While porcelain-enameled cast iron is more expensive and heavier than steel or acrylic, a good cast-iron tub may last 70 years or more!
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.
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.
It is absolutely worth replacing the tub. First, it's enameled cast iron. It has a lifetime. Once the enamel chips are wears away, the iron will start to rust and the tub is cooked at that point. How annoying will it be when in a few years when your tub starts to fail?
Cast iron is the most durable and longest-lasting type of bathtub you can buy, and vintage cast iron tubs are very popular. However, if a cast iron tub is too cumbersome to get to a second-floor bathroom in your home, an enameled steel tub is the next best thing.
The average bath needs replacement every 10 to 30 years, with porcelain-enamel products offering the longest lifespan. Towards the end of that period, gaps and cracks will appear, ultimately leading to leaks. Water is one of nature's most destructive elements, so even a subtle leak needs immediate attention.
Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Both styles can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.
Replace your cast iron tubs for the following reasons:
You have no need for a tub and prefer a shower instead. You want to replace it with a soaking, freestanding, or whirlpool bathtub. You have a personal vendetta against it and just want it out. You want a barrier free shower and want to remodel for aging in place.
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.
The cast iron tub refinishing procedure also known as cast iron tub reglazing, not only is a viable alternative to replacement when the tub is old, stained, damaged, or simply doesn't look good anymore but has become the number one choice for contractors nowadays when they are hired by a homeowner to remodel a bathroom ...
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.
Cast iron is a big hunk of iron, after all. Too much exposure to water will cause it to rust. You can still salvage a rusted pan by scrubbing and re-seasoning it, but it's more of a pain than just wiping the skillet dry every time you use it.
Cast iron bathtubs are incredibly heavy and are known to need extra floor support to bear their weight. A standard cast iron tub weighs around 250 to 500 pounds.
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.
Cost Differences
Cast iron tubs are usually more expensive due to the manufacturing process, the weight, and the difficulty of installation.
Instead of trashing a bathtub, you can consider repurposing it into a functional household item like a sofa, chair, or garden pond. All it requires is a little creative imagination and DIY skills to turn trash into gold. Repurposing old bathtubs into functional objects isn't very hard.
Resurfacing materials for a porcelain or cast iron tub usually cost $350–$600, while fiberglass can cost $300–$1,000. Adding enamel can tack on another $350–$600.
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.
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.
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.
Soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse under warm water. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan. Note: If you do accidentally leave your pan in water for too long and it develops rust, don't panic!
What are some trusted bath tub brands to be looking at? We did some of the initial work for you. Here are a few frequently recommended bathtub brands you can use to start your search: American Standard, Toto, Proflo, Mirabelle, and Kohler.
Cast Iron. If you want a bathtub that will outlast you, get one made of cast iron. Cast iron is made by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace.
In conclusion, Kohler products may be more expensive due to their commitment to using high-quality materials, dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail, investment in research and development, reputation for quality and reliability, commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, marketing and ...