Bath Installation Fish Hoek | New Bathtub Fitting & Plumbing

About Bath Installation in Fish Hoek

Installing a bathtub involves much more than simply connecting a tap and drain. Proper bath installation requires precise levelling, secure support across the base, watertight connections at the waste and overflow, correct positioning of hot and cold supply lines, and if the bath is against a wall, effective sealing to prevent water from running behind the bath and causing hidden moisture damage.

At Abacas Solution, we install all bathtub types found in South African homes: standard built-in baths that sit in an alcove with tiled surrounds, freestanding baths that stand on legs or a plinth, corner baths designed for L-shaped or large bathrooms, and drop-in baths that sit within a tiled or marble surround. Each type has specific installation requirements for support, plumbing access, and waterproofing.

Built-in baths need a level, rigid base - we use sand-cement beds or adjustable bath legs to ensure even weight distribution across the entire base. Freestanding baths require floor-mounted or wall-mounted plumbing that looks clean and is accessible for maintenance. Corner baths are heavier and require additional structural support, especially on upper floors.

In Fish Hoek and the broader Western Cape, we frequently remove old steel or cast-iron baths that are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre out of tight bathrooms. We plan the removal and installation sequence carefully to avoid damaging door frames, tiles, and passageways.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under bathroom & kitchen plumbing in Fish Hoek. As part of our Fish Hoek plumbing team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Bath Installation in Fish Hoek - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Bath Installation

Call when you want to replace an old or damaged bath, when you are converting from a bath to a shower or vice versa, when you are renovating your bathroom and need a new bath fitted, when your bath waste or overflow is leaking underneath, or when you want to upgrade to a freestanding or corner bath.

Our Bath Installation Process

1

Measure & Plan

We measure your bathroom, confirm the new bath dimensions will fit, check floor strength (particularly for cast-iron or stone baths on upper floors), and plan the plumbing route for supply and waste connections.

2

Remove Old Bath

We disconnect and remove the old bath, inspect the waste pipe and flooring underneath for damage or rot, and prepare the space for the new installation. Old cast-iron baths may need to be cut for removal from tight spaces.

3

Install New Bath

We set the bath on a level support (sand-cement bed, adjustable legs, or cradle), connect the waste and overflow assembly, run hot and cold supply pipes to the tap position, and seal the bath to the wall with a waterproof strip or silicone bead.

4

Fill Test & Finish

We fill the bath completely, check for leaks at the waste, overflow, and tap connections under full water weight, verify the bath drains completely without pooling, and apply final sealant. We then clean the work area and remove all packaging and the old bath.

Many homeowners in Fish Hoek who need bath installation also require basin installation in Fish Hoek and shower installation & repair. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

A full bathtub with an adult inside can weigh 300-400kg. The floor must be structurally adequate, especially on upper storeys. Freestanding cast-iron baths can weigh 120kg+ empty and require floor reinforcement in some older homes. Waterproofing between the bath and wall is critical - water seeping behind the bath causes concealed timber rot and mould growth that may not become apparent for months. We always test under full water weight because connections can hold under empty conditions but leak when the bath is loaded.

Bath Installation Cost in Fish Hoek

Bath installation labour ranges from R800-R2,000 depending on bath type and access. Standard built-in bath fitting costs R800-R1,200. Freestanding bath installation costs R1,000-R1,800 due to exposed plumbing requirements. Corner bath installation ranges from R1,200-R2,000. Removing an old bath costs R300-R600 depending on weight and access. If the waste pipe or supply lines need modifying, add R400-R1,000. Sand-cement base preparation adds R300-R500. The bath itself varies widely - acrylic baths from R1,500, steel from R2,000, and cast-iron or stone from R8,000-R30,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does bath installation cost in Fish Hoek?

Labour for installing a standard built-in bath in Fish Hoek is R800-R1,200 including waste and supply connections. Freestanding baths cost R1,000-R1,800 for installation due to exposed plumbing work. Old bath removal is R300-R600 extra. The bath itself is priced separately, starting from around R1,500 for an acrylic tub. We provide a complete quote after measuring your bathroom.

Can you install a freestanding bath in a small bathroom?

Freestanding baths need clear space around them and floor-accessible plumbing. We need at least 100mm clearance on each side for cleaning access. If your bathroom is compact, a built-in bath or a smaller freestanding tub might work better. We can assess your space and advise on the best options during a site visit.

How long does a bath installation take?

Removing an old bath and installing a new built-in bath typically takes 3-5 hours. Freestanding bath installations take 2-4 hours if plumbing connections are already in position. If pipe modifications are needed, add 2-3 hours. We complete most bath installations in a single day.

Do I need to waterproof around a new bath?

Yes. The joint between the bath and wall must be sealed properly to prevent water from seeping behind the bath. We use a combination of waterproof tape or membrane at the joint and a quality silicone sealant on the visible edge. This prevents hidden moisture damage, mould growth, and potential structural issues in the long term.