How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub?

The average cost to replace a bathtub

The cost to replace a bathtub can range from $1,390 to $10,734 but the average cost to replace a bathtub is $5,660. These costs include installation and plumbing hookups.¹

Here are some of the top factors that influence the final bill:

Old tub removal

Before starting your new bathtub replacement project, you'll need to get rid of your old one. You can do this yourself (remember to turn off the water!) or you can have your contractor do the removal as part of your project. If you opt to allow a contractor to remove and dispose of your tub, expect to pay $200 to $300 for a standard alcove or freestanding tub.² The process of removing an old tub is very straightforward, but if you have a cast iron tub, expect to pay more as those bathtubs are incredibly heavy.

Trash disposal

Depending on your tub installation, you might be removing old tiles, flooring, and plumbing in addition to the tub itself. If this is the case, your bathtub removal project will generate a lot of waste. Depending on how your contractor itemizes your quote, you may see trash disposal as a specific line item charge, or they may build it into their labor cost, which will affect the total cost of your project.

Alternatively, you may need to rent a roll-away dumpster, for example, from a service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or a haul-away construction debris bag like a Bagster.

Subfloor preparation

It's common to discover water damage when replacing a bathtub—especially an older one that might have started leaking or if there was an undetected leak near the toilet. In that case, you may need to replace part of the structural floor that supports the bathtub, which is called the subfloor.

Subflooring is usually made from plywood, and if it is soggy or rotten when the old bathtub comes out, your contractor will replace it. If this is the case, your contractor should also take the opportunity to inspect any joists or plumbing that they may have exposed to ensure nothing is leaking below the tub.⁷

Bathtub style

There are many different types of bathtubs available: From drop-in, freestanding, soaking or even walk-in tubs (which are ideal for those with mobility issues).⁸ The prices of these bathtubs vary dramatically, from a few hundred dollars for a standard general purpose or drop-in bathtub to $1,000 for a freestanding tub to even more for a specialized walk-in tub.¹²

Bathtub surround

If you also plan to use your bathtub as a shower, you'll need to add a surround—a vertical surface material that protects the walls above a bathtub or bathtub/shower unit. Bathtubs are only part of the apparatus required to create a shower enclosure that is watertight and doesn't leak.⁹ The surround protects the drywall from moisture and direct contact with water and can be acrylic, or you can choose tile. Acrylic is more affordable and less labor-intensive than tile.¹⁰

Conversely, tile is more expensive and requires your contractor to adhere each tile, which increases the labor cost. That said, tile is more aesthetically pleasing and customizable.⁹

Bathtub hardware

You will most likely need to replace the hardware for your bathtub, which includes the drain, faucet and overflow drains. The cost of this hardware can be as inexpensive as $100, or if you choose a name-brand spa-style faucet, you should plan to spend up to $700.¹¹

Plumbing modifications

Finally, consider whether your bathtub replacement requires any plumbing modifications. For example, are you hoping to change the location of the bathtub, reverse the orientation (for example, from having the drain and faucet on the left side to the right side) or get a bigger bathtub? These changes will require your contractor to move the plumbing, which can increase the overall cost of the project.¹

Types of bathtubs and their costs

Bathtub Type	Description	Average cost 1
General purpose tub	Standard tub in an alcove, usually white or ivory	$200-$800
Jet, jacuzzi and whirlpool tubs	Jetted water streams provide spa-like atmosphere	$6,500
Soaking tub	Extra deep and wide for better submersion	$1,000
Walk-in tub	Includes door that opens to the side for easy entrance and exit	$2,000-$8,000
Free-standing tub	Not connected on any side to a wall, no tile or surround required	$2,500
Clawfoot tub	Antique free-standing tub, usually very heavy	$600-$10,000

Source: BobVila.com¹

How to calculate the cost of replacing a bathtub

Here is a rough guideline for calculating the cost of replacing a bathtub:

• DIY or pro? Determine whether you will do the project yourself or hire a professional. Doing it yourself requires a reasonable amount of plumbing knowledge, so if you've never so much as replaced a shower head before, consider opting for a professional, which will cost you from $100 to $2,000.¹
• Calculate disposal costs. Devise a plan to remove and dispose of the original bathtub. Doing it yourself will make the removal process free, and you'll only need to pay a few hundred dollars to dispose of it with a product like Bagster.⁶
• Choose a tub. Decide on the type of bathtub you want. Acrylic tubs are the most common and cost between $200 and $800. Add at least $200 for incidental materials and plumbing fixtures.¹
• Tile or surround? Decide whether you'll install a molded surround or tile. On average, tile costs $2.00 per square foot for materials and $8.00 per square foot for the labor of a professional.³
• Add in extras. Replacing a bathtub is tricky because you can't be sure how much extra work or materials are needed until you remove it. You could remove a bathtub and replace it with an exact replica, or you could do the removal and be faced with a complete subfloor and drywall replacement project due to water intrusion. For this reason, consider adding at least 10% to 15% to your total project cost.⁵

When to replace a bathtub

Some telltale signs indicate whether a bathtub needs to be replaced, including:

• Leaks: Bathtubs will often leak around the drain and even a small amount of wayward water can cause big problems.
• Cracks: A crack in an acrylic or cast-iron tub can cause significant problems, including rust.
• Chips: A chip in a tub's veneer can quickly compromise its integrity, leading to rusting or leaks.
• Stains: Stains can be caused by hard water build-up or poor cleaning and aren't fatal to a bathtub but are still unsightly.
• Mold: Mold in a jacuzzi tub or around the silicon sealant of a tub can be almost impossible to eradicate and is usually a sign of water penetration behind the tile.
• Aesthetics: Like all home appliances, the trends around bath fixtures change over time, and you might find yourself with a functional bathtub that is aesthetically dated.

The average lifespan of a bathtub

The lifespan of a bathtub depends on the material it is made from. For example, an acrylic or fiberglass bathtub will last approximately 10 to 15 years.⁴

Alternatively, a porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub can last a century (or longer!), but you'll need to refinish them periodically, usually every five to 10 years.⁴ So, if your bathtub is approaching ten years of age, now is the time to start saving for a replacement.

Other projects you might tackle when replacing a bathtub

While replacing a bathtub is a significant project, you might want or need to add a few more items to your renovation list. For example, you might not be able to replace your bathtub without replacing the surround, or you may need to remove some of the floor tile in order to remove the bathtub, which would necessitate replacing the entire flooring. Your contractor should be able to outline most of these concerns before you start work.

How to finance your bathtub replacement

When completing your bathtub renovation, you may want to reserve your savings and tap into financing options instead. A good option is the Synchrony HOME™ Credit Card, which offers promotional financing to help make your bathtub renovation more affordable.^*

Learn more about the benefits of the Synchrony HOME™ Credit Card today.