How do I remove a bathtub?

Pat
by Pat

We want to put in a shower...what is the easiest way to remove a tub?

  7 answers
  • William William on Nov 14, 2018

    Metal.... Disconnect all plumbing., reciprocating saw, sledge hammer. Easier to remove in chunks, Fiberglass....reciprocating saw. Cut up in pieces.

  • Harley Hoover Harley Hoover on Nov 15, 2018

    No matter " what" you want to do, in removing a tub, it will damage the "walls" above the tub for two reasons. First the tub itself will have a vertical lip along the back and sides generally, 3/4 to 1 inch tall. You have to "expose" this lip and about two inches above it , back to bare studs. generally there is screws, or nails that secure through the lip, to the studs. The attachments have to be removed or cut.

    Second the plumbing. The drain is also a "attachment" point, the (generally) chrome, rotates to be removed, the trick is, if it has been there for "awhile" it can be difficult, rust etc. A special wrench is available, I strongly suggest you get one. Above the drain is the "overflow" which can generally be taken apart easily. Remove the cover below is usually a couple of bolt that loosen off the remove the "clamp" feature of the attachment. Once "ALL" the things holding the tub are removed, the tub needs to be "lifted" up, one to two inches to clear obstructions below, and then out. Speaking from experience, this is generally just the start of a big job to get to your goal. Personally, I would start by removing all the wall componants above the tub right to the studs all around, for a shower, your going to want to replace everything anyways!

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 06, 2022

    Hi pat, hope this helps you out,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDmyyn6-8OY

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 07, 2022

    Lifting a standard alcove bathtub out of its enclosure presents unique spatial and weight challenges.


    Once the plumbing has been detached and the tub surround has been removed, one end of lightweight acrylic or fiberglass tubs can be lifted until the tub is vertical or nearly vertical. In this position, the tub can easily be rotated out of the enclosure.


    Steel or cast-iron bathtubs' weight, combined with the awkward lifting position, make these tubs more difficult to remove with this method. The tub can be lifted out by cutting away a couple of key wall studs and swinging one end of the tub outward.

    Another method is to open one section of wall and slide the tub straight out. Or you can break up the tub with a sledgehammer or cut it in half with an angle grinder.

    Removing the tub from the bathroom without damaging walls, toilet, or the countertop is best accomplished with a helper. But if you are alone, you also have the option of sliding the tub out on blankets or wheeling it out an appliance dolly.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 08, 2022

    Depending on the style and size of your bathroom and tub will determine the removal. It all has to be calculated in.

    Start with a plumbing disconnect.


    For a metal tub:


    https://mybathkitchen.com/how-to-remove-a-steel-bathtub/


    For a fiberglass tub:


    https://mybathkitchen.com/how-to-remove-a-fiberglass-bathtub/

  • Donna Ross Donna Ross on Jul 08, 2022

    You have to cut it in half in most cases