How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub in 2024?

No matter how stylish your bathtub looked 20 years ago, its crowning moment has now gone west. As it is far from being an out-of-sight bathroom element, its deterioration can be striking for everyone entering the room. Not only do cracks and chips deal a nasty blow to your space aesthetics and bathing experience, but they also can lead to severe problems like water leakage, structural damage, and mold. While occasional minor imperfections can be repaired, significant or recurring issues usually require a full replacement.

A bathtub should be about functionality, comfort, and design preference. But if it sticks out like a sore thumb due to an outdated style venturing far from the rest of your bathroom, its upgrade may become your next to-do project. The same goes for situations when you need functional changes, like moving from a standard tub to a walk-in tub or bathtub-shower combo for better accessibility. 

What is the average cost to replace a bathtub in the USA? You should be ready to spend about $5,000, but the price can fluctuate between $2,000 and $9,000, depending on dozens of factors. The low-end option can set you back $300 if no plumbing modifications are required. For a high-end alternative, you can fork out about $13,800. 

The price of replacing a bathtub

Labor Cost to Replace a Bathtub

If your bathtub is damaged beyond repair, stained, outdated, or doesn’t match your bathroom’s decor anymore, it is time to search for bathroom contractors. They can charge anywhere from $300 to $4,000, depending on the project’s specifics and the scope of work. 

As a rule of thumb, the cost of replacing a tub is more reasonable when you go for a brand-new option that looks like a twin of your current one. If minimal plumbing alterations and repairs are only needed, and you don’t mind leaving the existing tiles, you can spend from $300 to $1,150. However, if the new bathtub differs in style or size or requires relocation, the installation costs can increase from $1,200 to $4,000 due to extensive renovations. This might involve rerouting drains, constructing new enclosures, or even electrical work for jetted tubs.

Want a few personalized quotes for your bathtub replacement project to budget like a pro? Use the MyHomeQuote for that. With us, all reliable and licensed contractors are at your disposal once we receive your request. 

The labor cost of replacing a tub

Bathtub Replacement Cost Estimator

Many homeowners can’t commit to bathtub replacement for long because possible expenses give them the willies. Want to take the guesswork and anxiety out of the project preparation? Estimate how much it can cost to replace a bathtub in different scenarios. Multiple factors can shape your expenditure, from the tub type to plumbing adjustments to surrounding materials. Examine them all to discover the most befitting and budget-friendly combination. 

Tub Replacement Cost by Tub Type

Not all bathtubs are created equal. They can differ in material, size, and complexity of the design, let alone some add-on features. That’s why there is a gulf in bathtub prices between the types. A basic standard-size fiberglass tub will always cost less than an oversized clawfoot tub made of cast iron. Plus, some tub types may require more extensive installation procedures and altering the plumbing or structure of your bathroom. Thus, if the cost of a new bathtub seems unmanageable, why not consider some alternatives? 

Basic Alcove

If you are hunting for the most pocket-friendly bathtub, look no further than a standard type. This tub costs from $200 to $780, subject to the material it is made of. Your expenditure can only be higher if surround installation is required. 

Freestanding

Such bathtubs offer flexibility with placement and can add a unique aesthetic touch to your bathroom. You can come across models costing $700 to $15,000, but the most common style can set you back $2,550. This type is quite bulky, so make sure you have enough space before committing.

Walk-In

Walk-in tubs prioritize safety and ease of use, providing a more comfortable bathing experience for older individuals and those with disabilities or restricted mobility. The average price range typically lies between $2,000 and $10,000. However, your actual expenses can vary based on its dimensions, manufacturer, and added amenities. 

Whirlpool / Jetted

If you suffer from aches in muscles and joints, a bathtub with jets can become your godsend. In most cases, the cost to install a new bathtub of this type lands between $1,200 and $5,000, inclusive of labor and materials. Please note that heated jets may need wiring into the house’s electrical system, involving additional expenses.

Drop-In / Platform

A drop-in bathtub is ‘inserted’ into a bespoke enclosure and then appropriately sealed to ensure its water tightness. You can position it as the bathroom’s centerpiece for a mouth-dropping effect. The average cost for drop-in tubs fluctuates between $4,000 and $5,500. Adding features like jets or specialized accessories can noticeably increase the price.

Soaking Tub

Soaking tubs, characterized by their deep basins and simplistic design, typically range from $600 to $12,000, with the cost primarily influenced by the tub’s material and size. These tubs are deeper than standard ones, making it essential to ensure they fit your space. They are typically devoid of additional features.

The price of replacing a bathtub by type

Tub Replacement Cost by Tub Material 

Once in the market for your spic-and-span bathtub, you may feel spoiled by choice. From acrylic to fiberglass to cast iron to cultured marble, there are numerous options to choose from. All these materials have significant price differences, thus impacting the overall bathtub replacement cost.

Acrylic and fiberglass tubs may look affordable even for those on a shoestring budget, but they will hardly last long. Porcelain-enamel-coated cast iron tubs are usually costlier, but they are more durable and retain heat better, making them worth the investment for some homeowners. Granite and ceramic alternatives are at the high end of the cost spectrum. These materials are premium grade and often used when deluxe bathroom facelifts occur. 

The price of replacing a bathtub by material

Tub Replacement Cost by Surround Material

Don’t zero in on a tub alone when planning a bathtub replacement project, but look around. Chances are high that you would also like to replace the surrounds. The only exception can be a freestanding bathtub. Even though this may seem like an optional add-on, you can benefit from such an upgrade. First, you won’t compromise your bathroom aesthetics; secondly, you can ensure adequate wall waterproofing. 

The selected surround material can affect how much to replace a bathtub overall. While some options are pocket-friendly and come pre-made with valuable features like grab bars, others have complicated installation processes, often requiring professional stonemasons. Please note that heavy materials may call for additional structural support.

If you want a reputable bathtub contractor to provide you with a custom-tailored quote, stop by MyHomeQuote. Here, we can help you locate up to five specialists and get estimates from all of them for free. 

The price of replacing a bathtub by surround material

Additional Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace a Tub

Homeowners often imagine that bathtub replacement is as easy as a walk in the park – remove an old tub, install a new one in its place, and call it a day. That’s why they feel like a lost ball in high weeds when their illusions meet reality. After all, a bathtub price is not equal to the project’s cost. Depending on the scope of work required and your bathroom condition, you may have to manage many other expenditure items. 

Permits

Selecting a new but twin-like bathtub is the only way to cut corners. Once you set your heart on a bigger or top-notch one, you may need to alter the existing plumbing lines. In some cases, additional electrical wiring can also be required. Such relocations must be performed in compliance with building codes. Getting necessary permits can cost from $50 to $500. 

Old Tub Removal and Disposal

Removing an old bathtub may seem a straightforward process that can be completed with no sweat. It depends too much on the material of the tub. Contractors can charge you about $100 to remove a fiberglass option, but you can shell out $500+ for one made from cast iron. If your current bathtub was installed before the door frames, a one-piece withdrawal might not be feasible. The disposal can also add an extra penny to the overall bathtub removal cost. 

Water Damage Repair

If you’ve noticed water leaks under your bathtub, you should be ready to deal with water damage once it is removed. The repair services can set you back from $400 to $10,000+ depending on the extent of water penetration around the tub. Any signs of mold formation mean you should include remediation services in the budget when calculating how much to replace a bathtub.

Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor preparation ensures the tub is level and jitters-free. It involves checking the joists’ integrity, flattening and solidifying the base, and installing a protective moisture barrier. If some complications, like inappropriate previous installations, pest infestation, or structural adjustments, take place, the new bathtub installation cost can be sky-high.

Floor Reinforcement

While any bathtub imposes a substantial load on the floor when filled with water, the situation can become critical with extra-heavy ones made of granite, for example. Additional strengthening may be necessary to prevent structural damage if the existing floor lacks adequate reinforcement. While such services can cost from $350 to $850 for modern houses, the price can be $10,000+ for ones with antique, historical, or customized construction.

Installing a Tub Surround

Installing a tub surround can present unique challenges. Factors like the existing bathroom layout, plumbing setup, and the type of surround material chosen all contribute to the overall cost. If the walls around the tub require extensive prep work or special tools are needed, contractors can charge an additional fee. You should be ready to spend from $550 to $2,000. 

Installing New Faucets

If your current faucets look old-school and don’t match your brand-new bathtub, you may want to upgrade them. Here, the mounting requirements make for the main cost-shaping factors. While wall- and deck-mounted options can set you back between $150 and $500, a floor-mounted alternative can cost up to $750. 

Plumbing Upgrades

Whether your drainpipes are outdated or need new supply lines for your bathtub, plumbing services can be required. Based on the complexity of installation, you can spend from $350 to $2,000. That’s why the answer to ‘How much to install a bathtub?’ can differ significantly.  

Electrical Upgrades

You may need additional or upgraded bathroom electrical wiring if you go for a jetted bathtub or one with some energy-dependable top-of-the-line features. Based on the project’s complexity, you can spend from $1,200 to $4,000. Moreover, installing a ground fault connection interrupter can cost you $7 to $100 each. 

Bathtub Installation Cost Breakdown

Willing to discover what it feels like to soak in a bubble bath? The cost to install a new bathtub falls between $300 to $4,500 for a tub alone. The exact price hinges much on style, material, and add-on features. Plus, you can fork out from $350 to $2,000 in labor. 

Calculating the budget for a new bathtub installation project may feel like rocket science, but MyHomeQuote can make it a cinch. Fill out an intuitive questionnaire on the platform, and we’ll do the rest. Provide your critical demands for more precise results. 

The price of installing a bathtub

Factors Affecting Tub Installation Cost

When selecting a new bathtub, most homeowners are guided by emotions and the square footage available. Even though both things are essential, they should not become the only pillars on which you base your final decision. Your tub’s material, shape, and weight play a huge role in whether you will need some costly extra services. 

Jetted and soaking tubs have specific installation requirements you should meet. And your existing plumbing system matters here. If extensive alterations need to be made to accommodate the new tub, this will likely ramp up the cost. From getting permits to rerouting plumbing to adding new water lines, many factors can affect the answer to ‘How much is a bathtub?’ so you should weigh your decision before committing. 

The price of installing a bathtub by add-on services