DIY Network

Art Deco (2 of 4): Removing Old Plumbing and Backerboards From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-102

	This antiquated '70s-style bathroom ...
	with a leaky tub ...
	is converted into an Art Deco delight that gives the rest of the house a new lift.

Materials for the Plumbing --

Safety glasses
Work gloves
Screwdriver
Close quarter pipe cutter
Adjustable wrench
Channel lock pliers
Wire brush
Prybar
Teflon tape
Impulse nailer
Backerboards (green-treated plywood)
Hole saw
Drill
Fitting brush
Copper pipe
Torch MAPP gas
Spacer blocks
Wire brush
Teflon tape
Flux (soldering paste)

Materials for Tiling --

Tiles
Spacers
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun
Plastic spoon
Laser level
Tape measure
Mastic
V-notched 3/16" trowel
Wet saw
Pencil

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Removing Old Plumbing and Backerboards

1. Before you can reconfigure plumbing for a bathroom, you need to turn off the main water supply to the house -- not to the street.

2. Whenever you have a wet wall (which is a wall with plumbing) you will normally have an access panel on the opposite wall (figure A).

3. To cut the pipes use a special tool called a close quarter pipe cutter that is specifically for tight spots (figure B). Just keep turning it, tightening the wheel slightly after two rotations, until you cut through. Cut out approximately 12-inch sections -- just enough to get a wrench in there.

   Note: Don't over tighten the pipe cutter so you won't crimp the pipe.

4. Use an adjustable wrench and channel lock pliers (figure C) to separate the copper supply lines from the galvanized iron pipes.

5. Clean all the corrosion and tape off the galvanized pipes before you attach the shut-off valves. This will ensure a better seal.

6. Before you put on the shut-off valves, you need to put on some kind of pipe compound. There are several ways you can do that. Teflon tape was the procedure used on the show because it provides a good seal and prevents the shut-off valve from welding to the supply pipe. Wrap the tape on clockwise and go about three-quarters of the way down.

7. When you are installing the shut-off valves, you need to take note that there is a top and a bottom. Make sure the arrow is going up (figure D) -- that is the way the water flows through it.

8. With the valve shut-offs in place, you can turn on the water to the rest of the house. Remove the remainder of the old pipes, and the old backerboards.

9. Cut new backerboards to replace the old ones. On the show, they used backerboard made of three-quarter inch green-treated plywood so that it won't rot if it gets wet. Three pieces were needed for this project -- one to go where the tub spout is, one for the valve body, and another up top for the shower arm (figure E). There is no rule when it comes to the height for the fixtures, it depends on whatever feels right for the homeowner.

   Note: An impulse nailer secures the boards in place.

10. After the first piece of backerboard is installed where the tub spout is, nail cleats to the studs before you install the next piece.

    Note: Use screws for added strength.

11. Drill for the fixtures with a hole saw using a chalk line to make sure you're on center. Dry-fit the fixtures in place (figure F).

In the second segment, the shower is replumbed.

RESOURCES :

Lefroy Brooks USA Bathroom Products

Showerhead
Brand name: Edwardian 8 Rose and Arm Showerhead
Model #: LB1775
Color: Polished Chrome

Sink Faucet
Brand: Edwardian
Name: Mackintosh three hole with metal levers
Model #: ML1228
Color: Polished chrome

Concealed Thermo Valve
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: MK8706
Color: Polished chrome

Flow Control Valve with Lever
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: ML5001
Color: Polished chrome

Wall Mounted Tub Spout
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: MK2200
Color: Polished nickel
Where available: Visit the Lefroy website, link below.

Lefroy Brooks USA
Website: www.lefroybrooks.com

Wall and Shower Tile (American Olean)
Field tile: Martinique Ice White 3x6 (MT25)
Border tile: Gloss Black Chair Rail
Accent tile: Glassworks Aspen Mist 3x6 (GW01)

Floor Tile (American Olean)
Field: Chloe Satin White Pinwheel with Satin White 12x12 (CH01)
Inlay: Chloe Satin White Pinwheel with Gloss Black 12x12 (CH02)
Cove: Bright Gloss Black Cove Base 4x6 (49)

American Olean
Website: www.aotile.com

GUESTS :

Maxine Theusch
Showroom Manager
Rubble Tile
6001 Culligan Way
Minnetonka, MN 55346
Phone: 952-938-2599