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Remove Tub from Alcove — Secure Tub to Studs

Intermediate24 hours

Part of project

How to Install a New Bathtub and Drain Assembly · Step 6 of 9

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In this video

Now, free the tub from the framing. The tub is likely resting on a ledger board and may be nailed or bracketed to the studs. Use a reciprocating saw to cut the ledger board and any accessible studs or framing pieces holding the tub in place. Cut any nails connecting the tub's flange to the studs. Once all supports are cut, pry and twist the tub to break it completely free. The tub shown was a fiberglass whirlpool model, which is lighter than cast iron but still awkward. Once loose, lift and pull the tub out of the alcove.

Goal: Physically extract the bathtub

  • Bathtubs are heavy and cumbersome. Lift with your legs, not your back, and get help from another person if possible.

Used in this video

  • Reciprocating Saw (Power Source: Electric, Cutting Tool Type: Reciprocating saw) — Cutting the ledger board and other framing supporting the tub.
  • Pry Bar (Tool Type: Hand Tools) — Prying the tub away from the wall studs.
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FAQs

The tool list includes some unusual items. What are the truly essential tools I'll need for this bathtub installation, focusing on the specialized tasks?

Beyond basic hand tools like a tape measure and screwdriver, you'll definitely need a reciprocating saw for demolition, a level, pipe wrenches or channel locks for plumbing, a caulk gun, and a drill for securing the tub. Ignore items like bistro sets or candles from the provided list; they are not needed for this project.

This project involves demolition and plumbing. What are the most crucial safety precautions I should take throughout the process?

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, work gloves, and a dust mask, especially during demolition. Ensure the water supply is completely shut off before disconnecting any plumbing to prevent flooding. When lifting the new tub, use proper lifting techniques or get assistance to prevent back injuries.

The project is rated 'intermediate' with an estimated 24 hours. What aspects make it challenging for a DIYer, and is the time estimate realistic?

The intermediate difficulty stems from the precision required for plumbing connections, ensuring the tub is perfectly level, and potential subfloor or stud repairs. The 24-hour estimate is for active working time, not calendar days; expect to spread this project over several days or a long weekend to account for drying times and unexpected issues.

What are the most common mistakes DIYers make with the drain and overflow assembly that lead to leaks, and how can I prevent them?

The most common mistake is improper sealing. Ensure you use plumber's putty or silicone caulk correctly around the drain shoe and overflow gasket, making sure all connections are tight but not overtightened. Always perform the leak test step thoroughly before enclosing any plumbing, as undetected leaks can cause significant water damage.

Transcript
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That way, this will pull out and I can just simply remove it. So what I'm going to do is cut the nail for this ledger board on this side and there's just cut the ledger board on this side. Just cut it out. Or not, maybe I can just pull this out. Now, I'm just going to cut this two by four right here. I'm going to cut it down here, actually. Oh, let's see what they did. So they actually nailed the tub to this metal bracket here, which then was attached to this stud. It was piece of framing. Here is one of the issues why I was not completely sold on keeping the tub. This piece of plastic here, or it's not plastic, it's rubber. This is what was keeping all the moisture from flowing behind the tub and down into the framing. It just, as you can see, it's a terrible setup. I'm sure 15, 16 years ago it was fine, but now it just doesn't look so good. What I can do is just put the tub out of the waste pipe thing, all right, solve that. So as you can see, this tub is still connected to this metal bracket here. I'm just going to break it off by twisting the tub. You know, I completely forgot. The tub is actually still connected to the drain, so I just have to undo that. It's hard to see, but there is a nut here connecting the tub drain to the drain that is in the house. So all you have to do is this little nut right here. You just have to loosen it, pull the tub out, and I thought it really would do it. I can just simply pull it out of the space.

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