How to Fit a Bathroom

Planning and Ordering

Measure the bathroom carefully. Draw to scale and plan positions of each item (bath, toilet, basin, shower). Order all materials before starting — delays are costly when the bathroom is out of use. Standard UK bathroom waste positions are largely fixed, so changing positions involves significant extra plumbing.

Step 1 — Remove the Old Suite

Turn off the water supply at the isolation valves or mains stopcock. Disconnect and remove in order: basin, toilet (drain the cistern), bath (drain any remaining water). Remove old tiles if retiling. Make good any wall plaster damage before proceeding.

Step 2 — Fit the Bath

Position the bath and adjust feet for level. Fit the tap and waste before positioning permanently. Connect waste trap and overflow pipe to waste. Connect hot and cold supply using flexible tap connectors. Fit the bath panel after tiling around the edge.

Step 3 — Fit the Toilet

Place the toilet pan over the soil pipe connector. Fix to the floor with stainless steel screws and plastic plugs (silicon seal under the base). Connect the cistern to the cold water supply. Flush several times and check all connections for leaks.

Step 4 — Fit the Basin

Fix the pedestal or brackets for a wall-hung basin. Fit basin taps and waste before mounting. Connect hot and cold flexible supplies. Connect waste trap to waste pipe. Seal around the back of the basin with silicone.

Step 5 — Tile and Seal

Tile the walls after the suite is fitted. Apply waterproof silicone sealant along all junctions between the suite and tiles — never grout these joints as they need to flex. Seal around the bath, shower tray, and basin carefully with a smooth bead of silicone.