Omar Khalid
Replacing a plastic bathtub is a doable DIY project that can drastically improve your bathroom's appearance and your family's comfort. Before you start, it's important to carefully prepare and gather the necessary tools and supplies, including a cordless drill, saw, screwdriver, tape measure, and protective eyewear. The first step is to shut off the water supply to your bathroom and remove the tub spouts, drains, and drain shoe. Next, you'll need to cut away any surrounding material, such as a surround panel or drywall, and remove the screws attaching the tub to the wall studs. You may also need to cut the caulk holding the tub to the floor. Finally, lift the old tub out and slide the new tub into place, ensuring that it matches the size and layout of the old one and that all drains and pipes are properly connected.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare tools and supplies
Preparing the necessary tools and supplies is crucial for a smooth bathtub replacement process. Here is a comprehensive list of what you will need:
Protective Gear:
- Protective eyewear (glasses or goggles) to shield your eyes from debris and dust.
- Work gloves to protect your hands during the removal and installation process.
- Hearing protection is also recommended, as the removal process can be loud.
Measuring and Marking Tools:
- Tape measure to measure the size of the alcove, the width of the walls, and the location of the drain.
- Stud finder to locate the studs behind the walls before cutting into them.
Cutting and Removal Tools:
- Reciprocating saw or a drywall saw to cut through drywall and create access to drain pipes and valves.
- Utility knife or razor knife to cut through caulk or sealant around the tub and trim the surrounding material.
- Hacksaw, miter saw, or circular saw may be needed for more intricate cuts or to cut through tougher materials.
- Pry bar or crowbar for prying and lifting the bathtub during removal and installation.
- Hammer for pulling out nails and providing leverage during the removal process.
Screwdrivers and Wrenches:
- Electric screwdriver or a manual screwdriver for removing screws that attach the tub flange to the studs.
- Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdriver bits for handling different types of screws.
- Strainer wrench or a shower socket wrench for working with bathtub faucets and nuts.
Plumbing Tools and Supplies:
- Channel lock pliers to disconnect the drainpipe and work with plumbing fittings.
- Penetrating lubricant, such as PB Blaster, to loosen joints and fittings, especially if they are galvanized steel.
- Tub drain remover to detach the tub drain assembly.
- Waste and overflow unit to manage drainage and a new drain assembly if needed.
- Additional ABS plumbing fittings to attach to the house plumbing.
Installation Supplies:
- Ledger boards to screw into the studs at the recommended height.
- Shims, cement backboard, and tiles for wall preparation and finishing.
- Overflow trim and flange, drain shoe, and gasket for the new tub installation.
- Mounting hardware, such as screws and nails, to secure the new bathtub in place.
It is important to gather all the required tools and supplies before beginning the project to ensure a seamless and efficient bathtub replacement process.
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Disconnect the drain
Disconnecting the drain is a crucial step in replacing a plastic bathtub. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Accessing the Drain
Before disconnecting the drain, you must first gain access to it. Most bathtubs have an access panel behind the wall, which you can use to reach the underside of the tub. If there is no access panel, you will need to cut a hole in the wall behind the tub. Cut an 8-inch by 8-inch (20 cm by 20 cm) square in the drywall with a reciprocating saw to expose the pipes. Make sure to use a stud finder to avoid cutting into the studs. If you have access to the floor from below, you can also access the drain from there.
Disconnecting the Drain Pipe
Once you have accessed the drain, the next step is to disconnect the drain pipe. Use a pair of channel lock pliers to disconnect the drainpipe below the tee, where the drain and overflow valve meet. If the fittings on your bathtub drain are made of galvanized steel, it is recommended to use a penetrating lubricant, such as PB Blaster, to loosen the joints first.
Removing the Drain Stopper
Some drains have a visible drain stopper that needs to be removed. Unscrew the drain stopper to access the drain flange at the bottom of the tub. If your drain does not have a visible stopper, you can skip this step as the drain flange is already accessible.
Disconnecting the Drain Assembly
While replacing the tub, it is a good idea to update the drain assembly as well. Disconnect the rest of the drain assembly from the plumbing below. This will ensure that your new tub has a properly functioning drain system.
Finalizing Drain Disconnection
After the drain pipe and assembly have been disconnected, you can now remove the tub drain and drain shoe. At this point, your drain should be completely detached from the tub. Make sure to set aside any parts that can be reused, such as the drain cover.
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Remove the old bathtub
Before you begin, it is important to determine whether you can take on this task yourself or if you need to call a plumber. If you are savvy with plumbing fixtures and have the right tools, you can proceed with the DIY route. Otherwise, you risk causing more damage, so it is better to seek professional help.
Now, to remove the old plastic bathtub, start by shutting off the water supply to your bathroom to prevent any leaks. If your bathroom doesn't have a separate shut-off valve, turn off the water to the entire house. Test that the water is off by turning on the bathtub faucet. Then, open a valve at a lower level in your home to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.
Next, you need to cut out the surrounding material. Carefully cut the top, trim it with a utility knife, and pull the stripes off the wall. Once you have removed the surrounding material, you will see the lip of the bathtub. Remove the screws and slowly pull out the bathtub. If your tub has a surround panel made from fibreglass, you will need to take out the entire piece.
Before lifting the tub out of place, you will need to disconnect the drain. Gain access to the underside of the tub by cutting a panel behind it. Use a pair of channel lock pliers to disconnect the drainpipe below the tee, where the drain and overflow valve meet. If the fittings on your bathtub drain are galvanized steel, use a penetrating lubricant to loosen the joints first.
Finally, pry up one end of the tub with a crowbar, and then lift the other end with 2x4s. Stand the tub upright and slide it out with the help of an assistant.
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Install the new bathtub
To install a new plastic bathtub, you will need a variety of tools and supplies, including a cordless drill, saw, pliers, hammer, screwdriver, caulk gun, level, tape measure, and protective gear such as eyewear and gloves.
First, ensure that the water supply to your bathroom is shut off to prevent any leaks during the installation process. If your bathroom doesn't have a separate shut-off valve, turn off the water supply to the entire house. Relieve any remaining pressure in the lines by opening a valve at a lower level in your home. While this step is not essential, it ensures that you and the surrounding area remain dry during the installation.
Next, you will need to disconnect the drain assembly from the plumbing below. Gain access to the underside of the tub; there may be an access panel behind the wall, or you may need to cut away the drywall. If you need to cut the drywall, do so directly behind the overflow valve and down to the floor. Use channel lock pliers to disconnect the drainpipe below the tee where the drain and overflow valve meet. If the fittings are galvanized steel, use a penetrating lubricant to loosen the joints first.
Once the drain assembly is disconnected, you can slide the new tub into place, ensuring that the floor is level. Check that the supporting rim boards are set, and replace the skirt track if needed. It is also recommended to replace the faucet, install new waterline ends, and install a new drain to prevent leaking.
Finally, screw ledger boards to the studs at the height recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the manufacturer's literature to ensure that the drain is in the correct location, and purchase a waste-and-overflow unit. Determine how you will connect it to the drain line.
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Dispose of the old bathtub
Before disposing of your old bathtub, check with your city's waste department or your local sanitation or recycling company for guidance on how to properly dispose of it.
If your bathtub is made of cast iron or steel, do not attempt to lift it out by yourself as it can be extremely heavy. It's best to work with a helper when removing the old tub.
To dispose of the old bathtub, you'll first need to cut a hole in the wall behind the tub to access the drain pipes. Turn off the water supply to your bathroom to prevent any leaks during the process. Remove the tub spouts, drains, and drain shoe, and take out the tub surround and drywall around the tub. Next, pull out the screws attaching the tub to the wall studs, and cut the caulk holding the tub to the floor. Finally, lift the old tub out of place.
Once the old bathtub has been removed, you can dispose of it properly following the guidelines provided by your local waste management authorities.
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Frequently asked questions
Replacing a plastic bathtub requires a variety of tools, including a cordless drill, saw (hacksaw, miter saw, or circular saw), pliers, hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, utility knife, and protective gear such as eyewear and work gloves.
First, shut off the water supply to your bathroom and relieve any remaining pressure in the lines. Then, remove the tub spouts, drains, and drain shoe. Take out the tub surround and drywall around the tub. Pull out the screws attaching the tub to the wall studs and cut the caulk holding the tub to the floor. Lift out the old tub and slide the new tub into place, ensuring it matches the size and layout of the old one.
Check with your local sanitation or waste department for guidelines on properly disposing of your old plastic bathtub.
