on family needs and structural limits.
3. Generate a CountBricks.com/services AI takeoff to calculate material quantities, fixture allowances, and local labor rates in seconds.
Pro Tip: CountBricks’ voice-to-estimate tool records jobsite walkthroughs and instantly produces a line-item bathtub install quote—no clipboards, no math mistakes.
1. Shut off water supply and demo existing fixture with dust control measures.
2. Inspect framing, joists, and drain lines; repair or sister studs as needed.
3. Dry-fit new tub, marking ledge height and overflow alignment.
4. Set ledger board and apply self-leveling mortar bed to distribute weight.
5. Lower tub into place, checking level on all axes.
6. Secure flange to studs with galvanized roofing nails or approved screws.
7. Connect drain kit, overflow, and supply lines; pressure-test for leaks.
8. Install cement board, waterproofing membrane, and preferred tile or solid-surface surround.
9. Finish with silicone sealant, trim, and a final CountBricks quality walk.
• Forgetting to upsize p-trap for soaking tubs, causing slow drains
• Omitting mortar bed, leading to squeaks or cracking gelcoat
• Over-tightening supply connections on acrylic shells
• Misaligning overflow height, a code violation flagged during inspection
Prices on tubs, valves, and waterproofing fluctuate weekly. CountBricks syncs with regional suppliers so our estimates auto-refresh daily. The homeowner sees transparent cost history, and our crews arrive with exactly what the project requires—zero “back-to-the-store” delays.
• 60" alcove acrylic tub: $385.42
• Rapid-fit ABS drain kit: $63.15
• 50 lb mortar and moisture barrier: $41.08
• Labor—demo, install, finish: 14.7 hrs @ $68.50/hr = $1,007.00
• Disposal and cleanup: $95.00
Total Projected Cost: $1,591.65*
*Numbers auto-generated by CountBricks AI from current Anchorage, AK data and update hourly.
Anchorage residential code demands anti-scald protection and 2" minimum drain lines for tubs over 60 gallons. CountBricks field teams follow our digital compliance checklist, uploaded to the project cloud folder. Inspectors appreciate the documentation, and homeowners enjoy peace of mind.
• File permit applications through CountBricks.com/consultation to avoid clerical delays
• Photograph rough plumbing before closing walls
• Use UPC-listed drains with integrated test plugs
• Label shut-off valves clearly for inspector review
• Provide manufacturer spec sheet with water-usage data
Homeowners often underestimate the weight of a cast-iron tub (up to 500 lbs empty) and the precision required for a watertight surround. CountBricks crews bring lifting straps, laser levels, and years of repetition. More importantly, our AI platform shaves a full day off the typical installation timeline by coordinating purchasing, delivery, and crew scheduling in one dashboard.
After receiving three vague quotes, the Larsen family contacted CountBricks. Using our voice-to-estimate app, we scoped the project during a 15-minute call. The AI takeoff surfaced a hidden joist issue under their old fiberglass unit. We reinforced framing, installed a cast-iron slipper tub, and tiled a subway surround—all within the original two-day window. Their review on CountBricks.com/portfolio praises the “no-surprises invoice” and “spa-level finish.”
Ready to move from Googling “how to install bathtub” to enjoying a pristine new fixture? Schedule a virtual walk-through at CountBricks.com/consultation. Our system will generate your personalized estimate before the call ends, locking in today’s material pricing and crew availability.
Many homeowners discover that once a new bathtub is in place, aging surrounds, faucets, or floors look dated. CountBricks offers bundled bathroom packages that combine our bathtub install workflow with complementary upgrades.
• Tub + Tile Refresh: New alcove tub, cement board, waterproofing, and up to 70 sq ft of tile installed. Saves 8% compared to separate bookings thanks to streamlined crew scheduling.
• Soaker Suite: Freestanding tub, floor-mount filler, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. AI estimation adjusts for structural reinforcement and delivers transparent, up-front pricing.
• Complete Spa Conversion: Cast-iron slipper tub, frameless glass panel, rain shower, and LED niche lighting. Includes 3D render generated from CountBricks blueprint takeoff so you can preview finishes before materials are ordered.
1. The mobile voice app records your design goals while you walk the space.
2. CountBricks algorithms map your words to tasks, quantities, and labor codes, producing a live estimate in minutes.
3. As suppliers update costs, our system alerts you if pricing shifts more than 2%. Approve, decline, or swap materials instantly.
The Nguyen family combined our Tub + Tile Refresh with a vanity replacement. The AI flagged that moving the drain 3" would require concrete coring; we suggested a center-drain tub instead, saving $450 and a day of labor. The finished bathroom came in 4% under budget and one day ahead of schedule—documented at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
Whether you need a straightforward tub swap or a total spa makeover, CountBricks has the expertise, technology, and crew capacity to deliver. Visit CountBricks.com/services to explore bundle pricing or book a free virtual consultation today.
