Steel Stock Tank / Water Trough Bathtub Install

[@jonnytacoma]

After reading the replies with all your amazing patience and great ability to go out of your way to answer questions I'd hire you in a hot minute as a contractor or a therapist!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Doing what I can!!! Thank you for the kind words!! I figure if I help one person on their project the video is a success!! 🙏🏻

[@AndersonAlleyStyle]

Nothing a little river rock can't fix! Love it! Such a great tub idea!

[@rjr1954]

I did a tub like that what i did was made a 3/4 plywood base for tub cut to match bottom of stock tank then cut hole in plywood first with a 4 inch hole in plywood then glued plywood to bottom , after that then cut 2 inch hole in tub , after that took a 2 1/2 heavy steel washer on inside then put a large piece of steel on there side with bolt and pulled and tightened to form slope for drain . found need a good thick base for tub so has support

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Rod, the solid plywood base is a great idea for sure!! There is definitely a bit of movement with ours, and that would have most likely solved that issue. Thanks for watching and for sharing the info so hopefully it will help someone trying this install!!

[@BrockGrimes]

Cut an over sized hole in a piece of wood, bigger than your drain flange. Set the tank over the hole, use PVC pipe with a rounded end cap, tap it with a deadblow hammer it'll push the metal down into the wood hole form below forming a dimple. Works perfect for all kinda of metal moving. FYI the softball/baseball could be used in place of the pvc.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That’s good advice! Thanks for sharing it hopefully some others will see this in the comments! 💪🏻

[@pampeden3474]

I know this was a long time ago but thanks I am trying to figure out stuff for my build of my place so thank you

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you so much for the comment! And I’m glad the video helped you out! Thank you for choosing to check out the video and again for the feedback 🙏🏻

[@selenamack1633]

Thanks!!! working on a tiny house for my son to come live in. I really needed these instructions.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

So glad the video helped out! Good luck with your build!

[@thepaintedstonecottage]

Love this, I was trying to figure out how I was gonna get it to drain properly too and found your video. Sometimes you have to go mid-evil on things. Thank you so much.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Heck yeah!!! Sometimes a rock just does the best work. 💪🏻 Thanks for the support!

[@BrendaC-cf7td]

Hi it's so nice to see someone that says. I don't have all 5he answer's but let's try this! Great job!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey thank you! I figure as long as I keep trying things eventually something will work. Thanks for watching!

[@IBEW44]

U pol spray in bed liner works real good in that tank. Build a cherry wood little seat in it.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That’s an awesome idea!

[@426superbee4]

Now that is hillbilly 👍👍 I got mine at the back door on the patio. where i can slip in and out of it. Plus drain it on my lawn. Every 5 days or so

[@tango2paris]

This is the exact problem my contractor was running into doing my build. I think he gave up so, I'm going to channel my daddy and give it a shot.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I hope your install went well (or good luck if you haven’t started yet!) I hope the video helped you out in some way!

[@ambergordon9583]

Great video. Thank you for sharing! I'm ready to put mine in tomorrow. I definitely appreciate the idea on getting the opening sloped with a covered rock. Keep up the good work and thank you again!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you for watching!! I wish I could’ve shown more from when we did the remodel to help out more. Let me know how yours turns out and I’m glad that we could help at all!!

[@DanaLigginsPennington]

​@@TheToughGuysTVpqpq1q11😊11q

[@PrimateSoul]

The rounding the drain is what I needed to know thank you! A body work metal dolly is what should work as the rock did

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Very true!! Glad it helped you out at least a little bit! Thanks for watching 💪🏻

[@musicismyanodyne]

Perfect instruction! Need to do this at my mountain cabin...tank is on its way to me but I had no idea how to turn it into my tub/shower. Thanks SO much for this, excellent instruction and love that rock. :)

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm slow to respond at times on here, but I truly appreciate it! I wish I had detailed my original install as well, but it pre-dated my KZbin "career" lol.. Anyways, good luck with your install and circle back to share if you uncover any helpful tips!

[@tobiasmaier2884]

Can’t believe that rock thing worked. Goes to show you creativity is always the right tool for the job.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

You’re so right!! Gotta make it work! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! 💪🏻

[@The-Grateful-Hippie]

I'm preparing to build a rustic wash stand sink for my studio. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hope the video helps out with your build! Wish I had shown more of the process - thanks for checking out the video!

[@juanitadowling3050]

GREAT, AWESOME VIDEO, wish I had know about the water trough as a bath tub before I spent a fortune on a very small shower stall with zero room.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much!! It’s an odd project but definitely worth it if you can get it done! Thanks for watching!

[@terkfranks1538]

For the drain indent - what about using PVC pipe... you could use a couple different sizes (inside one another) and then have one on top you could hit with rubber mallet and have a perfect recessed drain hole (without messing anything up) ... looks good though ✌

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Good idea for the PVC! Thanks for sharing that! 💪🏻

[@danielletabone3193]

Thanks so much! This was exactly what I needed to see and now I'm going to finally get a deep tub. I have a tiled standing shower now and I have wanted a deep tub for a long time. I will post my pics as I go. Thanks again!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Awesome!! So glad you liked the video and it was able to help you out!! Good luck on your build as well 💪🏻

[@CathAlexandra]

Awesome! Getting ready to do the same! Helpful.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for watching Rose and good luck on your project!

[@Crafting_Through_Life]

Thanks so much for this video. We are building a shipping container house but currently staying in a couple of fema tow behind trailers and I can’t stand the stand up shower in ours. We wanted to give this a try so I can at least have a tub to soak in for my rheumatoid arthritis and we know we will need to insulate it but wasn’t sure how well it would work in a smaller space and drainage wise. We’re definitely going with it ASAP especially now that winter is coming. We’re also going to hook up a gas hot water heater instead of the tiny 5 gallon electric heater that only gives you about 8 minutes if you’re super fast of hot water. lol. I hate it.

[@chriscassner9550]

Thanks for sharing your "take 2" on the bathtub install. I am leaning towards doing something similar in our house with a round 4 foot tank. I've been looking up all the information I can find, and your video is by far the best. Thanks so much for sharing and answering ALL those comment/questions below. I am thinking that if the inside of the tub is coated in Flex Seal, that might be the ticket. Perhaps the creation of a pitch with the liquid Flex Seal would be possible before install and drain installation. It might also allow me to create some type of texture for a more sure footing too. Plus is comes in all different colors now. I'm still researching all this "maybe" stuff. If I don't chicken out, I'll be back to relay what happened! :) Thanks again.

[@--MOONCAT--]

Chris Cassner hey Chris, great idea about the flex seal. I was thinking of trying that myself. The hubs and I just got a 6 footer to make a soaking tub. Please tag me and let us know if you do that and how it works.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Flex Seal might be the way to go right there!! Thanks for the comment and for watching - I really appreciate you sharing your ideas!! 💪🏻

[@barbaramurphy6448]

Has anyone tried coating the interior of the tub with Flex Seal since this comment was made. We are doing a 5 foot soaker tub and we would like to know before we try it. It would make it leakproof and slip resistent I would think but if it doesn't hold up, it is costly and time taking mistake. What kind of stuff is the manufacture using on their seams. That seems tough enough.

[@chriscassner9550]

​@@barbaramurphy6448 I haven't yet. If I do, I'll post! :)

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I’d say buy a small piece of galv steel and test the flex seal on it to see if it adheres. Maybe buy a few and test different prep processes. You could buy one sheet of galv steel roof paneling like I used on the walls in our bath and cut it into strips to test it. Good luck!

[@eightysixsquarefeet]

Awesome Tub idea!!Perfect Install Vid! Thanks for sharing this, the hole & rock idea, genius....we just purchased a smaller one for shower use for our van build. (But, Jay has now decided on a traditional square 24"x24" shower base.) It's true as U build the floorplans change.🥴

[@TheToughGuysTV]

THANK YOU!!!!!! Glad you loved it! I hope it helped you in some way - and good luck with your project! Do share anything you encounter here, hoping to help as many people as I can! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@jerryrick9030]

I can barely put the lid back on the milk without taking a few extra turns, but this man has the ingenuity to make such awesome things.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Bryan, thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!!! I really appreciate the kind words!! 💪🏻🤘🏻

[@jordanpayne7249]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

As long as you’ve got it going now that’s all that matters! Good luck!

[@heidisallows4588]

I Should have watched this before I tried to install the same thing but bigger in my RV… Now I know… So looks like I’ll be ripping my drain out and putting that kind in that looks great man…

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks!! I’m glad the video helped you out and good luck with the next install you try!

[@JaneGray-d7j]

Loved this video. If you read this, would love to know what you would do to install non-permanent? I don't want to hook it up to the drain permanently as I may be selling the house. I had the bathroom remodeled and took out the tub and I miss having a tub. Instead of the drain with threads to the drainpipe below as you did, what could I use that would cover the sharp edge of the drain and allow me to stick a plug for a bath and keep my toes safe from sharp edges if I were to leave the stock tank in there temporarily, for a shower? Thanks! I admire the rock with the tshirt. I just love ingenuity!

[@alanday5255]

A Rubber Mallet and softball works great.

[@lousassle2327]

Doing this in a school bus. Thanks

[@christyperez94]

Me too !!!😂❤

[@skrodgers68ify]

That's what I was talking about. A hard ball base ball. It's the right size and won't Marr the trough..😀

[@tiffytoo]

Genius lol I love how it turned out. I'm so excited about possibly installing me a tub hehe

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Tiffany, thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!!! 😬😬 I hope your install goes great if you do decide to give it a try! 🔨🔨

[@kememerzian818]

Just getting ready to do this myself. Thank you so much for the great info!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey that’s great to hear! Thanks for watching and for subscribing as well. There was so much more from the first time around I wish I would have been able to show. The platform I built underneath to give the tub a pitch/slope down towards the drain was so important!! Whatever you do make sure to give it some pitch to drain and good luck - I hope it turns out great!!!

[@Alan-Riggin]

That tub idea is great!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks!! We love it very much! Thanks for watching the video!

[@usmc6911]

Drain countersink. If the drain hole measures 1.5 inches and the outside of the drain flange is 2.25 inches(measurements are for example) get a 1 foot piece of 2 inch pipe and get a 2 metal cap to thread on the pipe.drill your hole the crumple up some news paper to set under the hole.It should be firm but yielding.tap the cap to make a dent deep enough to fit the flange just below tub floor surface.this will give you a nice concave shape.Now take the 2 inch cap off and place it over the hole with the open side down.Give it a couple of firm hits and that will square off the surface to make the flange sit nicely.use plumber's puddy.a nice thick rope of it.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for posting the notes here!! And glad you checked out the video!

[@Mika-kq1qd]

When all else fails hit it with a rock! 🤣Love this guy with his creative problem solving, sense of humor and precise instructions. Love the stone tile..what kind of stones did you use? Awesome video thank you ❤️

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you for watching! And for the kind words!! I’m just out here doing my best, t trying to help people along the way! 🙏🏻

[@yvettehoward5409]

Thank you for sharing I learnt a lot. The best one I have seen on here, I'm going to give it a good when I do I'll give YOU an update keep them videos coming Thanks again U helped me a lot

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you so much for the feedback and for subscribing! We’ve got some good stuff planned soon!!

[@craigmartin6101]

As most, like minded, artistic & inspiring .So greatful for your simple, Motherearthed solution.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you for the kind words! And for watching! 🙏🏻

[@athenaraine5288]

Found this video last year, while in my research stage of bathroom renovation for a tiny home. Now I’m finally ready to do it! Does anyone know if a cement thin-set would adhere well to the bottom? I’m considering adding a “pebble” style tile floor to mimic a hot-spring feeling. Thank you!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Not sure if cement thin-set would be the way to go - but you could try it on a small piece of galv steel to test it out. I'd go that route first to make sure it adheres well. If you do find a solution, circle back and share it!! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jamiethomas5012]

I’m looking into some sort of epoxy for the bottom of mine. I feel like you could maybe inlay the pebbles in resin.

[@piamuus7713]

@@jamiethomas5012 im sure it will crack, the metal is flexible hot /cold

[@Lowlitstudio]

dude! nice cave-man hack! totally cracked me up how effective the rock was! Primative!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Sometimes hitting stuff with rocks just works!! Thanks for checking out the video! 💪🏻

[@goducgo]

Love it. Kept it simple.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

🙌🏻

[@1976kookiemama]

A dimple die would have worked great to recess the drain hole. Just my thoughts. Great video. Thanx for sharing.

[@sookydo]

This is awesome, thank you so much for this video. We're doing a tub with this exact same stock tank. To make the drain hole, I bet a billiard ball would work even better. :) But yeah, a rock that's laying around - can't beat that!!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you so much for watching and for the comment!! Good luck on your install and please come back to share your advice as well - so many people trying the install it’s good for us all to share!! 🙌🏻🛠🙏🏻

[@williams762]

Billiard ball!!! Perfect. I was thinking of using a baseball, but a billiard ball is hard...just need to find one...

[@chadlizon7137]

An exhaust cone tool would do a good job for indexing the hole downward

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for the advice Chad, and also thank you for watching!!! Much appreciated!! I’ll search for that online now. 💪🏻🛠

[@stevenrussell7427]

Go Colts! Cool idea thanks

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey!! GO COLTS! Thanks for watching! 💙

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Man I really like the river rock floor.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks!! We got it from Floor & Decor, was actually a pretty easy install to be honest - just didn’t cut any of them. I did the install back before my KZbin channel, I wish I would have recorded it though! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! 💪🏻🛠

[@nickyannajones]

Ok. Im going to try it out today! Wish me luck world.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Nicole you will do great!!! Let us know how the install goes!!! 💪🏻🤘🏻🛠

[@g25r8cer]

Getting ready to finish one out next weekend. Got the platform all build and ply top for it. Drilled hole for drain etc. Not sure why your drain has such a bevel to it. The one I have sits perfectly flat. That rubber gasket is meant for the underside fyi. You didn't show it but it sounded like u put the rubber gasket and putty inside the tub.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for the comment!! Apologies on the late reply - hope your project goes off without a hitch!! Thanks for the notes as well - I undoubtedly did something wrong with this one, it was made up as I went along. Thanks again for watching - hope the video brought you some value!

[@meganm3270]

I swear I just told my husband we needed to go with this in our bathroom we are currently redoing the shower area

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Hey that's awesome!! I hope the video helps you out if you go with this style for the build. Circle back and let me know how it goes and good luck!

[@meganm3270]

@@TheToughGuysTV we ended up putting our old one we had in before the shower put in..

[@MrKalon52]

Nice work bro. Your shop looks bad ass.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks!!

[@deirdre444]

Fantastic!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you! 👍🏻

[@beardedshanks6122]

Ok... TWO YEARS LATER, how's that tub functioning? Are there any leaks? Any corrosion? What are some things that you would do different if you were to do it again?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

No leaks or anything like that. Everything still works great. I wish it were a little wider, and I wish I had NOT used the corrugated wall panels because I'd like to add a shelf to the back wall for storage but as far as the tub, it's working fine. Thanks for reaching out!

[@MG-ok6nu]

Thanks. You show that the water goes down the drain, but does water remain in the tub around the drain fitting? I'm considering doing the same thing with a round livestock tub

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Great question! Yes initially there is a bit of water that seems to remain, but bu the morning it’s either drained or evaporated away. My original install it held water so bad because I didn’t indent the drain like this time. Hope that answers your question and thanks for watching!!

[@TheYooperGirlAmySmith]

Hubby wants to know if you’re in Texas and still have that rock. LOL!! We gonna need that!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Misplaced Yooper Girl Yes ma’am! The rock did work, there’s some other good ideas in this comment thread too!! Good luck on your tub if y’all try it!! 💪🏻

[@TheYooperGirlAmySmith]

Tough Guys TV Awesomeness!! I am originally from Michigan and brought all kinds of rocks from Lake Superior down here. I got some great ideas!! New sub to you channel!! 😎😎

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much! 🙌🏻

[@e.o.8389]

I never considered the drain sitting in flat. Glad I came across this video! I'm also in Texas and will be looking for some rocks🤣

[@BJo4230]

I like this idea 😍😍👌👍

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you!!! I appreciate it and thanks for watching!! 💪🏻🙏🏻

[@annfoster2939]

Have you any problems with leaking? (I’ve had farmers warn me about leaking issues). Also, another issue is the bath water does it stay warm/hot for a shorter amount of time? If I wanted to paint it and put some type of coating on it what would you recommend? Thank you. This video was great. There’s not much out there in way of information on converting a trough into a tub!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Ann - we haven’t had any leaking issues yet. The first try of this project we used Top Coat Marine Epoxy on it - we wanted a white interior. It was a TON of work to prep the metal and then prime it and then apply the Epoxy finish. It lasted us about a year and then it started peeling off -- so -- we decided to try again and this time I made the video!! Good luck with your install and definitely hit this comment thread for some other helpful info!!

[@sarapope7925]

Thanks for adding to pitch it i didnt even think about it. Did you fix the tub to the floor or wall? Will it shift hard enough to break the drain?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The pitch was a trial and error for us but yes without it the water just won’t drain. What I failed to detail was that we did use caulking / sealant around the bottom of the tub. I used 100% silicone around the drain and under the tub, just a solid bead around the edges and a couple of ‘blobs’ under the main part of the tub too. Then we waited a couple days to use it so the caulk could set up / dry. It doesn’t move at all now. The concern of the drain breaking was big for us as well - I wish I had shown the caulk now that you bring it up!! Thanks for watching!!

[@glennbrooks9933]

I realize its been awhile since you installed the plumbing on this stock tank but on the drain you show screwing the drain and tightened down on plumbers putty, is the silver drain threading into pvc , steel or something else in order for all to work properly? Otherwise a great video, thanks!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

It’s a threaded pvc adaptor underneath the tub

[@jacobsalgado7137]

Thanks for posting this! How much of an incline does the tank have in order for it to push water towards the drain? Also, under the drain you used putty (on the tub side), but what did you use on the other side if anything? Finally (sorry for the questions!), I am guessing the sealant you mention elsewhere on the comments is what is securing the tub so it doesn't move around when empty? Thanks!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Jacob, all great questions!! The slope I did not grade on a specific angle, I just used my 4ft level and made sure it had a good slope in my opinion only - sorry I can’t help more there. To be a bit more specific I think over the course of the 4ft it dropped 3/4in to 1inch. Under where the drain adheres to the tub, directly under, before screwing the threaded drain cap into the pipe I used a good amount of silicone caulking just to pad and seal the area. I don’t think you technically have to use anything there as that connection is threaded (or for me it was) but the extra silicone was just extra protection. One detail I actually didn’t show was that underneath the tub there is actually a “lip” around the perimeter that makes it hard to adhere down to the floor with caulking. So I cut an extra piece of 1/2in hardie backer the oval shape of the tub minus the lip and adhered it to the floor first to fill that gap. THEN I applied the silicone to set the tub in place. I had footage of that part and it was lost during syncing to my computer and I couldn’t pull the tub back up as it was already set up. Even with the extra layer there are still a couple spots that “pop” up and down when standing in it but as far as movement the tub is absolutely secured overall - my son uses it for showers all the Time and he’s 6. If you have more questions hit me up at [e-mail] so I can more easily help out! Thanks for watching!!

[@ecklinda]

@@TheToughGuysTV measure your height at the back of the tub and at the front. There should be a difference since you already had your floor in as to the slope of your tub. Jacob Salgado had the one of the same questions that I had.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

@@ecklinda The rear side of the tub is 1" Higher than the front side, so the slope over 12" is 1/4" (same as would be used to shed water off a flat roof). Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@amybuxton3189]

How did you polish the tub to look so shiny? Do you have any information on painting these?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I painted the inside with marine paint and primer, no seal coat, just two coats of the marine paint. Hopefully I show the paint can in the video, I don’t recall the brand off the top.

[@christyperez94]

They say if you said those softball or the baseball down on top of the hole and hit it with a rubber mallet it should make a perfectly round bend on the edges

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That would’ve worked great no doubt!

[@zmonr3799]

Very helpful

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you!!!! And thanks for watching as well!

[@oclost]

FYI. That rubber gasket actually goes under the tub between the drain pipe. Plumbers putty was correct for the basin itself.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for the note!! I'm sure I did some stuff out of order on this one, learned a lot - excited to try this for round 3!

[@ianwindsor1460]

The rubber gasket that came with your drain assembly goes under the tub between the heal inlet and tub. Plumbers putty only under the drain and definitely don't have to let it set up overnight

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks Ian, I think that's the order I installed everything but it's been awhile on this one. I'm glad you shared this so others may take heed of the advice! Thanks for taking the time to reach out and share your thoughts, and thanks for watching as well!

[@cherryvelez3748]

Love it!!great!!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you Irene!! Much appreciated and thank you so much for watching!!!!

[@charlottewhite1993]

I saw one guy use a baseball and pound it into the hole with a body hammer. It worked great, no scratches, then his dog took the ball back. LOL

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I’ve had some great ideas come through in the comments! So far so good on ours, still holding strong! Thanks for checking out the video and for the comment! 🙌🏻

[@nelipotmeadow]

Build a wood frame for the bottom of the tub and make the legs shorter on front and higher on the back making a slight tilt or slope

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That's a great idea!

[@reneebenoit8032]

Great video! My question is: will all the weight of the water and the person, too, warp the bottom of the tub (because it's steel and somewhat flexible unlike iron or ceramic which has NO give) will that make the drain leak? Do you know what I mean?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We never experienced any warping with this one, used it for about a year and a half before we sold the house (maybe longer).

[@chuckhubbard6166]

Well that's how you learn. Try then try something else until it works. Nice project.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thank you for the comment! And yes, so true, gotta just try stuff and see what sticks. Thanks for watching!

[@cortneyross841]

Thank you for your video! I have been wanting to do this for our guest bath that we are in the process of redoing everything at this point. I do have a couple questions. Did you have seal the tub with anything to keep it from rusting? When you put it at a slope will it get all the water out of it? If you use the plumbers putty do you still use the gasket that came with the drain? For your walls did you just put the galvanized steel up on the dry wall or have to do anything special for them? Sorry so full of questions and curiosity

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks for the questions!!! 1. I did not seal this one, but I did the first one with marine epoxy. It only lasted about 6 months of use so we tore out the old one and this video was round two. 2. It got about 95% of the water out and water ever left evaporated quick enough for me. 3. I used the plumbers putty, figure it can’t hurt but I don’t double it with a gasket when the gasket is called for (meaning not both on the same side of the connection) 4. We didn’t have drywall, but if you want it’s a drywall look for the tub walls I’d make sure to use a fluid vapor barrier of some sort over the sheetrock. Then you’d want to do tile or metal panels or something else water resistant unless you won’t be showering in it.

[@ahmondeboxley2950]

did you put the rubber seal after the plumbers putty I am doing the same for a tub at a hunting camp nice video

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Yes that’s the order I did it in - thanks for the question, and my apologies on the delay in response! Thanks for watching!!

[@jeffsond]

Thanks for the video. I purchased a similar trough but not as deep to be used as a shower. Question, I will be setting the tub on 3/4” exterior plywood then adding 4x4 underneath to give me clearance for my drain or will 2x4 laid sideways give me enough clearance? . Any thoughts on that?? Thanks.

[@mr.t6712]

Take hole saw. Make flat disk .75 inch thick. Place hole between 2 boards just far enough past the width of the disk to not interfere with the hole however to give support to surrounding metal. Elevate off floor on wood boards. Smack hard about 10 times with 3 pound hammer. The disk will put a recess in the hole. Done. Take about 10 min.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Nice! Thanks for sharing the idea!! And thanks for checking out the video too!

[@KMF3]

I was thinking about doing this for an outside tub, so could just use the drain it already has.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Definitely if it’s outside!

[@KMF3]

@@TheToughGuysTV thanks. Any thoughts about how to drain? Garden hose directing the water away?

[@memoryroad17]

First and foremost, this is absolutely amazing and beyond helpful. Thank you! Secondly, I have a question, please. If using as a shower, do you have a separate drain under the tub, separate from the tub? Maybe I missed something, very possible 🤔

[@TheToughGuysTV]

No extra drain for a shower setup, it just drains in the tub. We have a curtain that goes down inside the tub and you need the type that wraps all the way around the tub. Much like the type you’d use with a claw foot tub. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@memoryroad17]

@@TheToughGuysTV Gotcha...I was wondering about standing water underneath tub. Thanks again.

[@ForTheLoveOfHomes]

Does the water stay warm enough to enjoy a nice, hot bath?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Can’t honestly say I’ve taken a bath but they kids love it!!! If you’re a long bath taker, I’m not totally sure this would be your best option. Maybe insulating underneath and around the back side?? It’s a tough one. Thanks for reaching out and for watching! Good luck!! 👍🏻

[@davidpotter733]

The butt end of a wood baseball bat

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That probably would’ve work great actually!!!!! Good idea!

[@bethbartlett5692]

Innovation, Well done! BTW, Any suggestions for my Q below? Thanks!

[@bethbartlett5692]

@@TheToughGuysTV I thought these troughs came with a plug/drain. I have a shower that was built as a Handicapped Shower, imagine a square floor plan, it is appx a 4' X 4', with 4' opening, I placed a rod and curtain on, its tiled wall and floor with a strong grade in floor down to a center drain. I just wanted to place a tub on a stabilizing base that allows for cleaning space underneath and it doesn't need to be hooked up to drain, just unplug and water can free-drain down the existing grade and drain. My need is an idea for a base partial frame. A material that won't destroy the tile floor. Like some sort of rubber/acrylic bricks. Any suggestions? I'm alone on this w/no partner or male friends. I need an innovative engineer's mind. Thanks for any direction. Best Wellbeing !

[@blackberry4life482]

@@bethbartlett5692 Something like risers that people use to raise their beds off of the floor.

[@netuse1467]

As the motion would affect the drain connection, how do you keep the tub as a whole from shifting if bumped while empty?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

net use - We layered a piece of hardie board cut to the same size as the bottom of the tub underneath it, with construction adhesive and then the entire thing I used silicone to adhere the bottom to the tile. It stays nice and secure. When we switched the other tub out (v1) I was able to break it free with some effort and scrape the old silicone right off the tile. I’m sure there’s a better way out there but this has worked for us!

[@ddgiant]

@@TheToughGuysTV this may have answered a question i had. I was wondering about deflection in the bottom of the tub when showering. I am assuming the hardy board would take up any gap between the bottom center of the tub and the tile thus eliminating any possible deflection. Great video keep up the good content.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The key for me was to stagger cut the Hardie backer, and also the entire platform I build under the tub is actually slanted towards the drain as well, 1in over a foot. I wish I had documented the entire process, unfortunately I wasn’t doing KZbin when I built the first draft of this tub idea!

[@wanderingbox7971]

very cool great channel 👍✌

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the support!! 💪🏻

[@TheBusinessGrowingPlace]

Thinking about this for my remodel. Can you tell me how long the water stays hot?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I’ve not taken a bath in it personally but the kids love it. I imagine it doesn’t stay hot for too long compared to an insulated tub.

[@jayceehayes2703]

Do you HAVE to build it on a plat form & also an incline? Or is that just your circumstances?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Yes the platform was needed in order to route the plumbing from one side to the other but also you need an incline for drainage because these things are flat on the bottom so it was a perk in the end

[@clintstephens7730]

Just seen this video. I am going to try to use a 2 5/16 trailer ball to get the bevel. Let you know how that turns out.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That’s a great idea actually! Good stuff!

[@sarahjohnson5774]

In the video you said you lined the original tub. Did you not put anything in this one? If not how's it holding up? We are considering this for a tub and the first thing my husband said was he would have to epoxy the inside...so curious if it actually needs it or not?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

On the first one, we lined it with a Marine Epoxy, after a thorough 'prep' process per manufacturer and per it being galv coating originally on the metal. After about a year, it failed and peeled off - was a horrible mess to a point that I decided to replace the tub instead of try and fix it. This time, no coating or prep of any kind - been fine so far. Does show some 'build-up' in a couple spots, but that may be because we have such hard water, and no softener. Good luck with your build!

[@KMF3]

For water that gets outside of the tub does it flow under the tub or around the outside of the tub or both?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Great question! I built the platform under my tub on a slight angle towards the drain, so occasionally the kids will splash water on the side and it does run down towards the front side and around the tub for clean up. I probably don’t get every drop, but we’ve got a pebble / rock floor in there that seams to handle it well enough. Thanks for watching and for the question!! 🙏🏻💪🏻

[@maryhester8305]

Is that pebble tile or individual rock pebbles. I've been wanting to do something like this. Looks great

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Mary, here’s a link to the product - www.flooranddecor.com/pebble-stone-decoratives/kayan-river-pebble-mosaic-100032523.html It’s real stones that are on a mesh backer, 12x12 in size. I installed it as you would tile, and I used Flex mortar and sanded grout. Good luck with your install and thanks for watching!!!

[@dt6969]

I love this! There isn’t much help when you want to DIY. Did you put some kind of seal on it to keep it from rusting?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks!!! I didn’t seal with anything this time. I tried an epoxy coating last time and it only lasted about a year. So far the galvanized metal has done well, no rust yet 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 Thanks for watching!!!

[@dt6969]

The Tough Guys we’re thinking of installing one in our bathroom! Thanks!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Let me know how it goes and if you have any advice or problems you overcome please share as well! I want to share as many ideas in this thread as possible! 🙏🏻

[@dt6969]

The Tough Guys how long have y’all had the tub installed??

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We’ve had this one in for just about a year. We had the previous one in for almost 1-1/2 years before the epoxy wore off. The only issue I have now is the mineral residue because of our hard water - seems to cling to the galvanized finish.

[@bedlfit2198]

You’ve gotta insulate that tub

[@sherahnah]

what kind of coating did you use the first time? is that what you used the second time? do you need said coating for the tub to be safe to bathe in?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I used a marine primer and paint the first time, like what you'd use on a boat exterior. It only lasted about 6 months if I remember correctly (Been a long time now). On the 2nd tub I didn't do anything other than clean it, and it held up well all the way until we sold that house, never an issue with it. As far as bathing in the galv tub, I'm not aware of any issues / risks but I'm not qualified to speak on weather it's a great choice health-wise. Thanks for reaching out!

[@roylcraft]

OMG, ma, I got an idea for a new tub for ya!

[@mariannelins184]

Does the drain screw into the plastic drain pipe below the tub metal, or does it just screw into the tub metal? Did you put the black gasket back in? or was the plumber's putty enough?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

No issues with the drain so far, I believe that gasket is there (been a long time). That drain was preinstalled in the tub when I bought it, no issues with it. Pretty sure it’s a plastic housing

[@kristenfinlinson9586]

Hi! I'm so excited to do this for our bathroom, but I have a few questions- has the tub shifted in place at all? I'm thinking I need to find some way to anchor it into place, so it doesn't cause damage to the floor by rubbing on it when it's in use. Also, how do you deal with splashing, I would think mold/mildew would become a problem over time as water from splashing/drips from the shower curtain, etc. runs underneath the tub. Did you seal off the bottom edge of the tub? What did you use to do that with? I would imagine cleaning around the backside of the tub would be problematic as well. Also, can you link where you got the flat river rock from? I've only been able to find rounded natural rock, and a friend used those, but they're painful to walk/step on.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Kristen - First, thank you so much for watching and for the comment / questions! Let's see if I can answer everything for you here. Because the bottom of the tub had a slight 'lip' around the edges, I cut a piece of tile backer board (Durock) to fill that space, cut to the exact shape of the bottom of the tub minus the front few inches where I drilled the drain out. I used silicone to adhere it to the bottom of the tub, and then I used a few spots of silicone to adhere the bottom of the Durock to the tile floor. Silicone can easily be scraped off the tile later - I know this to be true because this was my 2nd install of the same tub (The first one I tried to do a coating on the inside of it, which peeled off after about a year). The mildew is a great question and definitely an issue no doubt. I left it out from the back wall about 3 Inches - enough width to get down in there with this little swiffer type thing we have to clean it out. We use a curtain that goes all the way around the tub, but it doesn't stop everything. It's kind of the trade off I guess with this type of tub for showering in it. I've considered building a wood shelf down the side and front of it, tight to the wall and overhang the tub a bit but with the corrugated metal wall paneling, that would very difficult. With tile walls it would be easier to do that, and you divert water away from the gap next to and in front of the tub. I got the river rock mesh-back flooring at Floor & Decor, and here is a direct link for you - www.flooranddecor.com/pebble-stone-decoratives/kayan-river-pebble-mosaic-100032523.html#q=river+rock&start=1 Feel free to email me at [e-mail] for anything else you may need and good luck on your project!! Thank you so much for the support and please connect with me as well on social media too!!

[@mariaalvarez6563]

Its super cute!! How has it held up?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We sold this past fall, but it kept working through us living in that house - so 3 years almost.

[@KingKoopa919]

How did you keep the left hand side of the tub from sliding around? Is the only thing securing the tub to the floor the drain?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Great question! I have it secured with some adhesive to the floor tile. It’s never moved / slipped on us yet. Now - as far as an extra step - I actually cut a piece of 1/4 in Durock and glued it to the bottom of the tub to fit inside the lip, around the edge. I didn’t extend the Durock all the way to the drain, on that end I cut it back about 10in. Or so. So image a shape with one flat side, and the shape of the tub on the other end. Once that was dried really well, I used silicone to attached the Durock / Tub to the tile. With this being the 2nd tub as we replaced the original, I can also confirm we did the same the first time and I was able to still remove the tub without damaging the tiles - I just unscrewed the drain, and pried up the tub - cleaned off the old silicone and then reattached the new one. I wish I had done a full process video on this install, never thought it would have so much attention!!

[@caresse.isings]

Greetings from the sunny Caribbean🌺🌺🌺 Great video- thanks!! Where can I get such a tub please??

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We got ours from Tractor supply - not sure what might be available in your area. Look for farm supply stores, it's a water trough technically, so try to find one of those that works - they come in various sizes. Good Luck!

[@misabbas12]

Hey i was wondering if u have a video on how u install the metal sheets

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Lucy I do not currently, but I may be able to answer questions you have about installation? Basically the wall is plywood, then I installed a vapor barrier and then the corrugated panels. We bought them from Home Depot. For the fasteners I used hex head screws, 1-1/4in with Washers and Rubber Gaskets - something like this --> #12 x 1-in Zinc-Plated Self-Drilling Roofing Screws (80-Count) www.lowes.com/pd/%2312-x-1-in-Zinc-Plated-Self-Drilling-Roofing-Screws-(80-Count)/3316520. For the panels I overlapped 2 of the “humps” when installing to help more with the water as well as applying silicone in that “lap” area. I then siliconed the bottom where they meet the tile. Let me know if that helps at all!!

[@ronaldburnett9913]

How do you attach the tub drain to the floor drain. Do you add a piece of abs to the tub drain

[@TheToughGuysTV]

The tub drain threaded into the pipe underneath to receive it - hopefully I'm saying that correctly.

[@jellyfish704]

How did you make the slope for draining in the tub?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Before installing the tile, I built a 'platform' with 2x4s under the tub, that has a 'slope' towards the drain. It's slight enough that it gives the water a nudge to head towards the drain. I also added an extra sheet of durock tile backer under the tub to fill the gap created by the bottom lip of the tup to the tile - to avoid noise of the metal popping in and out when standing in the tub.

[@amanda_claire159]

Hi, I am hoping to start plumbing the bathroom in my new 16x40 shed conversion this week and I am also using a metal trough. My question is, without building the platform for the tub to sit on, how else might I create a slope for the water to drain properly? Also, does the bottom of your trough creak and bend a bit when stepped on?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I built up layers of backboard cut to the shape of the bottom of the tub underneath it. For the space under the tub for the drain, you could build up the entire area or if the shed is already off the ground you may be able to do the plumbing underneath it somehow? Good luck on your install!

[@amanda_claire159]

Thank you for your reply!

[@peachfestivalgardens]

Do you have any issues with the stock tank moving around on top of the tile Did you do anything to prevent movement?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

We filled the negative space between the lip and the bottom with a couple layers of backer board, and used some silicone adhesive to attach it all together

[@TheMom2three]

Great job. What size is the tub? Thank you.

[@TheToughGuysTV]

This one is a 24" wide x 48" long, but 24" deep.

[@TheMom2three]

@@TheToughGuysTV that's what I thought. I appreciate your response. It's an awesome idea. My daughter is building a house. I'm going to share the video with her. Thanks!

[@TheToughGuysTV]

That’s awesome!! I wish I would have documented the first process - it just predated me making videos. I only have a platform because of plumbing issues so she wouldn’t need that. From a new construction standpoint you could really make this look truly incredible. Hope her build goes great!! And thank you for the support! 💪🏻

[@TheMom2three]

@@TheToughGuysTV thank you so much. Have you had any issues draining the water completely? I'm thinking it may need a slight slope for easier drainage. I've seen some videos where they insulated the bottom and wall side to retain heat. Also, I've seen videos where they painted them. I like the galvanized look but think it may need a type of poly to keep away rust. Any thoughts? Again, I appreciate your input. We're doing the work ourselves. 😊

[@busbystandup1337]

Cool build! But instead of a rock, use a wooden baseball bat... press the top of the bat onto the flange, then strike the handle of the bat with a rubber mallet.

[@chotocheese]

Question- what are your thoughts about installing an overflow drain? Is that something you wish you had done or is the complication of installing an overflow not really worth the trouble?

[@TheToughGuysTV]

I definitely wish I had installed one. The issue for us was the space. I didn’t plan for when rough plumbing the drain but if I had I could’ve positioned the tub better to allow for it

[@earthsoup3]

How do you secure the tub so it won't move ..great vid bud

[@TheToughGuysTV]

Thanks! We used silicone caulking underneath the tub and let it sit for a few days prior to using it. We also used plywood cut in the shape of the bottom, to fill the gap to the floor, as the bottom of the tub has a lip around the edge. I used the same caulking to adhere it to the bottom of the tub first, then the plywood and edge to the floor after. Never has moved while using it.