How to remove and replace a bathtub?

by delavin home
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Sources
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - The Home Depot
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www.homedepot.com
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How to Replace a Bathtub (Step By Step) - YouTube
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www.youtube.com
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How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - Home Depot Videos
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videos.homedepot.com
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3
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - YouTube
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www.youtube.com
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4
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Answer
Removing and replacing a bathtub is a significant bathroom renovation project that requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Preparation

  1. Measure the Bathtub Alcove: Measure the length and width of your current bathtub alcove to ensure you select the right size tub for your space. Standard bathtubs are 5 feet long and either 30 or 32 inches wide15.
  2. Determine the Drain Pipe Location: Identify the side of the alcove where the drain opening is located. This will help you choose the correct type of tub (left drain or right drain)1.
  3. Turn Off the Water Supply: Shut off the water supply to the tub. If there is no separate shutoff valve, turn off the water supply to the entire house. Test the water supply by turning on the bathtub faucet and then opening a valve at a lower level to relieve any remaining pressure1.

Removing the Old Bathtub

  1. Disconnect the Drain: Use a tub drain remover to twist out the drain. Remove the overflow drain cover and the stud securing the side tub flange on the side opposite the drain
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  2. Remove Nails and Screws: Remove any nails or screws securing the tub to the wall
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  3. Lift Out the Tub: Lift the tub out by lifting the side away from the drain and pulling it out at an angle. For cast iron tubs, break them up with a sledgehammer. For other materials, cut them up with a reciprocating saw or remove them whole1
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Disposal of the Old Tub

  1. Break Up Cast Iron Tubs: Use a sledgehammer to break up cast iron tubs into manageable sections for disposal1.
  2. Dispose of Other Materials: Cut up steel, composite, or fiberglass tubs with a reciprocating saw. Porcelain-enameled steel tubs should be disposed of whole1.

Installing the New Tub

  1. Inspect the New Tub: Check the new tub for damage and report any issues to the manufacturer1.
  2. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is level and even. Use a floor leveler if necessary1
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  3. Set the Tub in Place: Use a helper to carefully set the tub onto the skids and slide it into position in the alcove. Check that the tub is level and use shims if necessary1
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Final Steps

  1. Hook Up the Drain: Connect the drain and overflow assembly according to the manufacturer's instructions
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  2. Finish the Installation: Complete the installation by securing the tub to the studs and finishing the surrounding area with tile or other materials1
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Remember to wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection, during the removal and installation process. Additionally, consult local recycling centers for guidance on disposing of the old tub1
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References

1. How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - The Home Depot2. How to Replace a Bathtub (Step By Step) - YouTube3. How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - Home Depot Videos4. How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub - YouTube5. How to Install a Bathtub: Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround



Author: The Home Depot



Key insights

  • When replacing a bathtub, the flange must be installed behind the tile on all three sides to prevent water from leaking down behind the wall.
  • Removing a bathtub involves disconnecting the plumbing and cutting through walls or ceilings to expose the drain lines.
  • ️ Removing a cast iron bathtub requires breaking it into pieces with a sledgehammer, while acrylic or fiberglass tubs can be cut up with a reciprocating saw.
  • ️ Some tubs are meant to be installed in a bed of mortar, providing extra support and leveling, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Pre-drilling the flange and securing the tub to the studs with 2-inch exterior pan head screws is essential for a proper installation.
  • Installing a new bathtub can be complicated and every installation is different, requiring attention to detail and precision.

Timestamped Summary

  • 00:00 Bathtubs come in different shapes and sizes, and to replace one, you'll need to remove the surrounding tile down to the studs.
  • 00:51 Disconnect plumbing, remove drain screen, use tub drain wrench to remove plug, then remove overflow plate and stopper assembly, and cut through walls or ceiling to expose drain lines and remove drain and overflow.
  • 01:31 Use a sledgehammer to break a cast iron tub into pieces, wear safety gear, and cover the tub to prevent flying debris; acrylic or fiberglass tubs can be cut with a reciprocating saw, while porcelain enamel steel tubs should be removed in one piece.
  • 02:01 Some tubs need mortar for support and leveling, but the one we're installing has a reinforced foundation.
  • 02:20 Ensure the subfloor is level, add plywood if needed, place the bathtub, drill and secure with screws, and use shims if necessary.
  • 02:58 Install the new bath waste and overflow, bath tee, bath shoe, p-trap, and make a watertight connection between the tub and tub shoe using silicone caulking.

Video Full Text

  • 00:00 Bathtubs come in many different shapes sizes and styles but the most common one by far is one just like this 60 inch 5 foot and 30 or 32 inches wide and 14 16 or 18 inches tall. Now it's called an alcove tub because it's installed with walls called the bath surround on three sides now when it's time to replace a tub. Like this. It's usually part of a much bigger bathroom renovation here's why see this flange right here. This is designed to prevent water from leaking down in behind the wall but for to work properly. It must be installed behind the tile on all three sides so to remove the tub you'll need to remove the tile usually down to the studs.
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  • 00:51 Once the tub surround is completely removed you can disconnect the plumbing using a screwdriver remove the drain screen and then you can use a special tub drain wrench to remove. The drain plug then remove the overflow plate and the stopper assembly if you don't have access to the drain. Connections from an unfinished room below you'll need to cut through the walls or ceiling to expose the drain lines. Once you have access remove the drain and the overflow by cutting through the pipes or by unscrewing the threaded connections.
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  • 01:31 Now we're ready to remove the bathtub. This tub is cast iron which makes it very heavy. So we're going to use a sledge hammer to break it into pieces be sure to wear safety glasses and you could cover the tub with a drop cloth to prevent flying debris. Now. If you have an acrylic or a fiberglass tub you should be able to cut it up with a reciprocating saw. Like this porcelain enamel steel tubs should be removed in one piece.
    Read More
  • 02:01 Some tubs are meant to be installed in a bed of mortar. The mortar will help support the tub from flex when you step into. It also help to level that tub perfectly but it's always important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Now the tub we're installing doesn't require a mortar bed. It has this reinforced foundation right here.
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  • 02:20 So all you really need is a firm subfloor that's level for this installation. We decided to add new plywood on top of the original subfloor to bring it to the correct height and to make it perfectly level. Next. We placed the new acrylic bathtub in the opening and confirmed that it was level. We pre-drilled the flange and secured the tub to the studs with 2-inch exterior pan head screws you may need to add shims between the flange and the stud.
    Read More
  • 02:58 The next step is to install the new bath waste and overflow hold the overflow against the back of the tub and then insert the stopper linkage down into the overflow and attach the faceplate with the screws provided from below attach. The bath tee to the overflow pipe and then install the bath shoe into the bath tee making sure that it aligns exactly with the hole in the tub don't forget the gaskets that go between the tub and the bath shoe install a p-trap to the bath waste and overflow and then make the connections to the existing drain line. The last step is to make a watertight connection between the tub and the tub shoe. Now in this installation. We're using silicone caulking just tighten it up with your tub drain wrench and attach the cover plate replacing a bathtub can be complicated and every installation is different. Even if you know all the steps you may still want to work with a licensed plumber to ensure that your project meets all local building codes. But once the new tub is in place and plumbed correctly you'll be well on your way to a new and improved bathroom you.
    Read More


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