Fitting a bathroom suite yourself - how difficult?

_Andy_

Hi guys

Our ensuite needs replacing. We can't afford to buy a new suite AND pay to have it fitted, so I'm toying with the idea of fitting it myself.

Have any of you any experience with this, have you fitted a suite yourself? How difficult was it and how long did it take?

Did you follow a guide online, or was there a book which gave you a good idea of how to do it?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Skiduck

pretty easy if you are using the existing supplies and wastes.
It really depends on what type of toilet pan you have and what you are putting in. If it is a straight swap, it's a piece of cake. The basin is easier.
But beware of the build up of other people erm erm "waste" over the years when doing the toilet, if you are a bit squemish, get someone else to do it lol

twobob_2

Its easy, just use flexible connectors with built in shut-offs (but don't buy from B&Q as they are very expensive there). Any slight dimension difference in the basin/toilet can then be catered for.

Skid is right about removing the pan from the waste connection though, wear rubber gloves if your in any way squeemish, a plastic food bag & elastic band will seal the end of the waste until your ready to fit your new pan.

_Andy_

Cool, thanks guys. How long do you think I should allow to do this, for example how long for the bath, the basin, the WC, for each unit?
Thanks

jos22

As Skiduck says pretty easy. I can't solder so finished up using compression fittings, but the plastic pipework & fittings today seem just as good.
Try searching in google for "fitting a bathroom suite" and most DIY stores will be displayed with "project sheets" . This one http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/bathroom.htm is an example.
One tip, we all need to use the bathroom, so try to do one item at a time, ie bath, basin, toilet.

Skiduck

about a day, preparation is the key - go round the bathroom with your new suite in mind, look for what fittings you want - go to the merchant, ask if you can return excess fittings. Try and not do it on a weekend as you may struggle to get extra supplies. If you have to do it over the weekend, get enough for all eventuallities.
Push fit connections like speedfit are good, they do nice chrome flexible fittings like twobob said with isolating valves on. Make sure your heating/DHW is off if you turn your water off. Remember, you will need to keep the existing earth bond.
if you are fitting plastic connections to copper, make sure your copper pipe is de-burred, if you are using plastic pipe, don't forget the inserts/liners.