DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi to all,

Just in the process of installing a new bath (freestanding slipper variety with recess for plumbing, not external feet - still to be chosen).

As I'm in a flat with concrete flooring and working with limited space (eaves an issue), I don't have the options to raise the bath with a plinth or chisel into the floor. The option I am currently considering is to use a Uniwaste Universal Waterless Trap (only 75mm approx. space taken with 115mm available. I would then drill into the side of the bath next to the wall (therefore hidden) to take the drainage out and join it up inside a boxed channel.

I asked a bloke in a plumbing showroom about doing this and he said that it would affect the bath's structural strength and it could break. I mentioned that the bath had levelling legs inside the recess which supported it so surely this wouldn't be an issue but he didn't seem to think this made a difference. We're talking about a single 40mm hole.

Before I spend a chunk of cash on a bath and drill a hole in it, I wondered if anyone else had any thoughts, please? I have searched the net but can only find info on drilling tap hole which isn't relevant.

All help and thoughts greatly appreciated.

Hi maxspencer,
If you are asking about the bath which has the sides extended downwards but the bath itself is supported on adjustable feet, there should not be an issue cutting a hole for the waste pipe. It is important that you drill a hole as high as possible, minimum size for the pipe and do not cut a mouse hole in the bottom of the skirt.
Regards S

Thanks @stoneyboy, that's exactly the answer I was hoping for. I had planned to do exactly what you advise in terms of keeping the hole as high as possible while ensuring I obtained the required drop in level. I'd never considered a 'mouse hole' and had to think what you meant for a second but it makes perfect sense.
A plumber on another site said that he had done exactly as I have planned (for a customer against the plumber's advice) and the customer had no problems after 7 years. I guess it's a small risk that the manufacturer certainly wouldn't accept responsibility for, but I think with extreme care and based on opinions received so far that I will be ok.
Many thanks for your input, it is much appreciated.