Bathroom renovations often involve installing a new bathtub or making room for an open shower. In either case, you may need to remove your existing bathtub first. While the bathtub removal process is relatively simple on its own, it's not easy. So be sure to enlist help, whether it's a professional or someone else, to do the heavy lifting for you, because you'll definitely need it, and your safety comes first, especially with a heavy object like a bathtub.
Why Remove a Bathtub?
Many homeowners remove their bathtubs when they're doing a full bathroom renovation. There are a number of potential reasons:
- Damage: Discovering cracks, chips, or holes in your bathtub is a sign that you need to stop wasting money and time on bathtub repairs.
- Freshen up: Your old bathtub may be outdated and in need of an update
- Modernize: Install features like a rain shower, handheld shower, or extra showerheads.
- Footprint: Replacing a bathtub with a shower often makes more efficient use of space
- Efficiency: Showers are more environmentally friendly than tubs because they use less water
- Accessibility: Walk-in showers without steps or edges can help people with limited mobility. Do it yourself or hire a professional
How to Remove a Bathtub
Removing a bathtub involves disconnecting the bathtub from the plumbing and surrounding walls. Follow these steps to safely remove a bathtub.
Step 1: Preparation
First, you should not perform any part of this process without eye protection, ear protection, and face protection. Gloves are a must unless you are an experienced professional. In addition to protective clothing, you will also need:
- Assorted crowbars
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrenches and slot-lock pliers
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers of different sizes
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket wrench
- Keyhole saw or similar cutting device, such as a utility knife
Before you begin, you can shut off the water supply to the tub. This is not necessary, as there are no water pipes connected to the bathtub itself. However, this ensures that the area remains dry if a valve is accidentally hit while you remove different parts of the tub.
If the bathroom you are working in does not have a separate shutoff valve, you can also turn off the water to the entire house while you work. After turning off the valve, open the bathtub faucet to test that the water is off.
Step 2: Disconnect Plumbing Components
While all bathtubs have different components, disassembly is fairly intuitive. Some components, such as drain plugs, drain screens, overflow valve covers, and bathtub spouts, may have visible screws that you can remove with a screwdriver or power drill. Other components may come off by turning them counterclockwise by hand.
Once the plug or screen is removed, you can access the drain flange or plug, which requires a special bathtub drain wrench to remove.
Step 3: Remove the Drain Connector
Some bathtubs connect to the drain assembly below. If this is the case with your bathtub, access the assembly from the unfinished space under the bathtub, or cut through the wall or ceiling to expose the drainpipe. This can cause unnecessary damage if you're not sure where the connection is, so you may want to leave this step to your local plumber.
If the components are secured to the bathtub with plumber's putty, you'll need to cut through to separate them. Others simply unscrew the threaded connection. You may need to cut through the pipe with a pipe cutter. Again, a plumber is best suited for this job.
Step 4: Remove a Portion of the Bathtub Surround
Remove the bathtub by removing about 6 inches of tile, drywall, or other surrounding material down to the studs. Wear safety glasses and a face shield while performing this step, and lay a dust cloth in the bathtub basin to make it easy to clean up debris.
Around Drywall
Use a ruler to mark a guideline around the tub. After using a drywall saw to cut the drywall, remove it to the studs.
Around Tile
Use a grout removal tool to cut along the grout line, and use a hard tool, such as a putty knife, to pry off the tile. If there is cement backer board under the tile, score with a utility knife until you reach the studs below. Avoid using a power saw, as it will release harmful dust into the air.
Step 5: Remove the Bathtub from the Wall
Clear away debris and use a drill or pry bar to remove the screws or nails that secure the bathtub to the studs. Use a utility knife to cut away any caulk between the bathtub and the floor.
Step 6: Remove the Bathtub
Ask someone else to help you with the following step. The ideal removal method varies depending on the bathtub material.
Porcelain or Enameled Steel Bathtubs
You can remove a porcelain or enameled steel bathtub in one piece. Have one person lift the front edge of the bathtub while another slides a few wooden planks underneath to lift the bathtub and act as runners. Then, carefully slide the bathtub out.
Steel, Acrylic, Composite, or Fiberglass Bathtubs
Cut a bathtub made of fiberglass, composite, acrylic, or steel with a reciprocating saw, then take it out in parts. You and any helpers should wear safety glasses and face shields to protect yourselves from dust.
Cast Iron Bathtubs
Cast iron bathtubs are heavy, difficult to lift in one piece, and unsafe to cut with most tools. Instead, cover the bathtub basin with a cloth and break it up with a sledgehammer. The cloth will help prevent flying pieces, but you should still wear safety glasses and ear protection.
Step 7: Disposal of the Bathtub
Handling Tips
The key to safely handling a bathtub is to have a clear understanding of the material the tub is made of, as this determines the weight and handling requirements of the tub. For example, cast iron bathtubs are very heavy and may require more than one person or piece of equipment to move. First, assess the weight and dimensions of the tub. Next, remove the nails or screws that secure the tub to the wall. Acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are lighter but still require careful handling to prevent damage.
For lighter bathtubs:
Two people holding each end of the tub can lift it.
For heavy bathtubs:
Use a furniture truck or at least two strong people to lift the bathtub.
If using a trolley, tie down the bathtub securely.
Handling Precautions
Once you have successfully lifted the bathtub, you must decide what to do with it. Local codes may dictate how bathroom fixtures should be disposed of, so be sure to check your city's regulations.
Rent a Dumpster:
You can rent a household dumpster to dispose of your bathtub, especially if you also need to dispose of other waste materials.
Recycling Options:
For metal bathtubs, such as cast iron or steel, consider scrap metal recycling. Some areas have facilities for recycling fiberglass and acrylic.
Donate:
If the tub is in good condition, donating it to a local charity or resale store is also a good option.
Waste Disposal Locations:
Contact your local waste disposal facility for recycling or designated drop-off locations for bulky items.
When moving the tub out of the bathroom, remember to protect the bathroom floor and doorway from any damage. If you are unsure about any of the steps in the process, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathtub Removal
Q1: How long does it typically take to remove a bathtub?
For a DIYer with basic skills, removing a standard alcove tub typically takes between 2 to 4 hours. However, this can vary significantly. If you encounter rusted-on plumbing, difficult-to-access fittings, or are removing a heavy cast iron tub (which requires breaking it apart), the project can take a full day or longer.
Q2: Is it difficult to remove a bathtub by myself?
Removing a lightweight acrylic or fiberglass tub is a manageable project for a confident DIYer with the right tools and safety gear. However, removing a cast iron tub is extremely heavy and dangerous for one person and is not recommended. The complexity also increases if you need to cut through plumbing or deal with unforeseen issues like water damage or rusted bolts. If you are unsure about any step, especially disconnecting plumbing, it's best to hire a professional.
Q3: What is the average cost to hire a professional to remove a bathtub?
If you hire a plumber or contractor, the cost typically ranges from $300 to $800, depending on your location, the type of tub, and the complexity of the job. A simple alcove tub removal will be on the lower end, while removing a heavy cast iron tub or dealing with complex plumbing will cost more. This fee often includes hauling away the old tub.
Q4: What should I do with my old bathtub after removal?
You have several options for disposal:
Local Landfill or Transfer Station: This is the most direct method. Check their policies and fees for accepting large items like bathtubs.
Bulk Trash Pickup: Many municipal waste services offer scheduled bulk item pickups. Contact your local provider to schedule a pickup and inquire about any specific requirements.
Recycling: Check if there are construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facilities in your area that accept acrylic or cast iron. Cast iron is highly recyclable.
Selling or Donating: If the tub is in good condition, especially if it's a vintage cast iron or a modern freestanding model, you may be able to sell it online or donate it to a building material reuse store.
Q5: Can I remove a bathtub without damaging the walls?
It is possible, but it can be challenging. For alcove tubs, the surrounding walls (often made of water-resistant drywall or cement board) are typically installed after the tub is set in place. To remove the tub without damage, you may need to carefully cut the caulk line and gently pry the tub away. However, it's very common for some wall damage to occur, and many people plan on making minor repairs or replacing the wall surround as part of their bathroom renovation.
Q6: Do I need to turn off the water to the whole house to remove a tub?
No, you usually do not need to turn off the main water supply. You should locate and turn off the hot and cold water shut-off valves that supply the tub's faucet. These are typically found behind an access panel on the other side of the tub wall. If these valves are missing or broken, then you would need to turn off the water to the entire house.
Q7: What's the first thing I should do before starting the removal?
The absolute first step is shut off the water and electricity. Turn off the water supply to the tub faucet and, for safety, turn off the power to the bathroom's electrical circuits at the circuit breaker. This prevents any risk of flooding or electrocution, especially if you have a whirlpool tub with an electrical motor.
Q8: Should I break the bathtub to remove it?
You should only break the tub as a last resort for heavy cast iron tubs, as it's the only practical way to remove them. Never attempt to break an acrylic or fiberglass tub. They can shatter into sharp, dangerous pieces. For these lightweight tubs, they are designed to be removed in one piece.
