How to Remove a Bath Tub

Before removing your bath tub you'll first need to know how it was installed.

For example, if your bathtub is inserted between walls, then you should conveniently detach the piping, and then, gradually, pull out the tub from the wall.

Otherwise, you should separate a wall section, cut the piping to enable you to remove the tub, through the wall.

If the bath tub is a free standing one that makes the piping easy to handle, it’ll be simpler to remove or detach the piping, and then, lift the bath tub out. Or, alternatively, lift out the toilet and flush tank to enable you bring up the bath tub.

Here are step-by-step instructions:

If there is a special way in or panel on the backside of the plumbing wall of the bathtub, remove it to expose the piping. Make sure you turn off the water at this point.

Cut off the bath tub pipe by using a large adjustable wrench or Channel-lock pliers.  Then untie (completely loosen) the nuts connecting the overflow pipe running from the bathtub pipe.

Be careful to take note whether the walls surrounding your bath tub are supporting the structure of your house. If so, then make sure the remaining STUDS are properly supported, either by using a strong ledger as support for the tub, or simply employ clips attached to the studs very well.

Loose all the lock-nuts in order to detach the drain piping and wastes. All strainer screws must be removed, and kept safe in case you may need them again. Get rid of every covering on the wall and discharge the bath tub supporting clips.  

If your bath rests on a ledger strip, then raise it up. Or if fitted with hanger clips, then it must be untied or detached to remove the bath tub successfully.

In case your bath tub has ‘hot and cold water’ faucets, replace them back to supply connections.

Wear a fitting safety glasses at this stage: Get a strong, handy hammer and solid chisel to eliminate wall covering, like tiles, if available. If there are no tiles, simply remove a few inches of material to expose the clips holding the tub, and detach the clips completely.   

Now it’s time to disengage the bath tub from the wall. Be careful, when bringing out the tub from the wall. Get someone to help you, and if it's too difficult to remove, re-check to make sure that the bath tub is totally severed from the water pipes or drainage system. And, if it’s not properly severed, then cut off part of the drainage, and pull it out again. You will succeed.

With this done, you just need to concentrate on installing and piping your new bath tub.  Before you buy the new replacement tub, make sure it fits into the space, and you can move it through the doorways.

NOTE: If you’re confuse about the structure of house before or during bath tub removal, don’t go any further, consult an expert on building or architecture.

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