Bathtub Removal Cost Guide

Bathtub Removal Cost Guide: How Expensive Is It To Remove A Bathtub?

Removing a bathtub in the UK generally costs between £150 and £400. The exact price depends on several factors, including the type of bathtub, labour involved, and additional services like waste disposal.

In the event that you are going to renovate the bathroom, bathtub removal is probably one of the first tasks that you can perform. Regardless of whether you need to switch to a walk-in shower, release floor space, or just change the layout of your bathroom, being informed about the circumstances of bathtub removal and how much it might cost, you will properly plan your budget and be able to avoid surprises. In this extensive guide, you can check all the aspects of a bathtub removal, including pricing, as well as the process itself, and essential information to consider for zero risk.

The Reasons for Removing a Bathtub

Bathtubs are customary constructions in most UK households. Nevertheless, contemporary lifestyle patterns and convenience requirements have led to the transfer of bathtubs to the status of an increasingly frequent practice. Reasons include:

• Designing bathrooms more reasonably, especially for older residents



• Converting smaller bathrooms towards better utilisation of space



• Exchanging old-fashioned baths with slicker shower doors



• Conservation of water with bigger bathtubs

How Much Does Bathtub Removal Cost in the UK?

The cost of removing a bathtub in the UK typically ranges from £150 to £400, but this can vary based on the type of bathtub, the complexity of removal, plumbing requirements, and how the waste is handled. The important cost points may be divided into the following categories:

1. Basic Bathtub Removal (Without Disposal): £100–£200

This includes only the physical relocation of the bath unit out of the place, but not the removal. It works when the removal is basic and largely involves a disposal process handled independently by you (although acrylic or lightweight steel baths are typical).

2. Standard Bathtub Removal (With Labour and Disposal): £150–£400

This is the most popular one and comprises:

• Cracking plumbing fixtures



• Eliminating the bathtub on the premises



• Disposal and transport handling

The lower cost is for readily available bathrooms that have standard-sized acrylic tubs, and the higher cost is for a bit labour-intensive tasks.

3. Cast Iron or Heavy Bathtub Removal: £350–£500+

Use of heavy materials such as cast iron can equally hike the cost of removals because of;

• Extra labour (in most cases, two employees or more)



• The tub can be cut or dismantled



• Time and effort spent on handling narrow spaces

If located on an upper floor or in a listed property, costs can exceed £500.

4. Additional Plumbing Work: £100–£250

In case plumbing should be adjusted, capped, or rerouted once it is removed, it is normally billed separately. How much work there is will depend on whether or not you are getting rid of the bath, putting in a new fixture or letting the space be.

5. Waste Disposal or Skip Hire: £50–£200

Disposal charges are related to the size and the weight of the tub:

• There will be a minimal fee to be paid to the Council's collection services



• It is usually covered in the removal prices by the private contractors



• Skip hire (if needed for other debris) can cost £100–£200 alone

This cost may be absorbed into the complete service; hence, it is better to check beforehand.

The Cost of the Bathtub Removal by Type

The various models of bathtubs have different problems of removal as well as their cost implications. A breakdown of that will be as follows:

1. Acrylic Bathtubs

• Bright and portable to handle around



• Removal cost: £100–£200



• Disposal: £20–£50 (council collection or recycling)



• Rarely imposes the need for several labourers.

2. Steel Bathtubs

• Heavy, compared to acrylic; might need a cutting device or the lifting energy of two people



• Removal cost: £200–£350



• Disposal: £70–£120 (private contractor or skip hire)



• May require moderate plumbing modifications.

3. Cast Iron Bathtubs

• Excessive, and heavy to carry away; and it may be necessary to break it up where it is located



• Removal cost: £300–£500+



• Disposal: £100–£200 (scrap dealer or large skip)



• Takes longer on-site and normally needs two tradespeople.

4. Free-standing or Clawfoot baths

• Can be carried away intact in case access is made possible; can be resold at a price



• Removal cost: £250–£400



• Disposal: £50–£100 (or profit from resale)



• Floor touching up is needed in most cases after extraction.

5. Jacuzzi or Whirlpool Bathwork

• May require complicated plumbing and disconnection of electrical connections



• Removal cost: £400–£600+



• Disposal: £100–£200 (due to size and weight)

These may demand a professional electrician and specialised tools. All these types of waste have associated challenges that might necessitate the utilisation of various tools, skills, and waste management practices.

Factors That Affect Bathtub Removal Cost

All jobs of removing bathtubs are not identical. The prices may change according to a few important variables:

1. Bathroom Location

A home whose toilet is upstairs or has access that is hard to access (such as narrow stairwells or turns) can take more labour and up the price. The specialists of removal may have to partially disassemble the bath or take the doors and railing off to make the transportation safe.

2. Labour Costs

There are variations in the charge of labour in the UK. A good example is in London and the South East, where tradespeople are known to charge much more than in the North East or Wales. Expect hourly rates for plumbers or bathroom fitters to range from £40 to £80.

3. Plumbing Adjustments

In case of turning the space into a new feature like a walk-in shower and intending to remove the previous one, you may run into a need to rearrange the plumbing line or cap it. That can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly when you have patterns in your existing system, such as awkwardly spaced pipes or old-fashioned fittings.

4. Disposing Method of Waste

There is also the cost that needs to be calculated in regard to disposing of the old bathtub properly. Bulky waste collection is available in many council areas, and some owners may also use a private rubbish removal collection as well as skip hire, where debris from other building work is to be removed. Waste contractor fees are typically between £70 and £150 for a single item like a bathtub.

What Does Bathtub Removals Entail?

Knowing how the removal is going to happen will keep surprises at bay. This usually goes like this:

Step 1: Preparation

• The supply of water is shut off



• Water closets and waste pipes are detached



• The gutters around the bath are cut off. Any silicone sealant that might be on the washbasin is removed

Step 2: Disassembling and removal

• The bathtub is removed; with heavy or in-built models, there might be a need to cut or disassemble some parts of the bathtub



• In case tiles, panels, or flooring were fitted around the tub, they might have to be taken off or fixed up at a later point in time

Step 3: Handling of waste

• The bath is either transported to a licensed dump site, or a waste mover comes to pick it up



• All the debris and any other objects are removed

Step 4: Aftercare work

• When rerouting plumbing, it can be capped or redirected



• Carpet or wall repairs are done so that the next fixture or installation can occur

Should You Hire an Expert to Take Out a Bathtub?

There is no doubt that even a DIY-savvy homeowner may think of doing the process of getting rid of a bathtub by his/her hands, but consulting a professional is typically advisable. Many reasons are possible:

• Experienced tradesmen are covered against destruction



• Plumbers know how to uncouple pipework correctly



• Tradesmen can eliminate a bath with tools and knowledge so as not to break other fixtures around it



• Safe disposal services are frequently provided with professional services

A DIY removal might be cost-saving initially, but it will cost extra in repairs in case of a malfunction or damage.

How to get a Good Tradesperson?

Before hiring them, verify the following things about your plumber or bathroom fitter.

• Good public liability cover



• Is registered at a known trade association (e.g. CIPHE or APHC)



• Gives a price quote in writing, itemised



• Might be able to provide some references to or examples of previous work

It is only fair to have the quotes of at least 3 different tradesmen, and you can compare prices and services.

Waste Disposal: Costs, Possibilities and the Legalities

Instead, Bathtubs are regarded as bulk waste and should be disposed of properly. The most important ones are the following:

1. Council Collection Service

• Low cost (£20–£50)



• Have to be pre-reserved



• Most often, items must be left outside to be collected

2. Private Waste Contractors

• Quick and easy, fast and convenient



• Higher cost (£70–£150)

Hiring private waste contractors ensures your bathtub is removed and disposed of legally and efficiently.

3. Skip Hire

• It is appropriate for larger projects



• £150–£300 depending on skip size and region



• Would require a permit to be laid down on the road (there would be an additional charge)

4. Remaking or Reuse, Recycling / Repurposing

• Certain types of bathtubs may be sold or repurposed, notably freestanding or cast-iron ones



• Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace are typical places to sell.

Other Expenses to Look at During Bathtub Removal

Elimination of a bathtub is usually only the initial step in a larger operation. It normally results in further renovation work. It is advisable that other potential expenses be considered in order to meet the budget.

1. Resealing or Retiling Walls: £150–£500

When the tub is removed, there could be some damage to the wall provisionally occupied by the tub. You could notice missing tiles or the sealant being worn out. There are situations when tiles will require replacement.

2. Flooring Repair or Replacement: £200–£600

Tubs can be located on bare floors. Once removed, you can discover holes or water damage. Adjusting the old flooring is not always possible. However, you can opt to change the entire floor to have a new look with a professional flooring fitter.

3. New Fixture Installation (e.g. Shower Tray): £300–£800

In case you want the tub to be replaced by a shower, you will want a shower tray. This comes at a price which varies with size, design and extent of work required. Others are placed on elevated platforms to aid in drainage.

4. Electrical Work for Lighting or Power Showers: £200–£500

Electrical changes may be needed when new showers or new lighting are installed. Power showers frequently require an independent circuit. You could also take additional LED lights, fans or sockets.

How To Minimise The Cost Of Bathtub Removal

To lower the amount of money you spend altogether, there are a couple of ideas to consider in case you are dealing with a low budget:

• If you have a bulky waste service provided by your local council, use it



• Sell or donate your old bath so that no disposal fees will be incurred



• Combine disposal with a bigger renovation as a way of diluting labour expenses



• Plan your project in off off-season, and there is a chance that you will get lower prices



• Make the simple parts (such as stripping out panels or sealant) yourself

Conclusion

The bathtub removal may appear to be easy; however, it carries with it a gamut of concerns such as labour costs, requirement to dispose of waste, modification of plumbing systems and repairs. By knowing the cost factors of the job and the kind of bathtub that you are removing, you can make sure that your project is cost-effective and that it happens professionally.

Never make a decision based on price from one company. Compare at least three quotes and hire a bathtub removal company that is licensed, experienced, insured, and legally disposes of all the waste. The process of removing the bathtub can go easily with proper planning and will be the first practical step in making your bathroom both more modern and more usable.