Cost To Install Or Replace A Bathtub
Have you moved to a new house or do you simply want to make a change in your bathroom? Installing sanitary items can be a job that requires specific skills, so it would be recommended to leave everything in the hands of a professional plumber. Plumbing companies offer complete assembly services, and when in comes to the assembly of the bathtub, being a more voluminous product, they can help you handle it safely so as not to damage it.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace A Bathtub?
The cost to install or replace a bathtub will be affected by some factors such as the labor rate, the condition of the current plumbing and bathtub area (whether any modifications are needed), the surroundings upgrade, the new bathtub material, and finish, drain and faucet choices.
The bathtub replacement involves the removal and disposal of the existing bathtub, the installation of a new bathtub and accessories, and finally, upgrading the wall surroundings. In the table below you will find the average costs of this job.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bathtub: Surroundings are not included, but the replacement will involve identical dimensions 60″ x 30″ for a standard enameled-steel unit. | $150 | each | 1 | $150 |
| 3. Upgrade wall surroundings | $150 | set | 1 | $150 |
| 2. Faucet and drain set: install standard tub-shower units. | $250 | set | 1 | $250 |
| Materials Cost | $500 | each | 1 | $500 |
| 5. + Labor Cost (remove, replace, upgrade) | $45 | per hour | 6 | $270 |
| 4. + Labor Cost (plumber) | $50 | per hour | 3 | $150 |
| Total Cost | $900 | each | 1 | $900 |
Expect to pay around $500 for a Lascoat two-piece fiberglass tub-shower unit with molded shelves and a towel bar, resistant to mildew and mold. This will bring the job to a total cost of more than $1,000.
You might also like our articles on the cost of a walk-in bathtub, walk-in shower, or bath fitter.
In case you want a high-grade faucet and drain set and a high-quality bathtub, you should expect to spend around $2,000 in total.
Cost considerations
The price estimates presented above do not include the expenses of permits and taxes.
These costs are available for the service located in the close vicinity of the professional.
The costs may be increased by the job minimum charges.
Bathtub installation – the most common mistakes and how to avoid them
The bathtub is the piece of resistance in the bathroom. The place that is associated not only with hygiene but also with comfort. And to ensure that it can be used without problems, the bathtub must be installed correctly. But how do you avoid the most common installation mistakes and their potential consequences?
If you decide on a clawfoot tub, installation should begin with assembling the frame and attaching the legs to it. It is very important to only use the screws included in the set. Using other, longer screws may damage the tub. The most common mistake during installation is when the legs of the tub are not fixed properly. This can cause the bottom of the tub to warp or crack during use.
Installing the drain requires a lot of precision and attention. All gaskets must be placed very carefully in their proper places and then all drain components must be assembled. For safety reasons, the tightness of the drain must be checked before the installation of the bathtub is completed. The tightness of the drain should be tested by pouring water into it. If no leaks are detected, the side panel can be attached or tile prep work can begin.
Slightly different is the installation of a bathtub placed on special polystyrene foam supports, which are not only the basis of the structure, but also constitute insulation, both water and thermal, and allow maintaining a higher water temperature for a longer time.
Regardless of how you mount the bathtub, on legs or on a foam base, remember to provide access to the drain inspection. In case of failure, it will allow you to avoid removing the tiles or even the entire bathtub.
Important things to consider
If you have decided to replace your bathtub with a better quality one, or the old one is damaged enough that you can no longer use it, you must, first of all, know the exact dimensions when you buy a new bathtub. Afterward, you can leave everything in the care of an installer who will take care of installing the tub, regardless of its type, what material it is made of or what shape it has.
The distance between the bathtub and the wall must be carefully and accurately covered with quality sanitary silicone. It is good to remove the protective film from the surface of the bathtub after installing the drain. This will help you avoid scratches and other minor mechanical damage to the tub that may occur during installation work.
DIY considerations
You can remove, replace and upgrade the wall surroundings yourself, but is best to let the plumbing tasks to a certified and experienced professional.
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