Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Tearing out bathtub
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Tearing out bathtub
HRT
12-11-05, 08:43 PM
How hard is it to tear out a cermanic bathtub. Is tearing out the walls around it always neccesary?
Doug Aleshire
12-11-05, 09:03 PM
HRT,
Are you referring to a bathtub that has tiled walls? What is a ceramic bathtub?
Are you referring to a bathtub that has tiled walls? What is a ceramic bathtub?
HRT
12-11-05, 09:06 PM
Perhaps it's not cermanic? Just a basic bathtub. What are they generally made out of? Porcelin?
Doug Aleshire
12-11-05, 09:11 PM
HRT,
Tub Removal
Determine first whether the tub is cast iron or pressed steel. If it's cast, you could break it up with a sledge hammer for removal. So, for cast iron tub removal, first cover the tub with an old tarp before you start. Remove anything in your way, including toilet, if necessary. If toilet is to remain, cover this up as well as the vanity, mirror, toilet. Least but not least, if there is a window within the bathroom, protect this as well. Wear protective clothes to include long sleeve shirt, goggles, hat and leather gloves. A mask would also be a good idea. The porcelain will chip off and this can cut the skin very easily. A cast iron tub can be broken up with a maul/sledgehammer 5 to 10 lb. for removal. If you are wondering cast iron tubs are very heavy from 200-400 lbs so breaking it up is the best option.
If it is pressed steel, it will have to be removed in one pc or by the use of a sawzall, it can be cut with a metal blade. This takes time but it can be done. Best option though is one pc removal.
Most tubs are actually anchored directly to the wall studs with screws or nails. The problem with removal is that no matter which way you twist it (up or side to side) the area that the tub occupies will become longer than the five foot opening. This is assuming that you have one finished side (what you see outside the tub). When you tilt the tub up on one end (say the right end is being lifted) the top left will hit the wall and the bottom right will hit the wall. With the wall covering removed down to the studs, you may be able to lift the tub and move it out of the room on end. You will have to slide it clear of the plumbing before you lift it. An easier option, if dueable, is through the wall of an adjacent room by sliding the tub out from one end.
The trick to removing tubs is to first remove the tile and sheetrock behind it (5 foot wall to top of tile) and above both ends of the tub up to tile line and in front of both ends for 4 inches or more up to next stud. Unscrew drain assembly with a cross-shaped drain removal tool. Unscrew overflow cover plate and pull out any cover and connected drain plug and rods. The top of the tub is usually nailed to 2 or more studs along the back 60 inch side.
Slide out the tub toward the door at least 4 inches. Now it is clear of the studs and can be raised at the shallow end (not at the water valve end) to vertical with two strong people. Steel tubs may weigh 60-100 pounds.
Hope this helps!
Tub Removal
Determine first whether the tub is cast iron or pressed steel. If it's cast, you could break it up with a sledge hammer for removal. So, for cast iron tub removal, first cover the tub with an old tarp before you start. Remove anything in your way, including toilet, if necessary. If toilet is to remain, cover this up as well as the vanity, mirror, toilet. Least but not least, if there is a window within the bathroom, protect this as well. Wear protective clothes to include long sleeve shirt, goggles, hat and leather gloves. A mask would also be a good idea. The porcelain will chip off and this can cut the skin very easily. A cast iron tub can be broken up with a maul/sledgehammer 5 to 10 lb. for removal. If you are wondering cast iron tubs are very heavy from 200-400 lbs so breaking it up is the best option.
If it is pressed steel, it will have to be removed in one pc or by the use of a sawzall, it can be cut with a metal blade. This takes time but it can be done. Best option though is one pc removal.
Most tubs are actually anchored directly to the wall studs with screws or nails. The problem with removal is that no matter which way you twist it (up or side to side) the area that the tub occupies will become longer than the five foot opening. This is assuming that you have one finished side (what you see outside the tub). When you tilt the tub up on one end (say the right end is being lifted) the top left will hit the wall and the bottom right will hit the wall. With the wall covering removed down to the studs, you may be able to lift the tub and move it out of the room on end. You will have to slide it clear of the plumbing before you lift it. An easier option, if dueable, is through the wall of an adjacent room by sliding the tub out from one end.
The trick to removing tubs is to first remove the tile and sheetrock behind it (5 foot wall to top of tile) and above both ends of the tub up to tile line and in front of both ends for 4 inches or more up to next stud. Unscrew drain assembly with a cross-shaped drain removal tool. Unscrew overflow cover plate and pull out any cover and connected drain plug and rods. The top of the tub is usually nailed to 2 or more studs along the back 60 inch side.
Slide out the tub toward the door at least 4 inches. Now it is clear of the studs and can be raised at the shallow end (not at the water valve end) to vertical with two strong people. Steel tubs may weigh 60-100 pounds.
Hope this helps!