How to Remove an Old Bathtub

If you can't save your old tub it has to go.

A bathtub with a dingy interior that no longer comes clean or with a chipped, rusting surround brings down the entire look of a bathroom. If refinishing is not an option, or you're converting to a shower stall, you first need to get rid of that old eyesore of a bathtub.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Pry bar
• Tarp
• Sledgehammer
• Saw
• Gloves
• 1-by-4 boards
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Ensure have room to do the job. To remove the bathtub you need to be able to pull the bathtub straight out from the wall at least 3 feet and be able to get around the tub to work. Measure all of the doors that you need to travel through to get the old tub out and the new tub in. It would be really terrible to get the old tub out but be unable to install the new tub because it won't fit through the door. This may require that you carefully remove and set aside other fixtures, like a toilet or pedestal sink, to make room and avoid damaging them.

2. Turn off the water and drain the lines before beginning to disconnect the tub. You can do this by turning on a faucet that is lower than the tub. Once the water is drained, remove the faucet handles, spouts and drain from the tub. A wrench may be necessary.

3. If the tub area is enclosed, that enclosure can usually be unscrewed and removed. If it is not enclosed, then it is necessary to cut the dry wall above the tub on all sides about 6 inches. This allows room for the removal of the screws or nails that hold the tub to the studs.

4. Slip the pry bar underneath the front edge of the tub and slide a couple of 1-by-4s underneath the tub. These are going to be used as a slide to help keep the floor from being torn up when you pull the tub from the wall. Have a friend on hand to help you carry the old tub out and bring in the new tub.

Tips & Warnings

• If the old tub is cast iron, you can break it up into manageable pieces with a sledgehammer.

• Old fiberglass tubs can be cut into pieces with a saw.

• Use gloves to pick up pieces of broken cast iron.

• Always wear safety glasses when hammering or sawing.