Replacement of Tub

[Michael Crivello]

I have a tub that needs to be replaced and 1st of I need to know if this is an Alcove tub or a drop in tub?

2ndly what kind of tools do I need?

Also what's the best reference online to follow for this?

Below are links to pictures of my tub. The server here keeps saying the pictures are too large so here are links to them...

 

[John Gayewski]

I think your going to want a large hammer and a red saw zall blade.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Weekend Handyman]

I think you need to read a plumbing book. Creative Homeowner: Ultimate Plumbing is a good one. Then, I would watch every bath tub installation video on YouTube, keeping in mind some of them are just plain wrong. Once you read/watch enough you will develop a sense of who knows what they are talking about and who does not.

I think you are going to have to demo the tile shower surround too.

Once you do your homework and have a plan you should come back with any questions you may have.

It you take a further out picture we can tell you what kind of tub it is.

 

[Terry]

Looks like a cast iron tub. You can cut those with a Diablo blade, or use a sledge hammer on it, assuming you covered it with plastic sheeting to prevent the shrapnel from cutting you, and have lot's of protection, eye, hands and body. Basically shards of glass.
The surround will need to be cut back. The tub is 60" long, with tile and backer board hanging over it preventing a lift out until it's removed.

 

[Michael Crivello]

Looks like a cast iron tub. You can cut those with a Diablo blade, or use a sledge hammer on it, assuming you covered it with plastic sheeting to prevent the shrapnel from cutting you, and have lot's of protection, eye, hands and body. Basically shards of glass.
The surround will need to be cut back. The tub is 60" long, with tile and backer board hanging over it preventing a lift out until it's removed.

What do you mean by shrapnel ...sharp objects flying?

 

[Weekend Handyman]

What do you mean by shrapnel ...sharp objects flying?

Yes. He is saying if you hit a cast iron tub with sledge hammer you are going to have pieces of sharp metal flying through the air and that you need to make sure you take appropriate steps to protect yourself.

 

[John Gayewski]

Get an old blanket or sheet and cover the tub before you smack.

 

[Obama the Plumber]

We often work on tubs, here we are disconnecting the drain from the tub. Homeowner was a little confused so we went at it slow. I was telling him that the tile should come out and a new tub should be installed. The drain was a bit wonky, and really this is the hard way to do it. My apprentice got the tough end of it here.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

The safest way to remove a cast iron tub would be to cut it up with a saw. An angle grinder is probably the easiest and least expensive way with a diamond blade. Absolutely wear eye protection with a full face shield along with a fan or shop vac for the dust. A sawzall works too, but you need specialized blades and they cost a fortune. I would cut off the front apron first, then cut about 1/3rd of the way from the drain side. A full tub weighs about 250-300 pounds.

Breaking them up with a sledgehammer is very dangerous as all of the enamel is as sharp as glass and will fly everywhere.

 

[Elon Musk the Plumber]

I lift the tub in place using microwave technology. It's like floating the tub up, and then it can be guided outward and down stairs and hallways.
I do agree though that more tile needs to be removed.

 

[Jeff H Young]

I guess YouTube? but looks like pressed steel not cast to me. in anycase I don't always heed my own advice but definitely prepare as Terry said whether tile or the tub bits of metal and or glass fly off fast and broke tile can be razor sharp