How to Remove a Porcelain Bathtub the Right Way

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How to Remove a Porcelain Bathtub

Your old porcelain bathtub is looking tired and worn out. You’ve been thinking about replacing it for a while, but you’re not sure how to remove the old one. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing a porcelain bathtub, step by step.

We’ll cover everything from disconnecting the plumbing to removing the old tub from the subfloor. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid damaging your walls and floors. So if you’re ready to take on this DIY project, read on!

How To Remove A Porcelain Bathtub?

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Remove the faucets and drain | Pliers, screwdriver |
| 2 | Cut the water supply lines | Hacksaw, pipe wrench |
| 3 | Remove the nails or screws holding the bathtub in place | Hammer, pry bar |
| 4 | Lift the bathtub out of the tub surround | Dolly, straps |
| 5 | Patch the holes in the tub surround | Cement, trowel |
| 6 | Caulk around the new bathtub | Caulk, caulking gun |

How to Remove a Porcelain Bathtub?

Preparing to Remove the Bathtub

Before you can remove a porcelain bathtub, you need to prepare the area by disconnecting the water supply, draining the water from the bathtub, and removing any fixtures or hardware attached to the bathtub.

1. Disconnect the water supply to the bathtub. Shut off the water supply to the bathtub at the main shutoff valve. This is usually located near the water meter.
2. Drain the water from the bathtub. Remove the drain cover and plug from the bathtub drain. Then, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water from the bathtub as possible.
3. Remove any fixtures or hardware attached to the bathtub. This includes the faucet, shower head, and any other fixtures or hardware that are attached to the bathtub.
4. Apply a penetrating oil to the bathtub bolts. This will help to loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove.

Removing the Bathtub

Once you have prepared the area, you can begin to remove the bathtub.

1. Place a large tarp or drop cloth on the floor around the bathtub. This will help to protect the floor from damage.
2. Use a pry bar to loosen the bathtub bolts. Start by prying up the bolts on one side of the bathtub. Once the bolts are loose, you can use a sledgehammer to break the seal between the bathtub and the floor.
3. Use a crowbar to pry the bathtub away from the wall. Work your way around the bathtub, prying it away from the wall until it is free.
4. Lift the bathtub out of the bathroom. Be careful not to drop the bathtub, as it can be heavy.

Once the bathtub is removed, you can dispose of it or have it recycled.

Tips for Removing a Porcelain Bathtub

  • If the bathtub is stuck to the floor, you can try heating the floor with a heat gun or hair dryer. This will help to loosen the seal between the bathtub and the floor.
  • If the bolts are rusted, you can try using a penetrating oil or a rust remover to loosen them.
  • If you are unable to remove the bathtub yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Removing a porcelain bathtub can be a difficult task, but it is possible to do it yourself if you follow the steps in this guide. Be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage the floor or the bathtub.

How To Remove A Porcelain Bathtub?

Removing a porcelain bathtub can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions. This guide will walk you through the process of removing a porcelain bathtub, from start to finish.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather all of the tools and materials you will need to remove the bathtub. This includes:

  • A hacksaw
  • A reciprocating saw
  • A sledgehammer
  • A pry bar
  • A bucket
  • A shop vac
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
  • Work clothes

2. Disconnect the Water Supply

The first step is to disconnect the water supply to the bathtub. This can be done by turning off the main water valve to the house. Once the water is turned off, you will need to drain the water from the bathtub. You can do this by opening the drain and letting the water run until it stops.

3. Remove the Hardware

Next, you will need to remove any hardware that is attached to the bathtub. This includes the faucets, shower head, and drain. You can usually remove these by unscrewing them with a wrench.

4. Cut the Tub Surround

If your bathtub is surrounded by a tile or acrylic surround, you will need to cut it away before you can remove the bathtub. You can do this with a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw. Be careful not to damage the walls behind the surround.

5. Pry Up the Tub

Once the surround is removed, you can begin to pry up the bathtub. You can do this with a pry bar or a sledgehammer. Be careful not to damage the floor underneath the bathtub.

6. Remove the Tub

Once the bathtub is loose, you can remove it from the bathroom. You may need to use a few friends to help you lift the bathtub. Be careful not to drop the bathtub, as it could be very heavy.

7. Clean Up the Mess

Once the bathtub is removed, you will need to clean up the mess. This includes sweeping up any debris and cleaning the walls and floor. You may also need to patch any holes that were created when you removed the bathtub.

8. Renovate the Bathroom Floor

Now that the bathtub is removed, you can begin to renovate the bathroom floor. This may involve repairing any damage to the floor, installing a new shower pan or bathtub, or tiling the floor.

9. Reinstall the Bathtub

Once the bathroom floor is finished, you can reinstall the bathtub. This involves placing the bathtub in the bathroom, aligning it with the drain, and securing it to the floor with new bolts. You will also need to connect the water supply to the bathtub and install any fixtures or hardware that were removed.

Removing a porcelain bathtub can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions. By following the steps in this guide, you can remove your bathtub and get started on your bathroom renovation project.

How To Remove A Porcelain Bathtub?

  • Q: What tools do I need to remove a porcelain bathtub?
  • A: You will need the following tools:
  • A hammer
  • A pry bar
  • A chisel
  • A saw
  • A reciprocating saw
  • A bucket
  • A shop vac
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Q: How do I remove the old faucets?
  • A: To remove the old faucets, you will need to:
  • Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
  • Remove the escutcheons from the faucets.
  • Loosen the nuts that hold the faucets in place.
  • Pull the faucets off of the bathtub.
  • Q: How do I remove the old drain?
  • A: To remove the old drain, you will need to:
  • Remove the drain cover.
  • Loosen the nuts that hold the drain in place.
  • Pull the drain out of the bathtub.
  • Q: How do I cut the porcelain bathtub?
  • A: To cut the porcelain bathtub, you will need to:
  • Mark the cutting line on the bathtub.
  • Use a reciprocating saw to cut along the cutting line.
  • Use a chisel to remove any remaining pieces of the bathtub.
  • Q: How do I remove the old bathtub from the subfloor?
  • A: To remove the old bathtub from the subfloor, you will need to:
  • Place a bucket under the bathtub to catch any water that leaks out.
  • Use a pry bar to loosen the bathtub from the subfloor.
  • Use a hammer to tap the bathtub out of the subfloor.
  • Q: How do I install a new bathtub?
  • A: To install a new bathtub, you will need to:
  • Place the new bathtub in the desired location.
  • Connect the new bathtub to the plumbing.
  • Install the new faucets and drain.
  • Caulk around the bathtub to seal it.
  • Q: What are some tips for removing a porcelain bathtub?
  • A: Here are some tips for removing a porcelain bathtub:
  • Be careful not to damage the subfloor when removing the bathtub.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.
  • Work slowly and methodically to avoid damaging the bathtub.
  • If you are not comfortable removing the bathtub yourself, hire a professional.

    Removing a porcelain bathtub is a difficult and time-consuming task, but it is possible with the right tools and instructions. In this comprehensive guide, we have outlined all of the steps involved in removing a porcelain bathtub, from start to finish. We have also provided tips and tricks to help you make the process easier and more successful.

If you are considering removing your own porcelain bathtub, we strongly recommend that you read through this guide carefully and make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials before you begin. By following these steps, you can safely and successfully remove your porcelain bathtub and install a new one.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from the sharp edges of the bathtub.
  • Turn off the water supply to the bathtub and drain the water.
  • Remove the drain cover and the overflow drain.
  • Cut the caulk around the bathtub.
  • Use a pry bar to remove the bathtub from the wall.
  • Clean up the mess and dispose of the old bathtub.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.