Hey everyone, I have a situation with my bathtub installation that I'm feeling uneasy about. I've already got the tub in place and the drain installed, but I just learned that my Kohler acrylic tub requires a mortar bed for proper installation to avoid cracking. The problem is, my contractor insists that it's not necessary and says he's installed tons of bathtubs without it, offering me a good price in the process. Am I worrying too much about this, or should I stand my ground?
3 Answers
Honestly, it's better to be firm about this. Let your contractor know that you expect him to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and that you'll pay him only after he installs it correctly. If he seems reluctant, consider that a red flag. You want someone reliable who will stand by their work, especially with something so critical as waterproofing!
If the manufacturer states that a mortar bed is required, then you definitely need one. Skipping it could lead to problems like cracking down the line, and that's something you really want to avoid. Make sure your contractor knows that if he fails to follow the installation instructions, he might be on the hook for repairs later.
I had a similar situation where I didn't use a mortar bed, and my tub cracked. I was renting at the time, and it was a huge hassle. Don't rely on the contractor just because he's experienced—he might not be there years down the line when the tub starts to fail. If he won't budge, you might need to look into hiring someone else who will do it right.