Plumbing Demolition: Chapter 2
Demolition of a Tub and Shower
By the end of this module, you should be able to describe demolishing or removing a Tub and shower. Skip to quiz!
Preparation
Before demolition, if the building was constructed before 1978, take a sample of bathroom walls. Get the sample tested in a lab for lead. If the wall contains lead, contain the area with plastic and use a mask during demolition.
Remove the tiles and wallboards around the tub. Tape a plastic sheet around the registers, doors, and vents to keep the dust from dirtying the rest of the home.
Locate the access panel for the supply line and turn off the water supply line. If a dedicated line is unavailable, turn off the main supply line. Open the faucet to drain the shower.
Using a drywall saw, cut the drywall surrounding the tub carefully to about 6 to 8 inches in height. Avoid cutting into the wood studs. The screws hold the tub to the wall studs.
Find the screws holding the tub to the wall studs and unscrew them. Cut through the caulk between the tub and the floor using a utility knife. Pull out the tub a few inches from the wall.
If the tub is easily removed, dispose of the tub into the dumpster you have outside the house. If it is difficult to remove, you may cut the tub into two pieces for ease. After removing the tub, dispose of the tub in the dumpster.
The proper procedure to demolish a tub and shower is as follows:
Remove the tiles and wallboard around the tub,
Cover registers, doors, and vents,
Turn off the water supply line,
Drain the water,
Cut the drywall surrounding the tub,
Unscrew the screws holding the tub to the wall studs,
Cut through the caulk between the tub and the floor,
Pull the tub a few inches from the wall, and
Dispose of the tub.
Demolition of Kitchen Plumbing
By the end of this module, you should be able to describe demolishing or removing the kitchen plumbing. Skip to quiz!
Preparation
Review the electrical breaker panel. Locate the circuit for the kitchen using a circuit map provided on the panel. Turn off the power supply to the kitchen.
Locate the water supply line under the sink inside the cabinet. Turn off the water supply. Disconnect the drain and trap located under the sink.
Drain the water from the trap into the bucket. If a gas operating appliance exists, turn off the gas shut-off valve located behind the appliance. Be careful while moving the gas appliances so you don’t puncture the gas lines.
Use channel lock pliers to loosen the compression nut on the garbage disposal. Then, remove the retaining ring to remove the garbage disposal.
Remove the clips holding the sink to the countertop on the underside. Cut through the caulk on the edges of the sink and counter. Use a pry bar and wedges to ease the sink out of the countertop.
Turn off the power at the breaker panel. Locate the circuit for the dishwasher using a circuit map provided on the panel. Disconnect the drain line from the dishwasher or where it tees into the sink drain.
Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Remove the front cover from the bottom of the dishwasher. Disconnect the water supply to the dishwasher.
Locate the electrical box and open it. Use a voltmeter to confirm that the power is turned off. Remove the wire nut and disconnect the wires.
Open the door to the dishwasher. Remove the screws from the underside of the countertop. Carefully pull out the dishwasher.
The proper procedure to demolish kitchen plumbing is as follows:
Remove the garbage disposal,
Remove the kitchen sink, and
Remove the dishwasher.
Question #1: For which element should you test the sample of the wall?
Tin
Mercury
Lead
Sodium
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Lead
Take a sample of walls and get it tested in a lab for lead.
Question #2: Where is the water supply to the kitchen sink located?
In the basement
Under the sink
Inside the cabinet
Behind the wall
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Under the sink and Inside the cabinet
The water supply to the kitchen sink is located under the sink inside the cabinet.
Question #3: Which of these tools can be used to remove the garbage disposal retaining ring?
Adjustable Wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Portable drill
Hack saw
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Channel-lock pliers
Channel-lock pliers can be used to remove the garbage disposal retaining ring.