HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A BATHTUB? Average Costs In 2023

The average cost to replace a bathtub is $659 for a simple bathtub with minimal labor and can rise to $5,160 or more for a luxury tub installation or a more complex bathtub replacement. The difficulty of removing your old tub, the type and size of the new bathtub, and labor costs in your area will all affect how much it will cost to replace your bathtub. To receive the most accurate price for your project, you need to get real quotations from local contractors.

If your bathtub is nearing the end of its usable life, it’s time to replace it. Not only does an old bathtub age the room, but it can also cause water leaks and other plumbing problems, which can become a much greater and more costly problem than an unappealing bathroom. Learn why installing a new bathtub is a wise investment and how much a bathtub replacement should cost on this page.

The Average Cost To Replace a Bathtub

AVERAGE COST TO REPLACE A BATHTUB
Average Cost	$5,600
Highest Cost	$10,700
Lowest Cost	$1,400

Cost to Replace a Bathtub by Material

There is a bathtub for nearly every price range. We’ll give you an idea of what to expect based on the type of tub you’re looking for down below.

#1. Fiberglass

This is the most affordable sort of tub to purchase. They are lightweight and come in a variety of designs. A standard-sized oval-shaped fiberglass tub can be found for as little as $200, but corner tubs and tub/shower combos are also available in fiberglass for a few hundred dollars more.

Nonetheless, most fiberglass tubs cost less than $1,000. However, keep in mind that refinishing a fiberglass tub is the most expensive option.

#2. Ceramic tiling

A ceramic tub is a popular choice because its clean lines and polished exterior can fit into almost any bathroom decor. When you choose a ceramic tub, you will have a vast range of finish colors and sizes to choose from. As a result, the price ranges between $5,000 and $10,000.

#3. Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs have the same appearance as porcelain or ceramic tubs, but they are more expensive. While a regular acrylic tub may cost between $700 and $1,000, certain variants can cost more than $10,000. Acrylic is extremely durable and does not scratch readily, making it a sensible purchase in general.

#4. Steel Enamel

Do you like the vintage look? You might wish to think about getting a tub constructed of enameled steel. They have the same feel of a cast-iron tub but are less expensive. An enameled steel tub normally costs between $200 and $1,000. One advantage is that this style of tub can be refinished more easily and affordably than a fiberglass tub.

#5. Copper

Copper bathtubs have grown in popularity in recent years for good reason: they retain heat incredibly well, keeping your bath water warm and toasty for far longer than a fiberglass tub. The normal cost of a copper bathtub is between $2,000 and $5,000.

#6. Granite

A granite tub, perhaps the most high-end tub available today, will have a significant influence on your wallet: they can be had for between $10,000 and $20,000. Furthermore, granite tubs require care and maintenance to avoid cracks and discoloration. However, if you want to make a statement with your bathtub, granite is the way to go.

Factors Influencing The Cost To Replace a Bathtub

Aside from the new bathtub you select, there are several additional elements that can affect the cost of replacing a bathtub in your home. Let’s have a look at some of them:

#1. Removal of an Old Bathtub

If you have a fiberglass bathtub, you may only need to pay $50 to $100 to have it removed. Materials that are more difficult to manage, such as porcelain, cast iron, or steel, will be significantly more expensive to remove since your contractor may need to break them apart with a sledgehammer before carrying it away.

#2. Disposal of Materials

Don’t forget to ask your contractor how much it will cost to remove old materials from your home. This often-overlooked item can really add $100 to $4,200 to the overall cost of your project.

#3. Surface Cleaning

Consider yourself fortunate if your contractor can install your new tub in the same position as your old tub with no water damage or other difficulties. However, this is not always the case. Any leveling, reinforcing, or water damage repair can add $300 to $800 to the cost of a bathtub replacement.

#4. Tub Style

As previously said, the type of bathtub you select has a significant impact on the cost of replacing a bathtub. Basic fiberglass tubs start at $200, while a high-end granite tub can cost more than $20,000.

#5. Faucets Replaced

If you’re going to spend the money on a new bathtub, you should also replace the hardware. New faucets may complete the look and give your bathroom a stunning, modern aesthetic. Bathtub fixtures typically start around $50 but can cost up to $900 for high-end faucets made of copper or porcelain.

#6. Plumbing

Dealing with plumbing lines is an unavoidable element of the bathtub replacement cost. Plumbing lines that need to be relocated can increase the cost of your bathtub installation by $400 to $1,900.

Cost To Replace a Bathtub by Type

If you’ve ever wondered what the many varieties of bathtubs are and how much they cost, we’ve listed a few of the most common types of tubs here.

#1. All-purpose Tubs

A general-purpose tub is a simple rectangle or oval bathtub with a shower head above it. In general, this style of bathtub will cost between $200 and $800.

#2. Jetted Bathtub

A jetted tub is similar to having a hot tub in your own home. These jetted baths are available in either regular or corner configurations. Installation costs might range from $1,500 to $17,000.

#3. Walk-in Bathtub

A walk-in tub is an excellent choice for anyone who has difficulty getting into a tub, such as the elderly or the disabled. For convenient access, these distinctive tubs have a door that opens and closes. A walk-in tub will cost between $2,000 and $8,000 to install.

Is It Necessary to Replace My Bathtub?

Bathroom remodeling may be costly, and replacing a bathtub can cost anywhere from $1,390 to $10,734 on average, with the least expensive alternatives starting at around $200 and peaking at over $14,000. Many people wish to replace their bathtubs to give their homes a more modern appearance, but there are other reasons to consider this undertaking.

#1. Leaks

Most of the time, it is the plumbing connections beneath the tub that leak, not the bathtub itself. Water pooling on the floor around the tub or water stains on the ceiling below (if it’s a second-story tub) are signs of a leak. If the existing bathtub must be removed to repair the plumbing, consider replacing it as well. The average cost to replace a bathtub is $5,660 on a nationwide scale.

#2. Cracks

Dropping a large object can shatter a tub, and while superficial cracks may not demand the replacement of the entire tub, they are ugly and can make the entire bathroom appear old and neglected. If the rest of the tub is in decent condition, having it refinished with the installation of an acrylic liner, which costs roughly $1,800, could be a viable option.

#3. Stains

The majority of stains can be removed from enameled tubs, although it may take some elbow grease. Acrylic tubs, on the other hand, are a different story since aggressive washing chemicals can dull the gloss and produce further stains. If the stains do not come out, it may be time to replace the bathtub.

#4. Mildew and mold

Mold and mildew aren’t normally a problem in the bathing area of a tub, but they can be a problem if they grow in the space beneath the tub or in the wall behind the tub. A bathtub replacement is recommended in this situation. Additional charges may apply for prepping the wall or floor surface, which costs $300 to $800, or installing a new surround, which costs $500 to $1,000 on average.

#5. Difficulty Making Use of an Existing Tub

Getting in and out of a regular bathtub is not only uncomfortable for persons with limited mobility, but it can also be dangerous. In this scenario, a walk-in bathtub would be a good option. The average cost to install a walk-in tub ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on size, materials, and other features such as jets.

The Benefits of Replacing a Bathtub

Bathtub repair is frequently just one component of a bigger bathroom redesign, but because it is the most visible fixture in most bathrooms, it is crucial to get it done properly. The benefits of replacing the tub may vary depending on the homeowner, and more than one rationale may apply.

#1. Aesthetics

The most important reason for changing a bathtub is to give the bathroom a new, updated look. Nothing dates a bathroom like a small, avocado-colored bathtub from the 1970s. The cost of installing a new tub varies depending on the look you choose. A low-cost fiberglass tub can cost as little as $200, whereas a cultured marble tub can cost up to $2,000 and a new cast-iron tub can cost up to $14,000.

#2. Convenience and comfort

Bathing is more than just getting clean for many people; it’s a time for relaxing, meditating, or simply enjoying the soothing warmth of the water. However, if the tub isn’t comfortable, the bathing experience isn’t as pleasurable. Some tubs are specially built for comfort, such as jetted tubs, which cost an average of $6,500, and walk-in tubs, which cost an average of $5,000.

#3. Excessive Maintenance

Repairing an existing tub or its plumbing is an alternative to full bathtub replacement, but if you find yourself constantly calling a plumber to come out and fix leaks or replace faucets, it may be time for a new tub. A bathtub replacement costs between $1,390 and $10,734 on average; however, the price will vary based on the tub chosen and any further repairs that are required.

How Much Does a Bathtub Replacement Cost? Hiring a Professional vs. Doing It Yourself

A professional should typically replace a bathtub. Some general contractors have plumbers on staff or work with plumbing subcontractors. They are capable of organizing the complete installation and remodeling process. A general contractor can arrange for a bathtub surround to be tiled in addition to installing the tub and preparing the floor.

Remember that in many places, employing a professional plumber is required to comply with the rules, so before beginning that phase of the job, check with your local building authority to determine who is authorized to conduct the work. If the plumbing needs to be relocated or leaks repaired, the cost might range from $150 to $1,900.

Because most towns frown on homeowners performing their own electrical wiring, adding a jetted tub or an air bath almost certainly necessitates the skills of a certified electrician.

How to Employ a Professional

Hiring a bathtub installer is much like hiring any other type of contractor. Here are a few questions to consider:

How long has the company been in your community?
Is the contractor who will perform the job bonded and insured?
What is the Better Business Bureau rating and accreditation status of the company?
What are prior customers saying on review sites like Trustpilot and Google Reviews?
Is the organization willing to provide references for previous work?
Can you have an itemized quote so you know exactly where your money is going?
Are there any portions of the project that you can perform yourself, such as preparation or tiling, for a lower overall cost?

How to Save Money on Bathtub Installation

Even if you hire expert contractors, the following ideas will help you save money on new tub prices:
Choose a lightweight, low-cost material like acrylic, fiberglass, or steel.
Select a low-cost, premade material for the surrounds.
Keep as much of your bathroom’s current layout as feasible, including walls and plumbing fixtures.
If the project necessitates the coordination of numerous contractors, operate as your own general contractor.
Request quotations from at least three area installers and inquire about workmanship warranties.
Do the time-consuming activities yourself, such as preparation, cleanup, and tile installation.

A Bathtub’s Average Lifespan

The material used to make a bathtub determines its longevity. An acrylic or fiberglass bathtub, for example, will last 10 to 15 years.

A porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub, on the other hand, can survive a century (or longer! ), but it must be refinished on a regular basis, usually every five to ten years. So, if your bathtub is getting close to ten years old, it’s time to start saving for a replacement.

Other Projects to Consider While Upgrading a Bathtub

While repairing a bathtub is a large project, you may want or need to add a few other items to your renovation list. For example, you may be unable to replace your bathtub without also replacing the surround, or you may be required to remove some of the floor tiles in order to remove the bathtub, necessitating the replacement of the entire flooring. Before you begin construction, your contractor should be able to address the majority of your worries.