How much does it cost to get a bathtub removed?

Author: Isabella McKenzie  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Old tub removal If you opt to allow a contractor to remove and dispose of your tub, expect to pay $200 to $300 for a standard alcove or freestanding tub. The process of removing an old tub is very straightforward, but if you have a cast iron tub, expect to pay more as those bathtubs are incredibly heavy.

Is it expensive to remove a bathtub?

Removing an existing tub typically costs between $59 and $108. This includes breaking up the tub, if necessary, and disposing of it—usually in a contractor-provided dumpster. Costs increase for heavy cast iron tubs due to the extra labor required.

Do you need a plumber to remove a bath?

If you cannot access your plumbing you can look at using an electric saw to cut the wider panel off. In these more complicated setups, we'd recommend getting In contact with a professional especially if you are unsure. You should prioritise shutting off the water to your bath.

How much does it cost to dispose of a bathtub?

How much does bathtub removal cost? The average cost for bathtub disposal from LoadUp starts at $107 and you can check out our easy upfront pricing guide here.

Does removing a tub reduce home value?

Whether a shower or tub is better for resale is a common question many homeowners consider before removing a tub. Real estate professionals advise that as long as it's not your only bathtub, converting a tub to a shower shouldn't hurt (and might even help) your home's resale value.

How to Remove a Bathtub 🧐

Is it a good idea to remove a bathtub?

The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.

Is it harder to sell a house without a bathtub?

A bath can significantly increase the value of your home as it makes it competitive in the real estate markets. Potential homebuyers may be impressed with the unique features of your home but without a bathtub, they can easily turn down your offer.

How to get rid of an old bathtub?

When sinks, toilets and baths are cracked, badly chipped and cannot be re-purposed or re-sold they can be disposed of at Recycling Centres. If using a van, check whether whether any permission or ID is needed to do so in advance.

Who to call to remove a bathtub?

In general, you want to hire a plumber to install and replace your bathtub.

How much does a bathtub worth of water weigh?

A gallon of water weighs roughly 8 pounds, so if your bathtub can hold around 100 gallons of water, that is roughly around 800 pounds of strain on your floor, not accounting for your body weight as well as the material of your bathtub itself, so yes, it is important to know the capacity of your tub.

How to remove a bathtub without destroying walls?

To remove a bathtub without damaging the surrounding walls, first turn off the water supply. Then disconnect the drain and overflow from the plumbing. Carefully remove any caulking or sealant, cut away drywall if necessary, and gently pry the tub out, ensuring not to damage the walls.

Can a bath and toilet share the same drain?

It's important to note that the connection between the bath and toilet can't exceed a six-foot radius. Failing to do so prevents the valve from transporting water into the drainpipe. If you can't maintain a six-foot radius, your bath and toilet can't share the same drain.

How long does it take to remove and replace a bathtub?

How long does it take to remove a bathtub? Depending on your skill and knowledge level, anywhere from 3-4 hours to half a day, depending on the setup and layout of your bathroom.

Do plumbers remove bathtubs?

Plumbers can do a lot of things, including installing and replacing bathtubs. They can remove the old tub, install the new one, and connect the plumbing. This type of work involves connecting the drain, water supply, and overflow to the existing plumbing system.

How much does it cost to remove a bathtub and make a walk in shower?

Shower type

A shower stall is a common choice for homeowners, and the cost of a tub to shower conversion typically ranges from $1,000 to $8,000 for this type. Walk-in showers are also a popular option, however, this type of tub to shower conversion is typically more expensive, costing up to $15,000 or more.

Can you scrap a bathtub?

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.

What's the labor cost to remove a bathtub?

If you opt to allow a contractor to remove and dispose of your tub, expect to pay $200 to $300 for a standard alcove or freestanding tub. The process of removing an old tub is very straightforward, but if you have a cast iron tub, expect to pay more as those bathtubs are incredibly heavy.

Is removing a bathtub easy?

Removing a bathtub is not easy, and you may want to hire a professional plumber to do the job. However, if you're determined to do the job yourself, read the steps listed below and learn about how to remove a bathtub. Here's what to do: Turn off the water to your bathroom.

What to do with space after removing a tub?

Even unused tubs require cleaning and upkeep, and a big empty basin can often be an appealing spot for things to be "temporarily" stored but never ultimately put away. The open space created by removing a tub can be used for a bench or seat, a hamper, or even just open floor that helps the bathroom feel more spacious.

How to throw away a bathtub?

Local junk collection professionals are capable of helping remove trash from your home, even bathtubs and toilets. Thus, you may contact junk collection crews all around the country who are available for junk collection services, including the removal of bathtubs.

How do you break up a bathtub?

Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut past the enamel and into the cast iron itself. The dual aim: Less sledgehammer force, and more control over where the tub breaks. Swing that hammer: With your PPE on and prep work done, start beating on the tub.

What happens to old bath tubs?

Plenty of homeowners (especially those with natural, overgrown landscaping aesthetics) use old bathtubs and wash basins for gardening pots, flower beds, and decorative additions to their outdoor areas.

Why are people getting rid of bathtubs?

According to a recent survey, only 23 percent of homeowners actually use their bathtubs on a regular basis. This means that the vast majority of bathrooms have tubs that just take up space. If you aren't using your bathtub, you can have it removed and give yourself a bigger and more comfortable bathroom.

Is it code to have a bathtub?

There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.

Do buyers still want bathtubs?

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 72% of home buyers prefer a primary bathroom with a tub and a shower.

Previous article
How to tell if AC needs Freon?
Next article
Should my Honeywell thermostat say cool on?