How much does it cost to remove an old bathtub?

Author: Ms. Otha Daugherty  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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 rip out an old bathtub?

Remove an Old Tub Yourself in 10 Easy Steps
  1. Gather Tools & Supplies. Before getting started, gather the necessary tools to complete your bathtub removal. ...
  2. Shut Off and Drain Water. ...
  3. Remove Your Tub's Hardware. ...
  4. Take Down Tile. ...
  5. Cut Through Drywall. ...
  6. Remove Screws Securing the Tub. ...
  7. Cut Away Caulk. ...
  8. Pry the Tub Out.

Can a handyman replace a bathtub?

When it comes to bathtub installation, both handymen and plumbers can accomplish the same task, but which is right for you? In general, you want to hire a plumber to install and replace your bathtub. Plumbers are required to apprentice for at least 2-4 years before being licensed.

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.

Who takes old bathtubs?

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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.

How much does demolition labor cost per hour?

The cost of labor differs dramatically based on your area and the cost of living. Contractor rates range from $50 to $100 per hour depending on where you live and what your demo involves, although most projects are priced per square foot.

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.

How much does it cost to remove and replace a bath?

The average price to get a bath installed is £450-£800. This covers the removal of the old bath as well as the supply and installation of the new bath. For this price, you can get a steel or acrylic standard, double-ended, corner, or shower over bath.

Does Lowe's install bathtubs?

They're not only experts in shower, bath and walk-in tub installation, but are also trained on correct tub and shower removal. Plus, we stand behind our work. When we install one of our showers or tubs, we provide a lifetime warranty on the product, the installation and the labor.

How much does it cost to remove and replace a bathtub?

As stated above, the national average for a bathtub replacement is $5600, with a price point between $1400-10,700. However, this price fluctuates heavily depending on many factors, such as your area. In California, you can expect to pay between $6000-8000 for a bathtub replacement job.

Are bathtubs hard to replace?

Replacing an old bathtub with a new bathtub is a very difficult project. Much of the tile on the walls will be damaged during the removal. If the old tub is readily accessible, the project can move quickly. If you have to open a wall to remove the old tub and position the new tub, the task is much harder.

Is it a big job to replace a bathtub?

Replacing your bathtub is a big project. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons or functionality, bathtub replacement should be a carefully planned project.

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.

How heavy is a bathtub?

The weight of a freestanding bathtub can vary depending on the material it is made of. Common materials used for these bathtubs include acrylic, stone, cast iron, and fiberglass. On average, a freestanding bathtub can weigh between 120 to 220 kilograms (kg), depending on its size, material, and design.

What do you do with old bathtubs?

Table of contents
  1. Reuse as chair.
  2. Turn into a couch.
  3. Oversized planters.
  4. Water features for garden.
  5. Transform into outdoor oven.
  6. Make a beverage cooler.
  7. Upcycle into a fire pit.
  8. Reuse as outdoor hot tub.

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.

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.

Is it code to have a bathtub?

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

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