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- Freshen up: Your old bathtub may be outdated and in need of an update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 shower heads
- 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 drain pipe. 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 the 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 guide line 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.