Need help with Roman tub drain

[Dann0]

All - I need some advice on how to handle a drain connection. I am starting a DIY remodel on an old roman tub (1970's) and need some advice and ideas on how best to connect a new freestanding acrylic tub to existing roman tub drain. I'm trying to minimize any demo work or digging into or messing with existing roman tub drain. My thought was to place a new freestanding tub into the existing roman tub cutout, directly on top of the tub floor without removing tile or changing shape of cutout. Tub seems to be tile on top of concrete base. And, several freestanding tubs I've found size wise will fit and allow me to do this. I would then build a sorta tub surround like platform (4" to 6" higher) on top of existing tub platform, tile it to give it a drop-in tub like look.

My question is what's easy way to connect new tub drain to the existing roman tub drain with out having to cut into tile or drain? Is there an easy way to do this with a kit, adapter, or something similar? Here's some pics of existing roman tub space. Any suggestions/advice is much appreciated!

 

[Riickk]

I've renovated a several houses and six apartments. In my experience it's never paid to kludge in a new item using materials from the old install. First it never looks right. Second, the old install has OLD materials, and some, such as the classic chrome-plated brass waste trap, that's probably under your Roman Tub, have a limited life. Trap installed in say 1979 is now 40 years old, how much longer do you think it will last?
--YMNSHO--

 

[Dann0]

Thanks Riickk. I do respect your opinion and experience. I'm trying to buy a few more years of mileage before we sink a major remodel on whole master bath (financial constraints limit us). We really just want to start using a new tub for some necessary reasons and want to make it a best effort for now since this tub has not really in much use today. So, still appreciate any suggestions/options to help us achieve that goal.

 

[plumbob61]

You're asking for trouble reusing a an old waste and overflow and they don't cost that much.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

What kind of freestanding tub are you looking to get? Have you reviewed the specs and install instructions?

 

[Helper Dave]

Where is the overflow on that tub? Is there one? If not, you'll need to bust things up to get that up to your new tub anyway.

And what's your plan for the water? That tub spout is way too low for adding another tub on top. You'll have to break things up to get access to all that, too.

The p-trap might be reusable, but you'd still have to break up tile around the drain to connect onto it. There's no way to drain into the old shoe.

Basically, there's more demo involved to do what you wanna do than you'd like, and I don't think there's a way around it.

 

[Dann0]

What kind of freestanding tub are you looking to get? Have you reviewed the specs and install instructions?

Looking at something similar to this. Dimensions will allow it to sit inside existing tub space; however just not sure how i would be able to connect the tub drain to existing drain avoiding having to cut into or replace existing drain embedded in the concrete. I'm assuming the drain pipe is cast iron given age of home and comment by plumber who helped clean drains year or so ago. I was hoping for a simple kit or drain adapter like approach between the two drains, if something of that nature exists.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vanity-...latbottom-Bathtub-in-White-VA6522-S/310165315

 

[Dann0]

Where is the overflow on that tub? Is there one? If not, you'll need to bust things up to get that up to your new tub anyway.

And what's your plan for the water? That tub spout is way too low for adding another tub on top. You'll have to break things up to get access to all that, too.

The p-trap might be reusable, but you'd still have to break up tile around the drain to connect onto it. There's no way to drain into the old shoe.

Basically, there's more demo involved to do what you wanna do than you'd like, and I don't think there's a way around it.

Does not have an overflow...would use integrated overflow on new freestanding tub. As for the tub spout/water...was going to build out wall in front of tub a little (little pony wall) and install new tub faucet/spout using pex type setup inside the pony wall and closer to the front of tub.