Breaking a cast iron tub is labor intensive, but it's often the most efficient method of removal if you don't need to preserve the tub. Start by scoring the cast iron with an angle grinder. This will allow you to control the pieces that break off. Strike the apron of the tub with a sledgehammer and then the sides.
Cast iron is a pretty brittle metal. If you whack at it with a solid sledge, 10-15 pounds. You should be able to break it apart.
The rigidity of cast iron also means it is somewhat brittle. In fact, depending on how aggressive your cuts, the chips will be quite small or even an abrasive dust.
Need to remove a cast iron tub?! Break it with a sledge hammer! Try hitting the corners first because they are the weakest spots!
Cast iron baths may look, feel, and weigh a little different compared to when they were rising in popularity in the early 1900's. Nowadays, cast iron bathtubs typically weight under 200kg (originally around 500kg), have a premium enamel protective coating and can have any external colour you could dream of.
If you have a cast iron sink or tub, it may very well be worth scrapping, especially if you can't find some way of selling it to someone else. While you can find ways to repurpose a cast iron sink or tub, you may also need to get rid of it from your home.
With proper care, your cast iron bathtub will last for decades, often 70 years or more. They are notorious for requiring less maintenance than an acrylic bathtub, which makes cast iron the perfect choice for a bustling bathroom.
Cast Iron Tub Removal Cost. To remove a standard cast iron tub, you can expect to pay anywhere from $255-$395. Based on where the tub is location in the home or on the property, your cost could be more.
Research the value of materials
For example, clawfoot and cast iron tubs are great sources of scrap metal and companies will potentially pay you more for your bathtub depending on the materials you have on hand.
Cast iron is in a crystalline metal state, where cracks can very easily grow on crystal boundaries. This makes the iron 'hard' but very brittle, and highly likely to crack and break if dropped or thermally shocked.
Both materials are strong, but their strength varies. Cast iron has more strength than steel. On the other hand, steel has more tensile strength than cast iron, which allows it to bend without necessarily breaking. To clarify, compressive strength makes iron very hard, making it resistant to dents and bending.
While cutting cast iron with a hacksaw is possible, it may not be the most efficient method, especially for larger pipes or thicker sections.
Please note that there are several differences when cutting out a cast-iron tub compared to a fiberglass or steel tub. The side-grinder with a 4.5” diamond blade is the only tool used when cutting a cast-iron tub.
Cast iron tubs are incredibly heavy and can weigh up to 300-500 pounds, depending on the size. This makes it difficult to move and install, often requiring multiple people or special equipment.
Cast iron tubs are very long-lasting. They are extremely durable and sturdy. They will not crack easily and will keep their look for a lifetime. They are also quite easy to maintain.
Breaking a cast iron tub is labor intensive, but it's often the most efficient method of removal if you don't need to preserve the tub. Start by scoring the cast iron with an angle grinder. This will allow you to control the pieces that break off. Strike the apron of the tub with a sledgehammer and then the sides.
Cast iron and steel tubs as well as bathroom and kitchen sinks could be leaching lead. Another 40 percent of the tubs with lead were also estimated to have lead dust.
Cast iron isn't really worth much as scrap, maybe $100 per metric ton, or about two to four cents per pound. As cookware, it's awesome, well worth reconditioning, and darned near indestructable.
Try contacting your city's water conservation facility or recycling center to inquire about porcelain recycling programs in your area. If you don't have the tools or ability to haul your old tub to a recycling facility, contact a nationwide junk hauler like LoadUp.
No problem. Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!
The cast iron bathtub is more expensive than an acrylic tub since the manufacturing process involves extra steps than acrylic tubs. The tub manufacturing material is more expensive than the acrylic sheets and fiberglass.
The main difference between acrylic and cast iron tubs is their makeup. Cast iron is inherently heavier than acrylic, and they cost more; however, they are also more durable and require less maintenance.
The more you use a rusted pan, the more iron you'll consume in your food. It's best to avoid cooking with a rusty cast iron pan. If it's reached the point of corrosion or deep rust, throw it away rather than risk your and your family's health.
Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable and are made by pouring molten iron into a shaped mold. The mold is then smoothened and coated with enamel. The tubs are resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting, and they can last as long as a house.