American Standard Elevate tubs and shower wall systems are designed for durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal in modern bathrooms. Whether you are a homeowner undertaking a bathroom renovation or a professional contractor installing a new fixture, understanding the installation process is essential to achieving optimal results. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the installation instructions for the American Standard Elevate 60x30 curved tub and the 2947BWT60.011 3-piece wall set, based on the information provided in the official installation manuals and user feedback.
This guide emphasizes the importance of preparing the installation site, ensuring compliance with local building codes, and following step-by-step procedures for assembling and securing the tub and wall components. It also highlights aftercare and maintenance practices to preserve the integrity of the installation over time.
Installation Preparation and Key Considerations
Before beginning the installation, it is crucial to understand the specifications of the American Standard Elevate system and ensure that the installation site meets the required conditions. The Elevate tub and wall systems are designed for standard alcove sizes, with nominal dimensions of 60 inches by 30 inches by 60 or 72 inches in height. However, due to variations in stud spacing and wall material thickness, it is strongly recommended to measure the installation area precisely before proceeding.
According to the installation manuals, the tub and wall systems should be installed in an area with adequate wall support. The tub and wall materials must be in place prior to installing the door, if applicable. Installers are advised to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, to prevent injury during the installation process.
Users should also inspect the product upon unboxing for any signs of damage or missing components. If any issues are identified, they should be reported immediately to American Standard customer care at 800-442-1902. The manufacturer encourages users to keep the installation manual for reference during and after the installation process.
The 2947BWT60.011 3-piece wall set is specifically designed to be used with the Elevate tub or shower base. If a different tub or base is used, additional hardware or tools may be required to complete the installation. It is also important to note that the wall set should be installed using non-abrasive cleaning materials to avoid scratching the surfaces.
Installation Tools and Materials
The installation process for the American Standard Elevate system requires a variety of tools and materials. While the exact list of tools may vary slightly depending on the specific installation, the following are commonly recommended:
- Level: Used to ensure that the tub and wall components are properly aligned and installed at the correct angle.
- Tape Measure: Essential for accurate measurements of the installation site and the components.
- Square: Used to verify right angles and ensure that the wall components are properly aligned.
- Metal Clips (x4): Included in the box, these clips are used to secure the wall panels to the surrounding structure.
- Protective Equipment: Including gloves and safety glasses, to prevent injury during the installation process.
The manuals also emphasize the importance of using non-abrasive cloths and materials during the installation to avoid scratching the surfaces of the tub and wall components. Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials should be avoided at all times, as they can damage the finish and reduce the lifespan of the product.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
The installation of the American Standard Elevate 60x30 curved tub and 2947BWT60.011 3-piece wall set involves a series of steps that must be followed carefully to ensure a successful and durable installation. While the exact procedure may vary slightly depending on the specific installation site, the following is a general outline of the process:
1. Measure and Prepare the Installation Site
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to measure the alcove to ensure that it meets the required dimensions. The 60x30 curved tub is designed for a standard alcove, but due to the curved design, depths up to 36 inches may also be used. The 2947BWT60.011 wall set is compatible with alcoves of 60x30x60, 60x30x72, or 48x30x72 inches. It is important to double-check the measurements to avoid any issues during the installation process.
The installation area should also be prepared by ensuring that the wall supports are in place and that the surface is clean and free of debris. If any modifications are required to accommodate the tub or wall components, they should be made before proceeding.
2. Assemble and Install the Tub
The curved tub should be carefully unpacked and placed in the installation site. The manufacturer recommends using a level to ensure that the tub is installed at the correct angle and that it is properly aligned with the surrounding structure.
The tub should be secured in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. In some cases, additional support may be required to ensure that the tub remains stable and secure over time. It is also important to ensure that the tub is properly sealed to prevent water leakage.
3. Install the Wall Set
The 2947BWT60.011 3-piece wall set should be installed after the tub is in place. The wall panels should be carefully placed around the tub and secured using the provided metal clips. The manufacturer recommends using a level and square to ensure that the wall panels are properly aligned and that they are installed at the correct angle.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the wall panels to the surrounding structure. In some cases, additional hardware or tools may be required to ensure that the wall set is properly installed and that it remains stable and secure over time.
4. Final Adjustments and Inspections
Once the tub and wall components are installed, it is important to make any final adjustments to ensure that everything is properly aligned and that the installation is secure. The manufacturer recommends using a level and square to check the alignment of the tub and wall components.
It is also important to inspect the installation for any signs of damage or improper alignment. If any issues are identified, they should be corrected before proceeding to the next step.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After the installation is complete, it is important to follow the manufacturer's aftercare and cleaning instructions to preserve the integrity of the product and ensure its longevity. The following are some key aftercare and maintenance practices that should be followed:
1. Cleaning the Tub and Wall Surfaces
The manufacturer recommends using warm soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the tub and wall surfaces. For stubborn stains, a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water can be used. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or solvents, as they can damage the surface and reduce the lifespan of the product.
The manufacturer also warns against using certain cleaning products, such as Lestoil®, Lysol® Disinfectant, Windex®, and other aerosol-based cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the tub and wall components. Users should always read the labels on cleaning products carefully before using them on the surfaces.
2. Avoiding Damage to the Surfaces
It is important to avoid using wire brushes, knives, or sharp objects to remove stains or other surface blemishes. These tools can scratch the surface and cause permanent damage. The manufacturer also recommends avoiding the use of nail polish remover, acetone, or other solvents, as they can cause discoloration and damage to the surface.
3. Warranty and Support
The American Standard Elevate tub and wall set come with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Users are encouraged to register their warranty and sign up for an idea-filled newsletter at americanstandard.com/warranty.
If users have questions or need assistance with the installation, they can contact American Standard customer care at 800-442-1902. The manufacturer also provides installation videos on their website and YouTube channel, which can be helpful for users who are undertaking the installation themselves.
Conclusion
The American Standard Elevate 60x30 curved tub and 2947BWT60.011 3-piece wall set offer a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution for modern bathrooms. The installation process requires careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. By following the manufacturer's instructions and using the recommended tools and materials, users can achieve a high-quality installation that meets the needs of their home or project.
Proper aftercare and maintenance are also essential to preserving the integrity of the product and ensuring its longevity. By following the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance guidelines, users can enjoy a clean, functional, and beautiful bathroom for years to come.
For additional support, users can contact American Standard customer care or access the manufacturer's online resources, including installation manuals, warranty information, and installation videos. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, the American Standard Elevate system provides a reliable and high-quality solution for modern bathroom installations.