Bathtub Removal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]
Bathtub removal costs $134 to $260 for a standard tub according to Homewyse's January 2026 data. Cast iron tub removal runs higher at $255 to $395 due to the 300- to 500-pound weight per FireDawgs Junk Removal. If the tub is on a second floor or in a tight bathroom, expect to pay even more for the extra labor.
Bathtub Removal Cost by Material
The material of your existing tub is the single biggest factor in removal cost. A 70-pound fiberglass tub lifts out in minutes. A 400-pound cast iron tub requires a crew, protective gear, and often a sledgehammer.
| Tub Material | Weight | Removal Cost | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 60–80 lbs | $134–$200 | Easy — one person can carry |
| Acrylic | 70–100 lbs | $134–$200 | Easy — lightweight, cuts with reciprocating saw |
| Steel/enamel | 100–150 lbs | $150–$250 | Medium — two-person lift |
| Cast iron | 300–500 lbs | $255–$395 | Hard — often broken apart with sledgehammer |
| Cast iron (2nd floor) | 300–500 lbs | $395–$600+ | Very hard — stairs, structural concerns |
| Clawfoot (cast iron) | 300–400 lbs | $200–$300 or profit | Medium — worth selling intact if in good shape |
What's Included in Bathtub Removal Cost?
A standard bathtub removal quote should include:
- •Disconnecting plumbing (drain, overflow, faucet connections)
- •Removing surrounding tile or drywall to free the tub (alcove tubs are set into three walls)
- •Lifting or breaking apart the tub
- •Hauling the tub out of the bathroom and house
- •Basic cleanup of the tub area
What's usually NOT included:
Always confirm whether disposal is included in the quote. Some contractors charge $50 to $150 extra for hauling the tub away, or you can book Dropcurb curbside pickup starting at $79.
Who Removes a Bathtub?
Several types of professionals handle bathtub removal. Choosing the right one depends on what comes next.
- •Plumber: Best when you're replacing the tub or converting to a shower and need the plumbing reconfigured. Plumbers charge $75 to $150/hour and handle both removal and new installation.
- •General contractor: Best for full bathroom renovations where the tub is one piece of a larger project. Removal is typically bundled into the project cost.
- •Demolition contractor: Best for gut renovations. Demolition crews charge $50 to $100/hour per worker and handle multiple fixtures.
- •Junk removal service: Best when you just need the old tub gone and don't need plumbing work. LoadUp offers online bathtub removal booking. 1-800-GOT-JUNK provides on-site quotes. Dropcurb handles curbside bathtub pickup starting at $79 if you can get it outside.
Old bathtub sitting in the driveway? Dropcurb picks up bathtubs curbside starting at $79.
Get Instant Pricing →How to Remove a Bathtub Yourself
DIY bathtub removal is realistic for fiberglass and acrylic tubs. Cast iron requires more planning due to the extreme weight.
For fiberglass/acrylic tubs: Turn off water supply. Disconnect the drain, overflow, and any faucet connections. Remove the surrounding drywall or tile to expose the tub flange (typically 2 inches of wall above the tub rim). Pry the tub away from the wall and slide it out. Per Dumpsters.com, it's easier than most people expect.
For cast iron tubs: The Family Handyman recommends scoring the tub with an angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade, then breaking it apart with a sledgehammer. WikiHow adds that covering the tub with a heavy blanket first contains the flying pieces. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and heavy gloves. Break it into manageable 30- to 50-pound chunks that you can carry out.
DIY saves $134 to $395 in labor but you still need to handle disposal. A cast iron tub produces 300 to 500 pounds of scrap metal. A fiberglass tub is bulky but light enough for one person to drag to the curb.
Your Old Bathtub Might Be Worth Money
Before paying for removal, check if your tub has resale or scrap value.
Cast iron scrap value: Cast iron tubs weigh 300 to 500 pounds. At current scrap iron prices (check iScrapApp.com for daily rates), a cast iron tub is worth $30 to $75 in scrap metal. Some scrap yards will pick up for free if the tub is accessible.
Antique clawfoot tubs: Refinished clawfoot tubs sell for $450 to $1,750+ at architectural salvage shops like Columbus Architectural Salvage. Even unrefined clawfoot tubs in decent condition sell for $200 to $500 on Facebook Marketplace. Before scrapping a clawfoot tub, check its resale value — it may offset or exceed your removal costs.
Working standard tubs: If your tub is in good condition, list it free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Someone renovating on a budget will come pick it up, saving you both money.
How to Save Money on Bathtub Removal
- •DIY the demo: Fiberglass and acrylic tubs require no special tools. Even cast iron can be broken apart with a $10 sledgehammer. Save $134 to $395 in labor.
- •Sell or scrap the cast iron: Instead of paying for disposal, sell the cast iron for $30 to $75 at a scrap yard.
- •Bundle with renovation: If you're hiring a contractor for the new tub install, negotiate old tub removal into the total price.
- •Skip the dumpster: A bathtub at the curb is a single-item pickup. Dropcurb handles it for $79+ instead of renting a dumpster at $200 to $450.
- •List it for free: "Free bathtub, you haul" on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often gets a response within hours.
How Bathtub Removal Works
- 1
Turn off water and disconnect plumbing
Shut off the water supply. Disconnect the drain, overflow, and faucet connections using basin wrenches and pliers.
- 2
Remove surrounding materials
Cut away 2–3 inches of drywall or tile above the tub rim to expose the flange. This lets the tub slide free from the wall.
- 3
Break apart (cast iron) or slide out (fiberglass)
Fiberglass and acrylic tubs slide or lift out. Cast iron tubs are scored with an angle grinder and broken with a sledgehammer into pieces.
- 4
Haul out and dispose
Carry pieces out of the bathroom and house. Set at the curb for Dropcurb pickup ($79+), haul to a scrap yard, or book a junk removal service.
Bathtub ready for pickup? Book curbside removal in 60 seconds starting at $79.
Book Bathtub Removal →Frequently asked questions
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