How Hard Is It to Replace a Bathtub?

Many people can install their own refrigerator, fix their own toilet, or hook up a new washing machine. If you’re one of these DIYers, you may also be tempted to replace your old, outdated bathtub on your own to save some money. While it certainly can be done by an advanced DIYer, replacing a bathtub is an involved task that requires intermediate (at minimum) plumbing skills, carpentry and plumbing tools and supplies, plenty of time, elbow grease, and an assistant. If you don’t have any experience with plumbing or don’t relish the thought of lifting an enormous tub into place, you may want to call in the professionals.

The Process of Replacing a Bathtub

Replacing a bathtub requires quite a few steps. Of course, the exact process will depend on what type of tub you have and what type of replacement tub you desire. However, the following steps apply to most bathtub replacement projects:

1. Secure any necessary permits – Depending on where you live, you may need a permit from your town or city to perform this kind of plumbing work.
2. Turn off the water – This is a crucial step. Find the appropriate shutoff valves and stop water flow to your bathtub to avoid creating a fountain.
3. Prepare your space – Replacing a bathtub is messy, so remove delicate items from the bathroom and put down a drop cloth.
4. Remove the tub surround or tiling – This generally requires that you destroy at least some of the tile or the surround, so be absolutely sure you want to undertake this process before you begin. Of course, this only applies if you have a built-in tub—skip this if you have a freestanding one.
5. Remove the hardware – Take out the shower head if you have one, the tub taps and spout, and the drain hardware.
6. Cut the bathtub out – Again, this only applies for built-in tubs. You may need to cut the tub in half to get it out.
7. Check for mildew – While your tub is out, it’s always a good idea to ensure no mold or mildew is forming.
8. Install your new tub – Test fit the tub and ensure it goes in level before you build a new drain. Then you’ll need to seal in the new tub, test it for leaks, and retile the walls if necessary.
9. Get an inspection – When you get your permits, you can ask the authority having jurisdiction for details on required inspections.

When to Call the Professionals

If any of the above steps made you scratch your head, you’re probably better off hiring a professional bathtub replacement team. This is no simple task, and since your home is your largest asset, it’s a good idea to realistically assess your abilities and call reinforcements rather than risk causing serious damage.

At Durante Home Exteriors™, we are just the experts to call in this situation. Our team of experienced professionals can complete a bathtub replacement project efficiently, flawlessly, and with minimal impact to the rest of your bathroom and your daily routine. We offer beautiful bathtub replacements, and we can also convert your bathtub to an accessible, gorgeous walk-in shower. Contact us today to learn more about our bathtub replacement services.