Many people find a narrow tub uncomfortable, so be sure to consider comfort before you buy.
Most tubs fit into a60-inch opening, but some older ones can be longer.
Measure to see to it your replacement tub will fit.
Credit: Emily Followill
However, a spa or whirlpool must plug into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electrical receptacle.
Tips for How to Replace a Bathtub
Materials matter whenreplacing a bathtub.
Acrylic or fiberglass tubs are inexpensive, light, and easy to install.
Credit: John Bessler
Some have fairly durable finishes, but they can become dull over time.
An enameled steel tub has a sturdier finish but lacks insulating properties, so bathwater will typically cool quickly.
Generally, standard bathtubs feature decorative aprons on exposed sides.
Lay down in the bathtub to check fit and comfort level.
Bathtub Price Guide
The prices of standard bathtubs vary more by material than design.
Enameled steelbathtubs range from $200 to $1,000.
Enameled cast-irontubs range from $400 to $14,000.
Acrylictubs range from $700 to $2,000.
Fiberglass/plastic compositetubs range from $200 to $800.
Proprietary compositetubs range from $250 to $900.
Then do these things on how to remove your old tub.
Pull Out Bathtub Drain
From inside the tub,unscrew and removethe overflow cover plate.
If a drain assembly is attached to it, pull it out.
(A drain assembly with a plunger is shown.)
Unscrew and remove the mounting bracket if there is one.
You might also need to lift out a stopper and a rocker assembly.
Use a strainer wrench to remove the drain flange.
Depending on the installation, you might need to unscrew a slip nut orloosen the screwson a no-hub coupling.
If the parts are cemented plastic, you’ll have to cut through a pipe.
Remove the WO unit from the tub.
Use a flat pry bar or putty knife to pry off tiles.Cut through drywallwith a drywall saw.
If the wall is plaster, use a reciprocating saw, taking care not to cut into the studs.
Pry off nails or unscrew screws.
Pry Away Tub
Pry out or unscrew any nails or screws anchoring the tub flange to studs.
Use a crowbar to pry the tub an inch or so away from the back wall.
That means you probably can’t slide it out unless you cut away the wall surface on both sides.
The best way is usually to lift the tub on one end.
Pry up one end of the tub first with a crowbar, then with 2x4s.
Working with a helper, stand the tub upright and slide it out.
Consult the manufacturer’s literature and measure to ensure the drain is in the correct location.
Purchase a waste-and-overflow unit and determine how you willconnect it to the drain line.
Screw ledger boardsto the studsat the height recommended by the manufacturer.
Ideally, the finish flooring material should run under the tub.
Make any necessary cuts, then make permanent connections.
Place the gasket on the overflow flange, position it behind the overflow hole, and insert the linkage.
Add the Overflow Trim
Inside the tub, slip the screws into the overflow trim.
Hold the overflow flange in place and hand-tighten one of the screws.
Start the second screw and tighten both with a screwdriver.
Insert Shoe Tube
Insert the shoe tube into the opening in the overflow tube.
Slip the other end into the drain hole.
Hold the shoe with one hand while you screw in the flange.
Finish tightening with a strainer wrench.
Clean away the squeezed-out putty with a plastic putty knife.
It might work best to rest the tub on 2x4s part of the time.
Move the tub into position with a helper.
You may have to tilt the tub.
Slide the drop cloth or any other protective material from under the tub.
Protect the tub interior.
Check for Level
Check thetub for level; an out-of-level 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, drive nails just above the flange.
Connect Waste-and-Overflow Piece
Working from behind or below, connect the waste-and-overflow tailpiece to the drain line.
To test for leaks, wrap up the stopper and fill the tub.
initiate the stopper; watch and feel for any sign of wetness.
Apply silicone ortub-and-tile caulkwhere the tiles meet the tub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tubs usually need to be replaced every 10-30 years.
It’s possible, especially if you’re updating an outdated tub or adding one to your home.
Most bathtubs should only take one or two days to replace.
