How To Remove A Bathtub?
QUICK ANSWER
Remove a bathtub by shutting off the water, disconnecting the drain and overflow plumbing, removing the tile or panel surround, prying the tub loose from the wall studs, and sliding it out. Plan a full day. Cast iron tubs may need to be broken up to remove.
Removing a bathtub is one of the bigger DIY plumbing projects but is mostly straightforward once you understand the order of operations. The hardest parts are dealing with the drain plumbing, removing the surround, and physically moving the tub (cast iron tubs weigh 300 to 500 pounds). Here is the right sequence and what to expect for each material type.
When does a bathtub need to come out?
Common reasons for bathtub removal: replacing with a different tub or walk-in shower, refinishing an old cast iron tub that has degraded, repairing major water damage behind the tub, or full bathroom remodel. Cracked acrylic or fiberglass tubs sometimes warrant replacement rather than repair since refinishing often fails. Cast iron tubs with intact enamel are worth keeping (they last centuries) but may need refinishing. Honestly assess whether the tub itself is the problem or whether surrounding components need work first.
What tools do you need to remove a bathtub?
Basic tools: a reciprocating saw with metal-cutting and wood-cutting blades, a hammer, a pry bar, a drain key, a pipe wrench, channel-lock pliers, safety glasses, work gloves, and a dust mask. For cast iron tubs, you also need a 4 to 5 pound sledgehammer to break it up (cast iron is heavy and brittle once broken). Cover the floor with cardboard or moving blankets to prevent damage from dropped tools or chunks. Have a helper available for the actual removal since tubs are awkward to maneuver.
How do you actually remove the bathtub?
Shut off the water supply to the bathroom. Remove the drain and overflow assembly using the drain key (counterclockwise). Disconnect the drain plumbing below (usually in the basement or crawlspace, sometimes through an access panel). Remove or cut away the tile or panel surround around the tub (a reciprocating saw cuts drywall or tile backer board). Look for nails or screws holding the tub flange to the wall studs and remove. Pry the tub loose from any caulk and slide out. For cast iron, break apart with the sledgehammer first and remove in chunks.
What about the plumbing connections?
You need to access and disconnect three things: the drain (from above or below, depending on your house), the overflow assembly (cap on the overflow plate at the head of the tub), and the water supply if you are replacing the faucet too. For drain access from below, working from the basement or crawlspace is much easier than working through the tub. If you have a slab foundation with no access from below, you may need to cut into the slab or work entirely from above through the drain opening.
Bathtub removal is a full-day project: disconnect plumbing, remove the surround, pry loose from studs, slide out. Cast iron tubs need to be broken up with a sledgehammer first. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs come out mostly intact. Get a helper for the actual lifting since even acrylic tubs are awkward to handle. Plan the new tub install or shower conversion before removing so the project does not stall.
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