Replacing Your Bathtub: When is it Time to Get a New One

Your bathtub is starting to struggle to drain. This is a sign it may be time for a new bathtub. Keep reading to find out more signs and see your options. Do you often use your bathtub to unwind after a long day? Well, bathtubs are more than bathroom furniture to relax with. Have you read that hot baths can improve the health of your urinary system?

Soaking in hot or cold baths have many other scientifically-proven advantages for your health, too. One of the best health advantages of soaking in a warm bath is it helps ease your blood flow. Hot baths also kill bacteria and boost your immunity. If you love using your bathtub, chances are you’ve worn it down. You may need a new bathtub or refinishing of your current one. After all, no matter how good the quality of your bathtub, there will come a time when it needs to go.

Below, we’ve got a guide to replacing your bathtub. We’ve also listed down an alternative if you’re not ready to get a new tub yet.

Signs You Need a New Bathtub

Whether you use your bathtub a lot, you’ll need to replace it at some point. The reason could be that it’s too old and stained. Or, it may have leaks that are hard to fix. No matter how functional your bathtub still is, stained bathtubs look terrible. Instead of coming in for a relaxing soak, the sight of a stained tub could kill your enthusiasm. Stained tubs are also harmful because they are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

If stains aren’t the problem, hard-to-fix bathtub leaks may be the issue. Though it’s cheaper to fix them, the cost of constant repairs from repeating leaks is costlier in the long run. In the end, your best choice is to replace your bathtub. If your leaks don’t get fixed, they can result in mold and mildew. This is problematic because they present a good number of health problems. These include respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and/or nervous system disorders. If you have a bathtub that’s filled with mold and mildew, replace it. Don’t risk your health or your family’s.

On the other hand, there are also other signs that warrant the replacement of your old bathtub. For instance, if it’s uncomfortable to sit in, too small, or becomes a wasted space, it may be time to get a new one that suits your needs. Also, if you notice your tub is chipped, it can be a sign to change it. Although a tiny chip may not seem a big deal, it may become a larger crack prone to water leaks on top of being aesthetically unappealing. Therefore, replace your bathtub when you observe any of these signs.

How to Replace a Bathtub

Before you remove your bathtub, consider how you’ll get it out of the house first. Will its dimensions fit through your doors? Will you be able to remove it by yourself and dispose of it? Consider how you’ll disconnect the plumbing and waste-and-overflow units. How will you remove and fix the bathroom tiles later? Would you be able to do it by yourself or should you hire professionals?Working with professionals can be an excellent idea unless you’re an expert. They have the skills and experience to correctly and safely replace a bathtub. However, if you have experience replacing the tub, you can choose a DIY approach for this project.

So, after you consider all these things, prepare the things you’ll need to replace your bathtub. The first step is to remove your old tub. Remember to disconnect the drains and waste-and-overflow unit before you remove the tub. When you’re finished, clean up the area and check all the drains. Dry-fit the overflow tube while your new bathtub is on its side. Add the overflow trim and then insert the shoe tube for the drain hole. Screw the flange in and then tilt the tub into position. Make sure to check the tub for level before you connect the waste-and-overflow tailpiece to the drain line. For the final step, add the tiles to fill the gaps.

Cost to Replace Bathtub 

According to Home Advisor, the cost of installing a bathtub is between $1000 and $4500. The average cost for bathtub installation is $2838. Note that that’s only the installation price. A new bathtub could cost you an extra $200 to $2000, or more. Depending on the design and size of your bathroom, you may even want to get a custom tub to complement it. One of the most popular models are walk in tubs and you can visit this website to learn more about them.

You may want to do the labor for the tub replacement. There’s no doubt that it will be cheaper but it will also eat up your time and effort. The plumbing labor costs for a tub replacement lie between $500 and $1600, depending on the scope of work. That’s how much you’ll be cutting back on the costs if you do the work yourself.

Alternative to Replacing the Bathtub

In essence, tub refinishing is the process of using strong chemicals to give your tub a new coating. The refinisher removes the caulk from your tub and places toxic agents in that give it a new finish. This process will be site-intensive and takes 4-6 hours to finish.

Refinished bathtubs have similar durability with a brand new tub. If you maintain it well, it could last for 20 years more as a brand new bathtub would. Note that refinished bathtubs need special care like using mild, nonabrasive cleaning products. Therefore, if you’re considering getting your bathtub refinished, it’s best to hire experienced, licensed, and insured coaters. As mentioned, tub refinishing is the process of using strong chemicals to give your tub a new coating. However, such chemicals could burn the skin when misapplied. Because of this, you need professionals with experience and skills to ensure safety when doing the job and avoid accidents and injuries.

Things to Remember When Replacing a Bathtub

Bathtub replacement is expensive and takes time. Before you replace your bathtub, look through all the solutions to fix the problem. If you have slow draining issues, fix them with these solutions. It’s also smart to think about the new tub you’ll be putting in the old one’s place. Does it have the same dimensions as your old one or is it larger? Would it fit your bathroom space and plumbing when you install it?

Make sure you shop for a tub with similar dimensions as your old one. If your goal is to save space, then feel free to get a smaller bathtub. If you only want to replace a leaking or stained tub, get the same or a similar tub model. You might be thinking if you should get a new bathtub or refinish your current one. The answer depends on the time and budget you have for this project. The whole process of shopping, removing, and installing a new tub can take much longer than refinishing one.

So, planning and preparing for this project is essential to ensure you make the right decision for your bathroom. Remember, replacing a bathtub can be considered a significant investment. If you want to make the most of your money, consider all essential aspects to ensure a favorable outcome.

Renew Your Bathing Experience

That’s it for our quick guide on getting a new bathtub. Now that you know how to replace bathtubs, it’s time to decide if you want to do the deed yourself. Remember that bathtubs are a huge selling point for houses. If you plan to resell your house in the future, know that bathtubs are smart investments. A basic built-in acrylic tub can get you an average of $650. You can even bump its cost up to $2000 or more if it’s a custom size. For more content on bathtubs, come and check out more of our posts. We offer more guides to show you tips and tricks in managing your home.