How to Cut Out a Bathtub

Before you can replace the tub in your bathroom, you'll need to cut out the old tub. Do this properly to avoid a plumbing accident or unecessary damage to the bathroom. Learn the step-by-step process of cutting out your old bathtub.

Things You'll Need

• Safety Glasses
• Adjustable Wrench or Channel-lock Pliers
• Pipe Wrench
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Hack Saw
• Scrap Wood
• Prybar
• 2-by-4s if wall removal is necessary
• Helper

Instructions

1. Access the plumbing behind the bathtub via the access panel or by removing the wallboard or plaster and lath covering the plumbing. Do not cut into the studs supporting the wall without first supporting the remaining studs.

2. Turn off the water to the house before going any further. Do not disconnect any plumbing before turning off the water.

3. Use channel-lock pliers or a a large adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the drain, waste, and overflow pipes to the tub.

4. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the tub surround or bottom 4 inches of wall the coverings. This will expose the ledger-board or hanging clips supporting the tub.

5. Pry the tub away from the wall on all sides with the help of a prybar and a piece of scrap wood to protect the wall, if needed.

6. Move the tub a bit further from the wall with the assistance of your helper. If you encounter any resistance at this point, check the plumbing to make sure all the pipes are diconnected.

7. Remove the toilet, if necessary, to make room to remove the tub.

8. With the assistance of your helper, pull the tub straight out from the wall and take it out of the room.

9. If the tub cannot be removed by pulling it straight out, you can remove the wall opposite the faucets. Be sure to support the wall if it's load-bearing. If you aren't sure, consult an engineer for an expert opinion.

10. If you cannot remove the tub through the wall opposite the faucets, you will have to cut the pipes in the plumbing wall with a hacksaw, cap them, and remove the tub (after adequately supporting the wall with 2-by-4s).

Tips & Warnings

• Working with plumbing can be difficult. Have the name and number of a professional plumber and a remodelling contractor on hand, just in case you run into trouble. Don't try to remove the tub on your own. Tubs are heavy, and you may seriously injure yourself trying to remove it.