With spring time upon us, a fresh start for your bathroom is in your reach. Adding a new bathtub can be easily done, removing the old fixture and adding a new bath tub can be done is a few easy steps. This one simple thing can add that new fresh look to your bathroom! So lets get started.
How To Remove an Old Tub and Shower…
The first thing to removing your old tube is to make sure that you have all the tools you will need:
Tools needed:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pry bar
- Screwdrivers
- Safety glasses
- Sledgehammer
- Basket strainer wrench
- Shower stem socket wrench
- Keyhole saw
- Pliers
- Slip-joint pliers
- Hammer
- Gloves
Before you start to remove the old tub:
- Measure the doorway and path for removal to be sure the old and new components will fit through doors and hallways.
- You may need to remove or protect fixtures like your vanity, toilet and sink, depending on the amount of space available to work in and how you intend to remove the unit.
- Know the material your tub is made of in order to know the proper way to remove it.
- Be sure to wear safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants and work gloves.
Removing your old tub:
1. Turn off the water at the shut off valves.
These valves can usually be found in the basement, utility closet or crawlspace, or in a closet behind the bathroom wall that holds your tub’s plumbing fixtures and accessed via a removable panel. If you don’t have an access panel, you can turn off the water at the main water supply.
2. Remove the drain.
(Photo Source: Homedepot.com)
Remove the drain strainer and/or tub basket using a screwdriver or basket wrench. If you are working on a bathtub, use a screwdriver to remove the waste and overflow valve. Gain access to the tub from behind the wall where the plumbing assembly is located or through the ceiling below the floor under the tub. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the lock-nuts connecting the tub’s drain, waste and overflow pipes.
Note: This is a good time to check the underside of your tub and determine the material it is made of so you’ll know how to remove it in Step 6.
3. Remove the Spouts;
(Photo Source: Homedepot.com)
Bathtub: Unscrew the set screw on the underside of the spout, then grasp the spout and wiggle it towards you. If there is no set screw, insert a screwdriver into the spout and turn it counterclockwise until it comes off.
Shower: Remove the shower head and arm by unscrewing them counterclockwise.
4. Remove Handles;
(Photo Source: Homedepot.com)
The handles need to be removed if they are on the tub or an enclosure wall. If not, proceed to Step 5.
1. Pry off the handle caps.
2. Remove the screws holding the handles in place and take off the handles.
3. Remove any screws holding the decorative trim in place and slide off the trim’s caps.
5. Separate Tub/Shower Enclosure from the Wall;
(Photo Source: Homedepot.com)
Scrape away caulk where the tub or shower enclosure meets the floor, then:
Bathtub:
1. Cut at least six inches of drywall away from the tub on all sides.
2. Remove any screws or nails holding the tub flange to the studs.
3. Use a pry bar to lift up the front edge of the tub and slide 1 X 4’s beneath the tub.
4. Pull the tub away from the wall using 1 X 4’s as skids.
Shower:
1. Take off the shower doors.
2. Inspect the edges of the enclosure. If they are attached to studs and covered with drywall, use a keyhole saw to cut the drywall from the edges.
3. Remove all nails and screws and use a pry bar to remove the surround.
4. Score grout lines around tile with a scoring knife or grout saw.
5. Pry off any loose tiles with a cold chisel by tapping the chisel beneath the tiles with a hammer. Tiles attached with mortar may need to be broken with a hammer to be removed.
6. If necessary, use the pry bar to remove the shower pan.
6. Remove Tub or Enclosure;
Remove the tub based on its type of material. If the tub is made of:
• Solid Porcelain – Cover the tub with an old wet blanket or tarp and use a sledgehammer to break the tub into pieces.
• Fiberglass – Use a reciprocating saw to cut the tub into pieces.
• Cast Iron/Porcelain on Steel – This type of tub cannot be broken and should be removed in one piece.
With this done, You have removed you old tub or shower and ready for the next step in giving your bathroom a fresh start!