Sometimes home projects can be difficult for the single person but there are tricks of the trade to get your work done fast and easy.
When you are remodeling your bathroom you will find that dealing with your current fixtures can be somewhat difficult. The important thing to remember is if it fit into your house you can definitely get it out.
Bathtubs are one of the largest built in items you will need to deal with in your home. It is a good thing that they don’t normally need to be replaced. Because its one of the hardest jobs we have seen new companies that will resurface or encase your tub while in place.
Unfortunately there are times whether through abuse, rust or just the need to alter a design layout that changing out your tub is something you have to do.
Types of Tub Materials
There are four very common types of materials used to make bathroom tubs.
Cast Iron This is a very strong cast metal that is used to produce single piece tubs both built in and free standing claw foot tubs. Cast Iron is poured into molds then finished by grinding. The material is strong but brittle so it needs to be thick to support a person and the water in the tub without flexing.
Steel tubs made out of pressed steel have been around for a long time. The steel used may be thick or thin depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the tub. Steel tubs start off as a flat piece of sheet steel and are pressed. The metal is flexible and somewhat light. Steel tubs will probably be lighter then cast or acrylic depending on the design and size. Since they are easy to move into a home they are a good choice for a replacement.
Acrylic Acrylic tubs are cast plastic and provide some flexibility of steel along with durability of cast iron. Acrylic Tubs are often used for hot tubs or whirlpool baths.
Fiberglass is probably the lightest and easiest tub to remove and install. The material is often thin enough to flex slightly without cracking even with its thin wall structure.
Removing the tub
Built in tubs will have their drywall and tile placed on after the tub is nailed or screwed to the 2×4 framing in your wall.
To remove the tub will require that you remove at least the first 6 to 12 inches of tile and drywall to expose the attachment fasteners and allow room to get your new tub into place.
If you have a tub and Shower with a fiberglass surround then you may be confronted with a single piece design or a 4 piece design with a tub and 3 wall sections. To extract this type of tub shower install also means removal of surrounding drywall and tile if present.
Remove Your Fixtures
You will need to remove the fixture attachments for your tub including the drain line. You should do this before you start putting pressure on the tub during removal so you do not damage your plumbing.
Its a good idea to stuff a big rag in your drain to stop any small pieces getting in there.
Cutting / Breaking up the tub
Now that the tub can be removed you should begin by cutting the tub into sections that you can easily get through your doorways.
Begin by protecting your floor if you intend to save it with a piece of old carpet if you have some. You need something very thick.
If you are working on Fiberglass, Acrylic or Steel use the appropriate material type 4 inch blade in a reciprocating saw. Steel should be cut with a blade with more teeth and fiberglass and acrylic can be cut with a general purpose blade.
Cast Iron is difficult to remove in one piece that is why no one ever does it if they can avoid it.
Since cutting Cast Iron will take forever you can use its inherent brittleness against it and beat the sides of the tub with a VERY large sledge hammer.
Remember to wear protective clothing and eye protection.
Don’t be afraid to be aggressive with cast iron It will break … that is unless you really have a steel tub and misidentified it by mistake… heh don’t do that.
Cleanup
After the tub is in small enough pieces to be removed you should inspect the supporting structure on the bottom and sides of the tub.
If you had moisture in these areas be prepared to replace some studs, underlayment and maybe even joists.
Don’t be surprised if removing a cast iron tub damages the floor tile. This is very common and it may be possible to cut back and install a single row of decorative boarder to hide the damage after you put your new tub in place.
If you did damage your first row of tile then a diamond blade on a grinder or small circular saw will make easy work of removing that section. Use normal techniques to replace the mortar bed and tile.
The YouRepair Store sells a full line of bathtubs and showers
for your next project. They will be delivered directly to your home just like your local supply warehouse will provide.
Check our prices by searching for models you like maybe we can save you some money.
Don’t forget your Faucets and A diverter valve.