How to Remove an Old Cast Iron Bathtub (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Remove an Old Cast Iron Bathtub

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, one of the first things you’ll need to do is remove the old bathtub. Cast iron bathtubs are notoriously heavy and difficult to remove, but it’s definitely possible to do it yourself with a little time and effort.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of removing an old cast iron bathtub, from start to finish. We’ll provide tips on how to safely remove the tub, how to dispose of it, and how to prepare your bathroom for the new tub.

So if you’re ready to take on this project, read on!

Step	Tools	Instructions
1	Hacksaw	Cut the water supply lines to the bathtub.
2	Pry bar	Pry the bathtub away from the wall.
3	Sledgehammer	Break the bathtub into pieces.
4	Duct tape	Cover the bathtub drain with duct tape to prevent water from leaking.
5	Shop vac	Use a shop vac to remove any water that leaked out of the bathtub.

Cast iron bathtubs are a popular choice for bathrooms, but they can eventually become outdated or damaged. If you’re looking to replace your old cast iron bathtub, you’ll need to remove it first. This can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable with the right tools and instructions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of removing an old cast iron bathtub. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the job done quickly and easily.

Gather the necessary tools and materials

Before you can start removing your old cast iron bathtub, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and boots)
• Hacksaw
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Pipe wrench
• Dolly or hand truck
• Tarp or drop cloth
• Plumbing snake
• Drain cleaner

Prepare the bathtub for removal

Once you have gathered all of your tools and materials, you can begin preparing the bathtub for removal. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Drain the water from the bathtub.
3. Remove the drain cover and clean out the drain with a plumbing snake and drain cleaner.
4. Apply a penetrating oil to the bolts that hold the bathtub in place.

Remove the bathtub

Now that you’ve prepared the bathtub for removal, you can start the actual process of removing it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Place a tarp or drop cloth under the bathtub to catch any water or debris that may fall.
2. Use a hacksaw to cut through the bolts that hold the bathtub in place.
3. Use a pry bar to loosen the bathtub from the wall.
4. Use a hammer and chisel to break away any concrete or mortar that is holding the bathtub in place.
5. Use a dolly or hand truck to move the bathtub out of the bathroom.

Dispose of the bathtub

Once you have removed the bathtub, you will need to dispose of it. Here are a few options:

• You can recycle the bathtub if it is made of cast iron.
• You can donate the bathtub to a salvage yard or thrift store.
• You can have the bathtub hauled away by a junk removal company.

Removing an old cast iron bathtub can be a challenging task, but it’s definitely doable with the right tools and instructions. By following the steps in this guide, you can remove your old bathtub quickly and easily, and get started on your new bathroom project.

How To Remove An Old Cast Iron Bathtub?

Removing an old cast iron bathtub can be a daunting task, but it is definitely doable with the right tools and know-how. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of removing an old cast iron bathtub, from start to finish.

1. Prepare the Bathroom

Before you can begin removing the bathtub, you need to prepare the bathroom. This involves removing any fixtures that are attached to the bathtub, such as the faucet, shower head, and drain. You will also need to disconnect the water supply and drain lines.

To remove the faucet, you will need to turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This is usually done by turning a valve located under the sink. Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the faucet by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place.

To remove the shower head, you will need to unscrew the nuts that hold it in place. You may also need to remove the escutcheon, which is the decorative cover around the shower head.

To disconnect the water supply and drain lines, you will need to find the valves that control them. The water supply valve is usually located under the sink, while the drain line valve is usually located in the floor near the bathtub. Once you have found the valves, turn them off to prevent water from leaking.

2. Remove the Caulking

The next step is to remove the caulking around the bathtub. This can be done using a utility knife or a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the bathtub itself.

3. Remove the Bathtub

Once the caulking is removed, you can begin removing the bathtub. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a hacksaw to cut through the bolts that hold the bathtub in place. You can also use a pry bar to loosen the bathtub from the wall.

Once the bolts are cut, you can use a pry bar to loosen the bathtub from the wall. Be careful not to damage the wall. You may also need to use a hammer to knock the bathtub loose from the floor.

Once the bathtub is loose, you can use a dolly or hand truck to move it out of the bathroom.

4. Clean up the Mess

Once the bathtub is removed, you need to clean up the mess. This involves cleaning up any water and debris that was left behind. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up the water and debris.

You also need to dispose of the old bathtub and any other trash. You can either take the bathtub to a recycling center or have it hauled away by a junk removal company.

Removing an old cast iron bathtub can be a challenging task, but it is definitely doable with the right tools and know-how. By following these steps, you can remove your old bathtub and get started on your new bathroom project.

How do I remove an old cast iron bathtub?

There are a few different ways to remove an old cast iron bathtub, but the most common method is to use a sawzall.

1. Prepare the bathtub.

• Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
• Drain the water from the bathtub.
• Remove any fixtures, such as the faucet, shower head, and drain.
• Cover the floor around the bathtub with a tarp to protect it from water and debris.

2. Cut the bathtub.

• Use a sawzall to cut through the cast iron bathtub.
• Cut through the bathtub in several places, making sure to cut through the drain flange.

3. Remove the bathtub.

• Use a crowbar or pry bar to pry the bathtub away from the wall.
• Be careful not to damage the wall.
• Once the bathtub is loose, you can remove it from the bathroom.

4. Clean up the mess.

• Sweep up any debris.
• Repair any damage to the wall.
• Replace any fixtures that you removed.

What tools do I need to remove an old cast iron bathtub?

You will need the following tools to remove an old cast iron bathtub:

• A sawzall
• A crowbar or pry bar
• A hammer
• A shovel
• A tarp
• A dust mask
• Safety glasses

How long does it take to remove an old cast iron bathtub?

It will take about 3-4 hours to remove an old cast iron bathtub. The exact time will depend on the size and condition of the bathtub.

Is it difficult to remove an old cast iron bathtub?

It can be difficult to remove an old cast iron bathtub, but it is not impossible. The most difficult part is cutting through the cast iron. If you are not comfortable using a sawzall, you may want to hire a professional to remove the bathtub for you.

What are the risks involved in removing an old cast iron bathtub?

There are a few risks involved in removing an old cast iron bathtub, including:

• Cutting yourself with the sawzall
• Damaging the wall
• Dropping the bathtub and injuring yourself
• Breathing in dust from the cast iron

It is important to take precautions to minimize these risks, such as wearing a dust mask and safety glasses, and using a sawzall with a guard.

Can I remove an old cast iron bathtub myself?

Yes, you can remove an old cast iron bathtub yourself. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved and to take precautions to minimize those risks. If you are not comfortable using a sawzall, you may want to hire a professional to remove the bathtub for you.

In this article, we have discussed how to remove an old cast iron bathtub. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as the tools and materials you will need. We have also provided tips on how to avoid common mistakes.

If you are considering removing an old cast iron bathtub, we hope that this article has been helpful. By following the steps outlined here, you can safely and successfully remove your old bathtub and make way for a new one.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools and materials.
• Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from sharp edges and debris.
• Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding area.
• If you encounter any problems, do not hesitate to call a professional.

By following these tips, you can safely and successfully remove your old cast iron bathtub and make way for a new one.