What Plumbing Supplies Are Needed for a Tub & Shower?

Mortar

• You need mortar to mount an acrylic shower pan or an acrylic bathtub tub. While you may assume that you can simply install the tub on top of the frame, installation instructions for a tub or shower pan direct that the base be set on cementitious mortar to hold the tub in place as well as help support the weight of a human body.

Pipe Primer and Cement

• One of the mainstays in a plumber’s arsenal of tools and supplies is pipe cement. This is the binding element that holds the couplers together. Primer softens the male and female portions of the PVC couplers and pipes, while cement bonds the male/female sections together, creating a waterproof seal that will hold tight over the years and keep your tub’s plumbing from leaking.

Finish Plumbing

• Handles, faucets and the showerheads comprise the elements of finish plumbing. The most basic type of handle is a single-handle unit that can be turned to hot or cold, or you can opt for separate handles. They can come in a range of materials. Similarly, you can have a single showerhead, while the more expensive variants have multiple heads set at multiple heights to accessorize your shower.

Caulking

• After installing the tub, you apply silicone caulking around its perimeter areas to seal it against water penetrate its surround. The same principle applies for shower pans. Silicone caulking is recommended by most tub and shower manufacturers, but double-check your manufacturer’s instructions on this point.