Tub Removal & Replacement

Disconnect the Plumbing Connections

• Before you disconnect any of the plumbing, make sure the water is completely turned off. Then remove the overflow cover plate and the drain-assembly unit if it is attached. Locate the plumbing access panel -- typically behind the tub -- and disconnect the waste-and-overflow unit. If the WO unit will fit your new tub, you can leave it. However, if it will not fit, you will have to remove it and replace it. Remove the tub spout and any other nozzles that are in the way of the tub or the tub surround, if you have one.

Remove the Tub

• Removing the tub will not be an easy job. Most tubs are placed with a very tight fit, and you will likely have to remove a portion of the wall in order to get it out. If your bathroom is very small, you may also have to remove your toilet and your sink or cabinets, as well.

  To remove your tub, you must remove at least four to six inches of tile all the way around the edge of the tub. If there is wall there, you may need to remove the same amount of material. Use a carpenter's knife to cut through the caulk around the tub, then use a pry bar to slowly tap a wedge between the tub and the wall. If you experience difficulty removing the tub, check to be sure no other plumbing connections need to be removed and then remove more of the wall.

Install the New Tub

• Be sure that you have the proper size tub and surround to start, or else you will need to cut it to fit. Get a helper to lower the tub into place and to avoid damaging the surrounding plumbing connections. You will need to tilt the tub in at an angle to get the proper fit.

  Once the tub is in place, reconnect the waste-and-overflow unit. You may have to thread the unit into place as you are positioning the tub. Then reconnect the other drainage units, faucets and other accessories.

Repair the Walls

• If you installed a bathtub with a surround, you likely won't have many repairs when you are finished, save for some caulking and painting. However, if you don't use a surround, you are going to have to repair the wall and the tiles around the tub. You will need to patch the drywall and either replace the tile or repaint the wall. Take care to be thorough in this step, as the results will have a huge impact on the aesthetics of the room. You don't want the price of your nice new tub to be ugly and damaged bathroom walls.