How To Replace A Bathtub

How to Replace a Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in a house, and the bathtub is often the centerpiece. If your bathtub is outdated, damaged, or simply not to your taste, replacing it can be a great way to update your bathroom and make it more enjoyable. While it may seem like a daunting task, replacing a bathtub is actually a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a few days with the right tools and materials. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, you'll need to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. This includes: * A new bathtub * A bathtub drain and overflow kit * A shower valve and trim kit (if you're replacing the shower as well) * A tub surround (if you're not tiling the walls) * A caulk gun and silicone caulk * A level * A tape measure * A utility knife * A saw * A hammer * A screwdriver * A wrench ### Step 2: Prepare the Bathroom Once you have all of your tools and materials, you'll need to prepare the bathroom for the replacement. This includes: * Turning off the water supply to the bathtub * Removing the old bathtub * Removing the old shower valve and trim kit (if you're replacing the shower as well) * Removing the old tub surround (if you're not tiling the walls) ### Step 3: Install the New Tub Drain and Overflow Kit Once the old bathtub has been removed, you'll need to install the new tub drain and overflow kit. This is a relatively simple process, but it's important to make sure that the drain and overflow are properly aligned and sealed. ### Step 4: Install the New Shower Valve and Trim Kit (if replacing the shower) If you're also replacing the shower, now is the time to install the new shower valve and trim kit. This is a more complex process than installing the tub drain and overflow kit, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. ### Step 5: Install the New Bathtub Once the new tub drain and overflow kit and shower valve and trim kit are installed, you can install the new bathtub. This is a two-person job, so make sure you have someone to help you lift the bathtub into place. ### Step 6: Level the Bathtub Once the bathtub is in place, you'll need to level it. This is important to ensure that the water drains properly. To level the bathtub, use a level to check the bathtub's rim. If the bathtub is not level, you can use shims to level it out. ### Step 7: Install the Tub Surround (if not tiling the walls) If you're not tiling the walls, you'll need to install a tub surround. This is a decorative panel that covers the gap between the bathtub and the wall. Tub surrounds are available in a variety of materials, so you can choose one that matches the style of your bathroom. ### Step 8: Caulk the Bathtub Once the tub surround is installed, you'll need to caulk the bathtub. This will help to prevent water from leaking out of the bathtub and damaging the surrounding area. To caulk the bathtub, use a caulk gun to apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of the bathtub. ### Step 9: Turn on the Water Supply Once the caulk has dried, you can turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Check for leaks before you use the bathtub. If you find any leaks, you can tighten the fittings or apply more caulk. ### Step 10: Enjoy Your New Bathtub! Once the bathtub is installed and caulked, you can enjoy your new bathtub! Be sure to clean the bathtub regularly to keep it looking its best. ### Additional Tips * If you're not comfortable replacing a bathtub yourself, you can hire a professional plumber to do it for you. * If you're replacing the shower as well, you may need to hire an electrician to install the new shower valve and trim kit. * When choosing a new bathtub, be sure to consider the size, shape, and material of the bathtub. You should also consider the style of your bathroom and the overall look you want to achieve. * Replacing a bathtub can be a great way to update your bathroom and make it more enjoyable. With the right tools and materials, you can replace a bathtub in a few days.