The total cost to remove and dispose of a cast iron tub typically ranges from $300 to $1,200+. Because these tubs weigh 300 to 500 pounds and require specialized labor (like sectioning the tub with an angle grinder) to safely maneuver them, prices can vary based on location and accessibility.
Removing a cast iron tub costs between $300 and $1,200+ on average. The total price depends heavily on the tub's weight (typically 300–500+ lbs), whether it must be broken down to fit through doorways, and your home's accessibility (e.g., stairs vs. first-floor access).
Removing a cast iron tub isn’t technically complex, but it is highly labor-intensive and physically demanding. Because these tubs weigh 300 to 500+ pounds, the hardest part is getting them out of the house. Most professionals and DIYers avoid heavy lifting by using a sledgehammer to break the tub into easily manageable, 50-to-70-pound pieces.
Removing a 300 to 400-pound cast iron tub can be a brutal DIY job, but you don't necessarily have to haul the heavy beast out in one piece. The most common and manageable method is to smash it into smaller, carryable pieces.
Removing a clawfoot tub involves disconnecting the plumbing, removing the feet, and either moving the tub whole or breaking it into smaller pieces. Because cast iron tubs can weigh 300 to 400 lbs, it typically requires a team of 2-4 strong people or breaking the tub apart.
Cast iron tubs range from $20 for scrap to over $3,000 for antique or restored pieces. The value depends heavily on the style, condition, and market.
Yes, you should keep your cast iron tub if the structure is sound and the finish is simply worn. Cast iron is durable and heavily valued for its ability to retain heat. Replacing it involves high demolition costs and heavy modern acrylics lack the premium feel and stability of iron.
Scrap iron prices per pound vary significantly based on material grade and market conditions. Currently, light iron (often called “shred”) trades at approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per pound, while heavy cast iron ranges from $0.06 to $0.08 per pound.
Moving Your Cast Iron Bath Castironbaths.com baths weigh between 100 and 175 kg's depending on the style. As such a minimum of two people with a recommended 3-4 people for larger baths should be engaged in moving the bath at any time.
Yes, you can cut a cast iron tub in half to make it easier to remove from a bathroom. Because cast iron is extremely heavy (often 300300300 to 500500500 pounds) and fragile, cutting or breaking it allows one person to carry it out in manageable sections.
Removing a bath generally won't devalue your home, provided you keep at least one bathtub elsewhere in the house. However, eliminating the only tub will shrink your buyer pool—particularly among families with young children—which could impact how quickly your home sells.
A Cinderella tub is a vintage, space-saving corner bathtub popular from the 1930s to the 1950s. It is designed to fit diagonally into a corner, featuring a wide, rounded front and built-in seating on the sides. These cast-iron, often colorful (pink, blue, yellow) tubs maximize functionality in small bathrooms.
Removing a cast iron tub is physically demanding and can be dangerous without the right tools and protection. These tubs may weigh over 300 lbs and often need to be broken into pieces with a sledgehammer for safe removal.
Clawfoot tubs are extremely heavy and may require additional reinforcement of the flooring as well as a way to get them into the bathroom. Therefore, they are usually recommended for first-floor bathrooms. Acrylic tubs are lighter and require no additional flooring alterations.
Cast iron tubs can last 50 to 100+ years, easily outliving most other materials. While the iron itself is virtually indestructible, the porcelain enamel coating can eventually chip or wear down, requiring refinishing every 10 to 15 years.
An average 1950s cast iron bathtub typically weighs between 300 to 500 lbs (136 to 227 kg) when empty. The exact weight depends heavily on the specific style, design, and dimensions of the tub.
Old Tub Removal and Disposal
Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more. Disposing of the old tub can cost $100 to $4,200.
A 60-inch (5-foot) cast iron tub typically weighs between 240 and 400 pounds (109 to 181 kg) when empty, depending on the style and manufacturer.
Cast iron tubs range from $20 for scrap to over $3,000 for antique or restored pieces. The value depends heavily on the style, condition, and market.
A standard 5-foot (60-inch) cast iron bathtub weighs between 250 to 450 lbs (113 to 204 kg) when empty.
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.
SELLING A CLAWFOOT TUB
Dish soap isn't just for dishes; it can serve as an effective cleaner for your bathtub when you're alone at home. The surfactants in dish soap break down grease and grime, making it an efficient choice for tackling soap scum and dirt in your bathroom.
In the 1950s, standard bathtubs were almost exclusively made of cast iron coated with a baked-on porcelain enamel finish. These tubs were incredibly heavy (weighing up to 500 pounds) and highly durable. Some entry-level models or post-war renovations also featured pressed steel tubs, which were lighter and cheaper.