How to Remove a Cast Iron Bathtub from Your Bathroom | The Ultimate Guide

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How to Remove a Cast Iron Bathtub from Your Bathroom

If you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply want to replace your old cast iron bathtub with a new one, you may be wondering how to remove the old tub. Cast iron bathtubs are heavy and difficult to move, so it’s important to take the proper precautions before you start.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of removing a cast iron bathtub from your bathroom. We’ll provide tips on how to safely disconnect the plumbing and drain, and we’ll also discuss how to dispose of the old tub.

So if you’re ready to take on this DIY project, read on for all the information you need!

How To Remove A Cast Iron Bathtub From Bathroom?

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Remove the faucet and drain | Faucet wrench, Drain wrench |
| 2 | Cut the water supply lines | Hacksaw, Pipe cutter |
| 3 | Remove the nails holding the bathtub to the floor | Hammer, Pry bar |
| 4 | Support the bathtub with a jack | Floor jack, Wood blocks |
| 5 | Slide the bathtub out of the bathroom | Pipe wrench, Dolly |
| 6 | Clean up the mess | Shop vac, Broom, Mop |

How to Remove a Cast Iron Bathtub from Bathroom?

Cast iron bathtubs were once a popular choice for bathrooms, but they are no longer as common as they once were. If you have a cast iron bathtub that you want to remove, there are a few steps that you will need to follow.

Preparation

Before you can remove the cast iron bathtub, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

  • A hacksaw
  • A reciprocating saw
  • A sledgehammer
  • A pry bar
  • A crowbar
  • A chisel
  • A hammer
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • A dust mask
  • A tarp

You will also need to protect yourself from the work. This means wearing safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask. You should also cover the floor with a tarp to protect it from the dust and debris that will be created during the removal process.

Drain the Bathtub

The first step is to drain the bathtub. You can do this by turning off the water supply to the bathtub and then opening the drain. If the drain is clogged, you will need to clear it before you can drain the bathtub.

Remove the Faucets and Drain Assembly

The next step is to remove the faucets and drain assembly. This is usually a simple process, but it can be a bit tricky if the faucets and drain assembly are old and corroded. You will need to use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the faucets and drain assembly in place. Once the nuts are loosened, you can carefully remove the faucets and drain assembly.

Cut the Cast Iron Tub into Sections

The next step is to cut the cast iron tub into sections. This is the most difficult part of the removal process, and it is important to be careful not to damage the surrounding walls. You can cut the cast iron tub with a hacksaw, a reciprocating saw, or a sledgehammer. If you are using a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw, you will need to make several cuts around the tub. If you are using a sledgehammer, you will need to break the tub into pieces.

Remove the Sections from the Bathroom

Once the cast iron tub is cut into sections, you can remove it from the bathroom. You can do this by using a pry bar and a crowbar to pry the sections out of the floor. You may also need to use a sledgehammer to break the sections into smaller pieces.

Clean Up the Mess

Once the cast iron tub is removed, you will need to clean up the mess. This means sweeping up the dust and debris that was created during the removal process. You may also need to patch any holes that were created in the walls.

Removing a cast iron bathtub from a bathroom is a difficult and time-consuming process, but it is possible to do it yourself. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and successfully remove your cast iron bathtub.

Additional Tips

  • If you are not comfortable doing this work yourself, you can hire a professional to remove the cast iron bathtub for you.
  • Be careful not to damage the surrounding walls when you are cutting the cast iron tub into sections.
  • Wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from the dust and debris that will be created during the removal process.
  • Cover the floor with a tarp to protect it from the dust and debris.

Removing the Cast Iron Tub

Removing a cast iron bathtub can be a daunting task, but it is definitely possible to do it yourself. With a little planning and effort, you can remove your old cast iron tub and install a new one in no time.

Here are the steps involved in removing a cast iron bathtub:

1. Drain the water from the tub. This is the first and most important step. You will need to drain the water from the tub before you can begin to remove it. You can do this by turning off the water supply to the tub and then opening the drain. If you have a bathtub overflow, you will also need to open that.
2. Disconnect the plumbing. Once the water is drained from the tub, you will need to disconnect the plumbing. This includes the hot and cold water supply lines, as well as the drain line. You can usually find these connections underneath the tub. Be careful not to damage the pipes when you are disconnecting them.
3. Remove the bolts. There are usually a few bolts that hold the tub in place. These bolts are typically located on the bottom of the tub. You will need to use a wrench to remove these bolts.
4. Lift the tub out of the bathroom. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the tub out of the bathroom. Be careful not to drop the tub, as it is heavy. You may need to have someone help you lift the tub.
5. Dispose of the old tub. Once the tub is out of the bathroom, you will need to dispose of it. You can either take it to a recycling center or have it hauled away by a junk removal company.

Preparing the Bathroom for the New Tub

Before you can install the new tub, you will need to prepare the bathroom. This includes removing any old tiles, patching any holes in the walls, and replacing any damaged drywall. You will also need to make sure that the floor is level and that the drain is properly positioned.

Here are the steps involved in preparing the bathroom for the new tub:

1. Remove any old tiles. If there are any old tiles in the bathroom, you will need to remove them. You can do this by using a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to damage the subfloor.
2. Patch any holes in the walls. If there are any holes in the walls, you will need to patch them. You can do this by using a patching compound. Be sure to let the patching compound dry completely before you move on to the next step.
3. Replace any damaged drywall. If there is any damaged drywall in the bathroom, you will need to replace it. You can do this by cutting out the damaged drywall and then installing a new piece of drywall. Be sure to use a sealant around the edges of the new drywall to prevent water from seeping in.
4. Make sure the floor is level. The floor in the bathroom needs to be level in order for the new tub to sit properly. You can check the level of the floor by using a level. If the floor is not level, you will need to level it before you install the new tub.
5. Position the drain. The drain for the new tub needs to be properly positioned. You can do this by using a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. The drain should be installed between two studs.

Installing the New Tub

Once the bathroom is prepared, you can install the new tub. Here are the steps involved in installing the new tub:

1. Place the tub in the bathroom. The tub should be placed in the same location as the old tub. Be sure to leave enough space around the tub for the faucets and drain assembly.
2. Connect the plumbing. The plumbing for the new tub needs to be connected to the hot and cold water supply lines and the drain line. You can do this by using PEX tubing or copper pipes. Be sure to tighten the connections securely.
3. Install the faucets and drain assembly. The faucets and drain assembly for the new tub need to be installed. You can do this by following the instructions that came with the faucets and drain assembly.
4. Install the overflow. If the new tub has an overflow, you will need to install it. You can do this by following the instructions that came with the tub.
5. Install the skirt. The skirt for the new tub needs to be installed. You can do this by following the instructions that came with the skirt.

Connecting the Faucets and Drain Assembly

The faucets and drain assembly for the new tub

How do I remove a cast iron bathtub from my bathroom?

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need:

  • A pry bar
  • A hammer
  • A chisel
  • A saw
  • A bucket
  • A tarp
  • A shop vac
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

2. Disconnect the water supply. Shut off the water to the bathtub at the main shutoff valve. Drain the water from the bathtub by opening the drain plug.

3. Remove the drain flange. The drain flange is the metal ring that surrounds the drain pipe. It is typically held in place by a few screws or bolts. Remove the screws or bolts to loosen the drain flange.

4. Cut the cast iron tub. The easiest way to cut the cast iron tub is to use a saw. You can use a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, or a tile saw. Cut the tub in half lengthwise.

5. Pry the tub out of the wall. Use a pry bar to pry the tub out of the wall. Be careful not to damage the wall.

6. Remove the old plumbing. The old plumbing is typically made of copper or galvanized steel. It is located behind the tub. Remove the old plumbing by disconnecting it from the water supply and drain lines.

7. Clean up the mess. Use a shop vac to clean up the dust and debris. Use a tarp to protect the floor from any water or sealant that may spill.

8. Install a new bathtub. Once the old bathtub is removed, you can install a new bathtub. Follow the instructions that came with your new bathtub.

What are the challenges of removing a cast iron bathtub?

  • Cast iron bathtubs are heavy and difficult to move.
  • Cast iron bathtubs are often installed in tight spaces, making it difficult to access the bolts and screws that hold them in place.
  • Cast iron bathtubs are often sealed to the floor with a thick layer of mortar, which can be difficult to remove.

How can I make removing a cast iron bathtub easier?

  • Hire a professional. If you are not comfortable working with heavy objects or if you are not familiar with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional to remove your cast iron bathtub.
  • Break the bathtub into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to move and transport.
  • Use a heat gun or a torch to soften the mortar. This will make it easier to remove.
  • Use a chisel or a hammer to break the mortar around the bathtub.

What are the safety precautions I should take when removing a cast iron bathtub?

  • Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
  • Use a pry bar or a hammer to pry the tub out of the wall. Be careful not to damage the wall.
  • Use a shop vac to clean up the dust and debris.
  • Dispose of the old bathtub and plumbing materials properly.

In this article, we have discussed how to remove a cast iron bathtub from your bathroom. We have provided a step-by-step guide, as well as tips and tricks to make the process easier.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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.