How To Remove A Bathtub Without Damaging Tiles

When you are thinking of renovating your bathroom, one of the key fixtures that will have to be changed is your bathtub. Unfortunately, this means having to deal with the possibility of damaging surrounding elements in the bathroom. This is why a lot of homeowners hesitate when it comes to a project such as this. To avoid such a problem, it’s time to learn how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles.

The best way to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles is to use a grout removing tool to work away at the old tiles around the bathtub. This can help safely remove the tiles near the bathtub without damaging anything else.

It’s important to be meticulous with this process and ensure you are using a quality tool. Otherwise, you will end up damaging the surrounding tiles!

Key factors include:

  • Age of the Bathtub
  • Type of Grout Removing Tool
  • Placement of the Bathtub

As you figure out how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles, you will begin to understand how the bathtub sits on the tiles.

Most are going to be installed with the plumbing in mind. This is why the surrounding tiles can get compromised if you try to yank the bathtub out with force.

This is a delicate process and has to be worked on patiently. If you start using a cutting-edge grout removing tool, you are going to see much better results as time goes on.

Here is more on how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles along with what to use during the process for long-term results.

Best Grout Removing Tool for Tiles (EDITOR’S CHOICE)

No products found.

Tips On How To Remove a Bathtub Without Damaging Tiles

1. Use a Grout Removal Tool

The most important piece of advice you’re going to want to keep in mind is to use a quality grout removal tool.

The idea behind using a grout removal tool is to seamlessly get rid of the surrounding tiles near the bathtub. You don’t want to end up yanking on the bathtub and then realizing all of the tiles nearby got damaged!

This is where the grout removal tool is going to come in handy.

As you learn how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles, you will quickly realize the tub won’t come out without ruining the surrounding tiles. This means you want to work on the grout around the old tiles with the tool.

Once you do this, you can take out those older tiles without ruining the others.

how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles

2. Work the Edges of the Tub

You will also have to take the time to work around the edges of the bathtub.

This is going to help you chip away at the edges to make sure the bathtub can be lifted out. This may take a bit of time but a sharp tool can be used for the task.

Only do this after you have removed the surrounding tiles.

A small tool can be wedged along the edge of the bathtub to have it lift without breaking surrounding tiles.

If you don’t remove the surrounding tiles, you will damage the rest.

This is why it is essential to follow these steps in order.

how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles

3. Don’t Yank the Bathtub Out

The last tip is to never pull at the bathtub when you are trying to get it out.

This is a common mistake that is made by homeowners when it comes to DIY removals. You have to be methodical to get it spot on.

This is the only way to avoid damaging the tiles.

Yanking the bathtub aggressively will cause significant damage to the tiles and may require comprehensive repairs later on.

As you learn how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles, you will want to understand how to smoothly take the bathtub out.

This can be done by working along the edges and then picking it up once it loosens.

Related Questions

1. How Much Does It Cost To Remove a Bathtub?

It can cost between $100-$400 to remove a bathtub. Each situation is unique including the size of the bathtub, placement of the bathtub, and potential fixtures that have to be removed beforehand. This can impact the overall price of the project.

2. Is It Hard to Remove Tile?

It is not difficult to remove tiles as long as you are using a specialized tool such as a grout removal tool. This can be used to smoothly pick up the tile without damaging its structural integrity.

Final Thoughts

This is how to remove a bathtub without damaging tiles.

By taking the time to use a grout removal tool to remove your tiles, it will become easier to complete the task without damaging the other tiles.

Do this patiently and you will be good to go.

Here is more on bathrooms – how to paint a fiberglass tub, how to keep a bath mat safe, how to set up a drain for your shower, and how to rinse a shower curtain safely.