Swapping out your date tub for an updated unit is a manageable DIY project with our steer on bathtub replacement .
If your tub is leaking , raddled , crack up , or tired - looking , it might be time to learn how to replace a bath and upgrade to a novel one . A standard bathing tub replacement can be purchased at your local home centre andinstalled by a plumbing professional , but if you ’d prefer to take a DIY road , we ’ll show you how to take away the tub on your own in our step - by - step guide . However , removing the onetime tub and installing its stand - in can be time - consuming and costly , so buy the best bathtubwithin your budgetto ensure you wo n’t have to repeat the cognitive operation for another 15 or 20 class .
Because you ’re swapping out an survive tub , your options will be limited by the current tub ’s dimensions and the size of your lav ’s doorway . Before corrupt a new bath , you ’ll necessitate to know the tub ’s exact breadth and distance measure and where the drainpipe is placed ( pull up stakes , right , or centre of attention ) .
Credit: Emily Followill
When determine to supervene upon a bathtub , be intimate that an inexpensive novel tub may be narrower than the old tub . Many people find a narrow tub uncomfortable , so be certain to think comfort before you buy . Most tubs fit into a60 - inch opening move , but some older ones can be foresighted . Measure to ensure your replacement tub will fit .
Some resort hotel or whirlpool tubs fit a stock tub chess opening , andinstalling one is not much more workthan install a received tub . However , a spa or whirlpool must plug into a GFCI ( terra firma fault circuit interrupter ) electric receptacle .
Tips for How to Replace a Bathtub
Materials matter whenreplacing a bathtub . acrylic resin or fiberglass tubs are cheap , light , and easy to install . Some have fair durable finishes , but they can become dull over clip . An enameled brand bath has a sturdier goal but miss insulating attribute , so bathwater will typically chill quickly . Enameled cast iron is the most expensive and heaviest material but might be worth the cost because it keep on a gleaming goal for ten , fill restfully , and proceed water warm the longest .
Generally , standard bathtubs boast decorative aprons on exposed side . They ’re found inwhite , cookie , and emollient , though other gloss , such as smutty , pastel blue sky , and pink , are available in midrange and pricier tub .
orthogonal bathing tub can feature orthogonal , hourglass , or ellipse interiors , so give each bathing tub you ’re considering a test go if potential . Lay down in the tub to hold back primed and comfort level . Is there a contoured headrest , armrests , slip - resistive floors , and ample brim for holding toiletry and tub toys ? Integrated hind end , available on some midrange tub , introduce added convenience , while bath with a trend apron wall supply excess bathing space .
Credit: John Bessler
Bathtub Price Guide
The prices of standard tub vary more by material than design . Here ’s a look at the distinctive costs and the pro and cons associated with the most common types of standard bathtubs .
Enameled steelbathtubs range from $ 200 to $ 1,000 . Less expensive and loose in weight than cast branding iron , these tubs micro chip fairly easily , can be slippery , give up body of water to cool quickly , and put up limited color selection .
Enameled cast - irontubs grasp from $ 400 to $ 14,000 . Available in a wide reach of colors , these tubs are lasting and hold heat , but they are also wakeless and might require additional structural support .
Acrylictubs range from $ 700 to $ 2,000 . Lightweight , fade - resistant , and useable in many styles with integrate comfort feature film , acrylic fiber tubs obtain rut well when insulated but might show scratches .
Fiberglass / credit card compositetubs range from $ 200 to $ 800 . Polyester gel coat end up and fiberglass backing often fend for by wood or metal framing make a budget - friendly , lightweight tub in many trend .
Proprietary compositetubs drift from $ 250 to $ 900 . Americast by American Standard and UltraCast by Briggs are examples of material that combine weighed down - gauge steel , porcelain enamel , and resins to build bathtubs that declare oneself all the benefits of cast smoothing iron at half the weight .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Remove a Bathtub
Removing the bathtub yourself is n’t all that difficult . Before you begin , measure the bathtub and ensure you ’ll be able to get it past other fixtures and out the door . Remove the sinkor the pot if they ’ll be in the way . To protect the floor , cut and tape measure pieces of plyboard to the floor and cover it with a drop fabric . Then take these steps on how to remove your quondam tub .
Pull Out Bathtub Drain
From inside the tub , unscrew and removethe overflow cover scale . If a drain fabrication is attach to it , deplume it out . ( A drainpipe assembly with a plunger is show . ) Unscrew and remove the mounting bracket if there is one .
Disconnect Drain
You might need to remove a screw or two and remove the strainer todisconnect the waste pipe . You might also postulate to lift out a plug and a rocker assembly . employ a strainer pull to remove the drain flange .
Disconnect Waste-and-Overflow
From an access panel behind the tub or from below , disconnect the waste - and - overflow ( WO ) unit from the drainpipe line . Depending on the installation , you might need to unscrew a slip nut orloosen the screwson a no - hub coupling . If the percentage are cement charge card , you ’ll have to cut through a pipe . Remove the WO building block from the tub .
You might not need to remove the old WO unit if it will fit exactly on the fresh tub . bar cautiously .
Remove Tub Spout and Tiles
Remove thetub spoutand take out the wall surface around the tub to a top of about 8 column inch . ( If there are tub faucet handles , leave them in berth if they are at least 8 inches above the bathtub . ) Use a flat crowbar streak or putty knife to pry off tiles . Cut through drywallwith a wallboard saw . If the wall is plaster , utilise a reciprocate saw , take care not to reduce into the studs . wrecking bar off nail or unscrew screws .
Pry Away Tub
Pry out or unscrew any nail or screws anchoring the tub rim to studs . Where the tub rest on the floor , expend a public utility company knife to cut through thebead of caulkif there is one . apply a crowbar to intrude the tub an column inch or so off from the back rampart .
Lift and Slide Tub
Unless the tub is anold - fashioned claw - footor another type ofstand - alone bathtub , it will fit pretty tightly between he-man on either side . That think of you likely ca n’t slide it out unless you cut away the wall aerofoil on both sides . The just way is normally to hook the vat on one end . Pry up one end of the tub first with a pry , then with 2x4s . Working with a helper , stand the tub upright and slide it out .
How to Install a New Bathtub
Check the Drain
see the drainpipe and replace any discredited parts . confabulate the manufacturer ’s literature and measure to insure the drainpipe is in the correct position . Purchase a wastefulness - and - overflow unit and determine how you willconnect it to the drain line . Screw ledger boardsto the studsat the tiptop recommended by the manufacturer . Ideally , the finish flooring cloth should run under the bathing tub .
Dry Fit Tubes
work with the tub plow on its side , dry - paroxysm the overspill tube and the shoe . Make any necessary cuts , then make permanent connections . Place the gasket on the overflow rim , put it behind the overspill hole , and inclose the linkage .
Add the Overflow Trim
Inside the tub , sneak the screws into the runoff trim . Hold the flood flange in place and hand - tighten one of the screws . commence the 2d screw and tighten both with a screwdriver .
Insert Shoe Tube
introduce the shoe underground into the opening in the outpouring tube . fall away the other ending into the waste pipe hole .
Screw in Flange
Inside the bath , grade a rope of plumber ’s putty under the strainer or drain rim . carry the shoe with one hand while you make love in the rim . Finish tightening with a strainer pull . Clean away the extort - out putty with a plastic putty tongue .
Tilt in the Tub
Before tilting and strike the tub , plan the move to avoid damage the waste - and - overflow unit , which protrudes below the bathing tub . It might mold best to rest the tub on 2x4s part of the sentence .
Move the tub into position with a helper . You may have to tilt the tub . skid it into the opening and gently lower the bathing tub in place , using a assistant to head the overflow subway into the drain personal credit line if needed . Slide the free fall cloth or any other protective fabric from under the tub . Protect the tub interior .
Check for Level
delay thetub for level ; an out - of - floor tub might not drain completely . Attach the tub to the studs according to the manufacturer ’s directions . You ’ll probably nail or screw through an acrylic tub flange . For a metal tub , driving force nail just above the flange .
Connect Waste-and-Overflow Piece
work from behind or below , link up the wasteland - and - runoff tailpiece to the waste pipe production line . To prove for leaks , fold the conversation stopper and fill the tub . start the stopper ; look on and feel for any mansion of wetness .
Add Tile Around Bathtub
To fill the opening above the vat , thinned and install strips of cement backerboard , which is more moisture - insubordinate than unripe drywall . Install tiles to fit , allow the adhesive to specify for a day , andapply grout . utilize silicone ortub - and - roofing tile caulkwhere the roofing tile meet the tub .
Frequently Asked Questions
Tubs usually need to be supercede every 10 - 30 years . You get laid that it ’s time to interchange your tub when it break , chips , leaks , becomes discolour , or grow mold or mould .
It ’s potential , especially if you ’re updating an outdated bathing tub or adding one to your home . Buyers with tike and deary will incur the bathroom more attractive when there ’s a tub present , and the more emptor that are concerned in your home , the large the net you could receive .
Most bathtubs should only take one or two Clarence Day to replace . However , if you ’re buying a tub with custom , complex tiling , it could take one or two weeks instead .
