Cost of Replacing a Bathtub– Total Cost

Did you know that on average, the U.S. household spends about $32,000 on bath remodeling? Replacing the bathtub can be expensive. But, it can be more expensive if you don’t know what to look for in a bathtub. From bathtub material to maintenance, some crucial factors need to be considered before starting the replacement project that can help you to cut the cost without compromising on the quality of the bathtub. 

 

If you are confused, don’t worry. You are in the right place.

 

We will discuss everything about the cost of replacing the bathtub with recent data, so you can make informed decisions on your replacement project.

Factors and Costs to Consider When Replacing a Bathtub

Before you select the replacement bathtub for your bathroom, there are several factors that you should consider, which has a significant impact on your replacement project.

1. Removal of the Old Tub and Material

First and the most obvious factor is the removal of the old tub. But, even the most obvious factor can be a headache. If your existing bathtub is made of less expensive material, such as fiberglass, you can remove the tub easily with the help of a professional for a cost ranging from $30-$50. 

 

If your bathtub is made of copper or even cast iron, the story is different. The reason is the weight of the bathtub, and the process involved to remove it is really intricate. Even sometimes, professionals need heavy-duty tools to remove a bathtub from your home. All the extra steps make the removal cost quite expensive. 

 

Once you removed the bathtub, one of the most overlooked factors is the disposal of the removed bathtub material. Remember to ask the same professional to dispose of the removed bathtub material from your home. But one thing to keep in mind, disposal requires extra cost, which can go up to $100.

2. Your Floor Needs Some Upgrades

If you’re thinking, “Well, I removed the tub, and I’m ready for the new tub. Wow, that was cheap,” slow down. Almost 99% of the time, the floor where your old bathtub is installed can be water damaged. If you are in that 1%, congratulations! The replacement or repair of your water-damaged floor or even reinforcement can cost you $200-$400, depending on the affected area.

3. Faucet and Accessories

Next up in your replacement project are the faucets and accessories. Replacing only the bathtub does not gel well with the old hardware and it may bring down the overall ambiance of the bathroom. If you are replacing a bathtub, go ahead and replace the faucet and other accessories. Try to match the look of your faucet with your new tub. 

 

Matching faucets and bathtubs can elevate the look of your bathroom, and a modern faucet can start from $50. But, higher-end faucets with copper and porcelain can cost you anywhere from $200-$800.

4. New Plumbing (Optional)

It is always a good idea to check the plumbing before replacing your bathtub. It can certainly take a burden off of your shoulders and budget. Check that the drain line is well-maintained and blockage-free. This goes the same for the water intake and sink line. Make sure all the water line is completely free from blockage. At the same time, check the water heater. If it is old and not working properly as intended, replace it with a new bathtub. 

 

If any issues arise in the plumbing, call the professional and resolve the problem. Depending on the situation, a professional can cost you from $300- $1000 (including the relocation of the plumbing line)

The above four examples are major factors that cover most of the replacement project. One thing remaining is the bathtub itself. 

Bathtub Styles

The bathtub comes in a variety of styles. One of the most popular styles is the freestanding bathtub. The freestanding bathtub, as the name suggests, it stands free on its own without any external efforts (bathtub legs). Due to the absence of legs, the freestanding bathtub looks modern and gives off a floating feeling in the bathroom. Apart from that, thanks to the wider design, you can feel comfortable while taking a bath. 

 

Next in the line of popularity is the clawfoot bathtub. The major difference between the clawfoot and freestanding bathtub is that the clawfoot tub has two pair of legs to support its weight. Apart from the legs, the clawfoot and freestanding tubs are identical to each other. 

 

The remaining styles are drop-in bathtubs, soaker tubs, and Jacuzzi tubs. Drop-in bathtubs, as the name indicates, are dropped into a frame on the bathroom floor. Imagine a bathtub is dropped and fixed into an alcove in the bathroom. So, the sides are camouflaged with the alcove leaving only the rim to be seen. 

 

Soaker tubs are Japanese tubs, and are mainly used for soaking sessions instead of bathing sessions. Soaker tubs are a bit different than the normal bathtub because of the depth of the soaker tub. Soaker tubs are much deeper than a normal bathtub, which allows the bather to sit and soak comfortably for a long time. If you are more into relaxing and soaking, a soaker tub can be a good choice for your replacement project.

 

Lastly the Jacuzzi tub. If you want a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home, a Jacuzzi tub is the best choice. The main reason for that is the flexibility to install air or water jets in the bathtub, which puts pressure on your skin and mimics the spa-like experience. It is great to relax your muscles and even improve your blood circulation. This makes the Jacuzzi tub great for elderly people. One thing to keep in mind is that Jacuzzi tubs can be quite large compared to other styles of bathtubs.

The Cost of Bathtub Material

All styles of bathtubs come with different materials. Each material has its own pros and cons, which is mainly the price tag. Some of the popular bathtub materials are fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, copper, natural wood, and porcelain.

1. Fiberglass

If you are looking for cheap material, fiberglass is it. Thanks to its featherweight and flexibility to be available in different sizes and shapes, fiberglass is an okay material for a bathtub. Why just okay? Fiberglass has more disadvantages than advantages. One of the most important required properties for a bathtub is durability, and fiberglass is weak in that department. Even small external forces can damage the bathtub. But again, if you are looking for a cheap bathtub, a fiberglass bathtub is the one. A standard-size freestanding fiberglass bathtub can cost around $200-$300. Other types of bathtubs, such as corner and drop-in bathtubs can cost more than $500.

2. Acrylic

Upgraded versions of fiberglass are acrylic bathtubs, which are inexpensive and have good durability. Instead of choosing fiberglass, for a couple hundred dollars more, you can get one of the best and light feather bathtubs in your bathroom. Acrylic also has good heat retention, which can help you to save money on the electricity bill. Acrylic is easy to manipulate into different shapes and sizes and usually, a standard acrylic bathtub costs around $600-$1000. 

3. Copper

One of the best and heaviest materials for a bathtub. When it comes to heat retention, copper is simply the king. It can retain heat for a long period, and you can save a lot of money on the electricity bill. Apart from that, copper is good for your health. Like heat retention, copper is known for its great durability and can withstand most external forces. On the whole, copper seems to be the best bathtub material, but it does have some disadvantages. For instance, the copper bathtub is heavy and requires reinforcement to your bathroom floor, maintenance can be difficult and mainly it is expensive. Copper bathtubs can cost anywhere from $2000-$5000.

4. Cast Iron

The best middle ground between acrylic and copper is cast iron. It is probably the best choice for your replacement bathtub. The reason is that cast iron tubs have great resistance to structural abnormalities and have good heat retention. It has the best of the both acrylic and copper world, but it is a little bit expensive and heavy. Meaning you have to reinforce your bathroom floor before the installation job. Cast iron can cost from $1500-$2000.

 

Now, let’s consider an imaginary scenario. You are doing a replacement project for your bathtub. The project can cost you as follows:

 

Factors	Cost
Removal of old tub + Disposal of the material	$50 + $100= $150
Floor tuning	$300
Faucet and accessories	$100
Plumbing charges	$300
Bathtub (Acrylic freestanding)	$1000
Total cost of replacement	$1850*

 

In most cases, the replacement project can cost around $2000. 

NOTE: *The cost is the depiction of a general scenario. Each project differs.

FAQs

Is it worth replacing a bathtub?

The installation cost of a new bathtub and hardware can easily cost you from $3000-$5000. But, with a replacement, you can cut half of that cost, and still get the best experience possible. 

How much does a standard bathtub cost?

The cost of the standard bathtub depends on the bathtub material. For acrylic, the bathtub can cost $1000, but copper is expensive and cost $3000 to $5000.

How many years does a bathtub last?

With proper maintenance and good bathtub material like cast iron or even stone resin, you can expect the bathtub to last a decade or more without any issues. 

 

Suggested Reads:

Acrylic vs. Resin – The Ultimate Winner of an Affordable Bathtub

How to Choose a Freestanding Tub? An Ultimate Guide in 2023

How to Move a Heavy Bathtub? A Hassle Made Easy

 

Final Thoughts

Bathtubs are a great tool to de-stress, as well as rejuvenate your body and mind. Bathtubs have medicinal applications where you can improve your blood circulation, remove toxins from your body, and release the pressure build up in your muscles and joints. Such an essential tool is necessary in every household.

 

If your bathtub broke and you are looking for a replacement, you are in the right place. Magnus home products offer a great range of bathtubs at an affordable price. You can access the collection here. 

 

This article hopes to have provided you with enough information on the cost of replacing the bathtub in the current year.