Plumbing often involves repairing and replacing local equipment. The simplest cosmetic measures involve faucets, fittings, connectors and other small-format fittings. As part of the overhaul, it may also be necessary to update the basic large-sized equipment. The most difficult procedure in this part is the dismantling of the bath, since it is conditioned both by preparation for working with a large load, and by the need to competently disconnect from communication drives.
Preparatory work
At this stage, the main goal is to remove obstacles that may interfere with the main part of the dismantling work. Preparation should begin with the removal of furniture and accessories from the room. These can be hygiene items, shelves, cleaning equipment and smaller equipment, which is also planned to be replaced. If possible, at the same stage, engineering connections should be disconnected. If the plumbing channels connect the bath and the toilet, then you can not do without uninstalling the latter. It is important to remember that replacing a bathtub will involve risks of damage to the cladding materials. Therefore, it is worth considering protective coatings for tiles or otherdecorative surfaces that are in close proximity to the working area. You should also prepare the doorway for the subsequent removal of the bath. Sometimes this also requires the dismantling of the box with the canvas.
Dismantling sequence
The whole process can be divided into two stages: the direct disconnection of the bathtub from the plumbing connections and the physical removal of the structure. The first part involves the separation of the channels that provide protection against overflow, as well as the siphon. Initially, access to these areas should be provided to facilitate work operations. The easiest way to disconnect is with modern plastic pipes - for this it is enough to arm yourself with a key of a suitable size and unwind the mounting hardware. Problems can arise when dismantling the old metal eyeliner. If the usual disconnection scheme does not work due to dilapidated communications, then it is quite possible to resort to cutting the pipe - in the future it will still be advisable to switch to the same PVC pipes instead of metal. Next is the physical dismantling of the bath, which will require the participation of several people. The mass of the structure can reach 100-150 kg, so this operation cannot be done without outside help. Typically, bathtubs are held on concrete, brick or plastic supports without the need to remove complex fasteners - the main obstacle will be the mating of the edges of the bathtub with the adjacent cladding. The structure must be delicately lifted and carried out into a previously released or evenextended doorway.
Nuances of working with legs
Old Soviet designs are distinguished by the presence of legs holding the tub. This solution is also found in some new models of bathtubs, but in a more civil form in terms of installation. Separate old modifications in this sense cause problems due to capital integration into the floor. That is, additional dismantling operations associated with the elimination of this fastener may be required. For such work, grinders are used. The lower part of the legs is cut out with an angle grinder if another method of dismantling is not possible. But it is best to remove the old bathtub by completely dismantling the holders embedded in the floor. This may require work with the destruction of the foundation arranged under the bath in the form of a screed. This will release the legs, for example, if they were filled with concrete.
Dismantling the steel bath in a destructive way
This is the least desirable, but in some cases the only possible way to dismantle the bath. It is used in cases where the one-piece structure does not pass through the doorway, or if, due to the inaccessibility to the lower fasteners, it is not possible to uninstall the same legs. In any case, communications should be disconnected by this point. Direct dismantling of the bath is carried out by the same angle grinder with a nozzle for cutting metal. Cutting is carried out with a minimum number of parts so that they can pass through the doorway. Depending on the instrument model,the possibility of instant collection of dust by a vacuum cleaner integrated into the design should also be provided. This will minimize the scattering of fine metal dust during the cutting process.
Features of the dismantling of cast iron structures
Cast-iron structures are often destroyed due to the fact that they have long lost their relevance and are not reused. And the destruction into small parts further simplifies the process of export. But unlike a steel bath, cast-iron analogues are quite amenable to the mechanical action of a sledgehammer. This metal, although durable, is brittle and cracks under sufficient load. In addition to a sledgehammer, you can also use scrap. The destructive dismantling of the cast-iron bath is carried out in protective gloves, a mask and an apron - this will eliminate the risk of injury from flying fragments. Other sensitive plumbing equipment should also be protected. The main thing is that the surrounding areas are not affected. You can initially carefully detach the structure from the tile at the junction. True, strong vibrations in this case can damage the tile.
How is bathtub removal organized?
If dismantling in a destructive way can be done independently if you have the skills to handle the above tool, then it is advisable to entrust the removal to specialized companies. Today, there are many companies that quickly, carefully and safely carry out such events. They also dismantle the bathtub using professional techniques, so you cancount on the full cycle of work. With regard to export, the dismantled bath or its parts are packed on site in an insulating protective material, after which it is taken out of the apartment and further to the location of the transport. Typically, such work is carried out by teams of 4-5 people.
Cost of dismantling and removal services
Depending on the complexity, dismantling activities can cost about 2-3 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on the conditions of the operation, and on the characteristics of the structure. The requirements for maintaining the appearance also determine how much it will cost to remove the bathtub. The price for work with a guarantee of integrity is usually 500-100 rubles. more, that is, 2.5 thousand on average.
Slightly different and export rates. Although such services also depend on the conditions of the event and the distance of transportation, on average they fit into the same 3 thousand. By the way, representatives of metalworking enterprises also carry out the removal of bathtubs. In this case, you can also count on the service being free of charge, provided that the owner refuses the dismantled product.
Conclusion
Even during the planning of dismantling, it is important to calculate how the vacated space will be equipped. In particular, the possibility of eliminating external communications and the adjacent lining zone depends on this. If the replacement of the bathtub is complemented by a complete renovation of the premises with engineering infrastructure, this will greatly facilitate the work. In that case, you don't have toisolate decorative coatings and additionally protect protruding sewer pipes. Experts recommend, especially in the case of the removal of old bathtubs, to completely renew the plumbing.
