How to Remove a Bath

Our how to remove a bath guide will break down this sometimes difficult job into simpler steps. For clean-ups and removals, we can provide a range of waste removal solutions. According to Checkatrade the average quote to have a bath removed is around £75. If you are remodelling your entire bathroom, performing your own demolition will save you a lot of money.

Most modern baths will have a panel on one side to allow for easy access to the plumbing. This guide assumes your bath has a panel. If you cannot access your plumbing you can look at using an electric saw to cut the wider panel off. In these more complicated setups, we’d recommend getting In contact with a professional especially if you are unsure.

Step 1 – Turn off the Water

You should prioritise shutting off the water to your bath. If you can remove the front panel to the bath this should allow you to access the hot and cold pipes to see if they have their own isolation valve. If not you will have to shut off the water to your house by accessing the water stopcock.

Step 2 – Disconnect the Drains

With the water off you can disconnect the plug and overflows. You may require a drain wrench that allows you to insert into and twist the flange to loosen the drainage hole. The overflow may also be held in place by screws.

Step 3 – Disconnect Bath Taps and Pipes

To loosen the connection between the water supply pipes and your taps, you may have to use a wrench. The connection between the drain and waste pipe can typically be undone by hand but may also require a wrench to assist. There may be some excess water left in both pipes so have towels handy. If you are not installing a new bath right away you will want to fit blanking caps to the exposed pipes, this will stop water from running out once you turn it back on. Taps can usually be unscrewed by hand but check as some may have a screw that stops it from turning.

Step 4 – Remove Sealant

You will now have to try and remove as much as the sealant securing the bath to the wall as possible. A utility knife will cut through the layer of silicon and caulk which should allow you to fit a crowbar in to create more leverage. Before you attempt to prise the bath out any further you should check all over for any additional screws. These may be located underneath the tub to fasten it to the ground. The bathtub may also have its own legs that clamp it in place. These legs can be loosened and lifted by hand.

Step 5 – Lift and Remove the Bath Tub

Now that many of the items that were keeping the bath in place are gone you can attempt to pull the bath up or away from the wall. You may need another person to help lift and this is a heavy and bulky item. If you cant pull it away, try prising it away from the wall in a few different places with your crowbar.

Getting rid of a bath isn’t as simple as putting it in a bin and you may even not be able to fit it in your car. Clearabee can collect any bathroom waste or organise a skip if you are planning on removing a bathroom over a couple of days.