How Much Does It Cost To Replace or Install A Bathtub?

Bathtub Installation or Replacement Cost

Bathtub installation or replacement costs $800 to $4,600 on average, depending on the type of tub and modifications needed. A new tub costs $200 to $1,000 itself for a basic style, and jetted tubs cost $700 to $4,000. The cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $3,500.

*Includes tub, materials, and labor.

Quick Facts

• Installing a bathtub of a different style, size, or in another spot increases installation costs substantially.
• Both plumbers and bathroom remodel contractors install bathtubs.
• A basic bathtub replacement takes 1 to 2 days. A tub replacement and tile surround installation takes 3 to 5 days.
• The average lifespan of a bathtub is 10 to 50 years.

Bathtub Replacement Cost

Bathtub removal and replacement costs $1,000 to $9,200, depending on the tub type, tub surround, labor, and plumbing modifications needed.

*Tub replacements may not require new faucets and may preserve existing surround.

Cost To Replace Bathtub and Tiles on Wall

The average cost to replace a bathtub and tiles on the wall is $1,500 to $10,000. Prices depend on whether it's a tub combo with a built-in shower and surround or a freestanding or jetted tub with custom tiling.

Labor Cost To Replace A Bathtub

The average labor cost to replace a bathtub is $400 to $2,000, depending on the type and modifications required. Replacing a tub with the same size and style costs $300 to $1,200. Installing a different style, size, or moving the tub costs $1,200 to $3,500 and requires extensive renovations.

Alcove tubs are the most common and the cheapest to install. Drop-in, platform, and undermount tubs may need a platform base constructed. Jetted and walk-in tubs require electrical wiring.

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Cost To Install A New Bathtub

Bathtub installation costs $600 to $2,500 for a basic replacement and $1,500 to $6,000 to install a jetted tub. Tub installation costs depend on the tub type, existing tub removal, repairs, surface preparation, platform construction, electrical wiring, and plumbing modifications.

Bathtub Installation Cost Factors

Installing a bathtub may require additional work, such as:

*Wiring, reinforced floors, and upgrading the water heater, pipes, and drain not required for every bathtub installation.

• Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour for labor to install a bathtub, modify pipes, and install new fixtures.
  • Rerouting or relocating the tub drain costs $500 to $1,100.
  • Larger tubs or tubs installed in a new location may need new plumbing pipes. The average cost to repipe a bathtub fixture is $450 to $1,800.
• Repairs – Fixing and preparing the surface and small plumbing repairs costs $200 to $600.
• Electricians charge $250 to $750 to wire a jetted tub’s motor into the home’s electrical system, depending on if existing connections are in place.
• Old Tub Removal – Bathtub removal costs $150 to $700 on average, depending on if it's only an old tub or a tub with a surround or tiling. Heavy cast iron tubs or bathtubs with tiling surrounds can cost $1,000 or more to remove.
• The cost to replace a tub shower valve is $225 to $575 to regulate the flow of hot and cold water.
• Faucets – The cost to replace a bathtub faucet is $300 to $750, including materials and installation. Replacing a shower head costs $100 to $300 more.
• Bathtub Doors – The average cost to install a bathtub door is $500 to $1,600, including the materials and labor. Bathroom tub glass doors are either sliding, pivot, frameless, fixed, or alcove.
• Shower Curtain & Rod – A straight shower rod and curtain costs $20 to $100 for a standard alcove tub or $100 to $400 for a rectangular rod system for a freestanding or clawfoot tub.
• Upgraded Water Heater – A larger water heater may be needed when increasing the size of the tub. A new water heater installaton costs $600 to $3,500, depending on if it's a traditional tank or tankless.
• Floor reinforcement costs $100 to $325 per joist to strengthen the subfloor beneath large jetted tubs or heavy tubs made of cast iron.

Cost To Install Tub Surround

The average cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $1,800 for the materials and labor. The labor cost to replace a tub surround is $300 to $600. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation.

Bathtub surrounds come in various materials, colors, styles, and may include built-in grab bars and shelves. Pre-made surrounds are easier to clean than tiling because there is no grout where dirt and mildew can accumulate.

Cost To Tile A Tub Surround

The average cost to tile a tub surround is $12 to $35 per square foot for the materials and installation. Tiling around a bathtub costs $1,000 to $3,500 for an average 80 to 100 square foot surround, depending on the type of materials and job complexity.

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New Tub Costs By Type

A new tub costs $400 to $16,800, depending on the bathtub material, type, features, size, and whether it's jetted. Basic soaking and freestanding tubs cost $400 to $1,500 on average. Bathtubs with high-end designs, luxury materials, and whirlpool jets cost $1,000 to $5,000 on average.

*Not including installation.

Soaking Tub Cost

Soaking tubs cost $600 to $2,000 on average, with prices between $400 to $15,800 depending on the size and style. Soaking tubs may be freestanding or drop-in and are larger and deeper than traditional bathtubs to submerge bathers fully. They don't include whirlpool or air jets.

Whirlpool & Jetted Tub Costs

Jetted tubs cost $400 to $16,800, depending on the size, type, brand, and number of jets. Standard-sized whirlpool jetted tubs cost $800 to $3,000, while larger jetted tubs with luxury features like contoured seats, chromatherapy, and aromatherapy cost $3,000 to $16,800.

• Air jets release warm air bubbles through many tiny holes to create a gentle massaging sensation for stress relief.
• Whirlpool jets propel water vigorously for an intense deep tissue massage to relieve joint and arthritis pain.
• Combination tubs include air and whirlpool jets that run together or independently.

Cost To Install A Jetted Bathtub

Jetted tub installation costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average for the materials and labor. Jetted tubs wire into the home’s electrical system and may require a dedicated electrical circuit to power many jets or an inline heater. Larger tubs may need an upgraded water heater and reinforced floors.

*Not required for all installations.

Another option is installing an outdoor jetted hot tub. Hot tubs cost $3,000 to $10,000, have more powerful jets, and fit 4 to 10 people at once.

Freestanding Tub Cost

Freestanding tubs cost $600 to $15,700 or $2,500 on average, depending on the style. Freestanding bathtubs can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom, are typically deeper than standard tubs, and come in various shapes and styles with straight or curved sides.

Clawfoot Tub Prices

Clawfoot tubs cost $600 to $7,200 or about $2,000 on average. A clawfoot bathtub is a classically styled freestanding tub that rests on four feet, which may be plain or intricately designed in modern or art deco styles. Fixtures for clawfoot tubs typically cost more than standard tubs.

Walk-In Tubs

Walk-in tubs cost $2,000 to $12,000 or $5,000 on average, depending on the size, brand, and features such as jets. Walk-in bathtubs have a leakproof door and safety features to improve accessibility and accommodate seniors or people with disabilities or limited mobility.

Garden Tub Prices

Garden tub prices range from $1,600 to $10,500, depending on the size and style. Garden tubs are oval-shaped, freestanding bathtubs that are wider and deeper than standard tubs to provide a luxurious, spa-like soaking experience. Garden tubs are at least 40 inches wide and 24 inches deep.

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Bathtub Prices By Material

Bathtub prices range from $200 to $13,500, depending on the material. Acrylic, fiberglass, and enameled steel tubs cost $200 to $1,000 on average. Tubs made of cast iron, cultured marble, or copper cost $1,500 to $5,000 on average.

*Tubs at the higher end of price range include whirlpool or air jets, or are large soaking tubs.

Acrylic Bathtub Prices

Acrylic bathtubs cost $220 to $1,000 for tubs with no jets and $1,000 to $13,400 with jets. Acrylic is a versatile plastic that can be molded into any shape and retains heat well. Acrylic lacks the high-end appearance of other materials but is resistant to abrasions and easy to clean.

Fiberglass Bathtub Prices

Fiberglass bathtubs cost $200 to $1,000 for standard-sized tubs and $1,000 to $8,000 for luxury soaker tubs or bathtubs with jets. Fiberglass is a lightweight, moldable material that is economical but prone to scratching and cracking, making it less durable than other options.

Cast Iron Bathtub Prices

Cast iron bathtubs cost $400 to $5,000 on average or up to $13,200 if they have whirlpool jets. Cast iron is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and offers excellent heat retention. Cast iron tubs are heavier than acrylic and fiberglass and may require reinforced flooring beneath the tub.

Enameled Steel Bathtub Prices

Enameled steel bathtubs cost $150 to $1,000 on average or up to $6,800 for large soaking or jetted tubs. They are stamped from a thin sheet of steel and coated in a smooth, glossy porcelain enamel layer. Enameled steel tubs are durable but can rust or chip under impact and are noisier than other materials.

Cultured Marble Tub Cost

Cultured marble bathtubs cost $1,400 to $2,900. Cultured marble is made from crushed limestone mixed with resin to create a stone-like appearance and finished with a gel surface coating to increase durability. Marble tubs are available in a wide variety of patterns, colors, and veining.

Copper Bathtub

Copper bathtubs cost $2,000 to $13,500 and are durable and mold-resistant. Copper tubs have excellent heat retention, are corrosion-proof, and come in various shapes and sizes. Copper is sensitive to harsh chemicals and abrasive materials and requires special care when cleaning.

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Bathtub Styles, Sizes, and Prices

Bathtubs come in several different configurations depending on the tub's style, the bathroom’s layout, and the amount of space available.

*Tubs at the higher end of price range include whirlpool or air jets, or are large soaking tubs.

Standard Bathtub Sizes

Standard bathtub sizes are 60 to 72 inches long, 30 to 36 inches wide, with 14 to 24 inches of water depth. Many whirlpool tubs are designed to fit into a common alcove space. Freestanding tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes but are wider and deeper than alcove tubs.

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Shower To Tub Conversion Cost

A shower to bathtub conversion costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average, depending on the tub style, price of materials, and plumbing modifications needed. Converting a shower into a tub improves a home’s resale value because most prospective buyers want at least one tub in the house.

*Installation costs less if the shower drain doesn’t need to be relocated to accommodate the tub.

In comparison, shower replacement costs $2,000 to $9,000 on average, depending on the type.

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DIY Bathtub Replacement

Removing an old tub and disposing of the debris may be suitable for a DIY project. New bathtub installations involve complex plumbing and carpentry tasks that require a professional contractor.

How To Install A Bathtub

Follow these steps to install a bathtub:

1. Prep the area by shutting off the water and power. Remove any obstructions from the bathroom to create enough space to maneuver the tub in and out.
2. Remove the drain, faucet, shower head, overflow, and other attachments connected to the bathtub. Removing the drain may require access to the tub's underside from behind the wall or through the floor.
3. Separate the tub from the wall. Use a straightedge to draw a guideline 6 inches above the tub. Cut along the line and remove the section between the line and tub. Remove the screws and nails. Use a utility knife to cut away caulk between the tub and floor.
4. Remove the tub. Two people best handle this step. Carefully lift the front edge of the tub while the other person slides two 1x4 boards underneath. Using the boards as skids, slide the tub out of the alcove.
5. Remove the stringer, the crosspiece of wood supporting the edge of the tub.
6. Dispose of the tub. Some tubs can be broken up into smaller pieces for easier disposal. Contact the local sanitation department to determine if there are any regulations for disposing of an old bathtub.
7. Set the new tub in place. Make sure the floor is level. Using 1x4 skids, slide the new tub into the alcove. Recheck the level, then mark a reference line on the studs around the top of the tub. Once done, remove the tub and set it aside.
8. Install a stringer. Measure the height of the lip of the tub. Measure that exact distance below the reference line and mark a new line on the studs. Cut a 2x4 the length of the tub. Use deck screws to fasten it to the studs along the new line.
9. Install the tub drain. Turn the tub on its side, then install the drain according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Wrap plumber’s putty around the underside of the drain flange.
10. Install the overflow drain. Position the drain shoe underneath the bathtub and screw the flange into the threads. Scrape off excess putty. Place a rubber gasket onto the overflow elbow and position it behind the tub.
11. Attach the cover plate inside the tub. Connect the overflow pipe and drainpipe to form a T. Install the drain strainer on the flange.
12. Connect the drain. Move the tub back into place. Align the drain and overflow plumbing from the tub with the drain outlet in the bathroom.
13. Secure and finish the tub. Make sure the top of the tub flange lines up with the reference marks. Attach the flange to the studs with roofing nails. Finish the tub with drywall, molding, and tile walls or a tub surround. Reattach the faucet.
14. Turn the water back on, but wait 24 hours before using the tub.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Installs Bathtubs?

Professional plumbers and bathroom remodeling contractors install bathtubs, make plumbing modifications, and install new fixtures. A handyman can handle simple bathtub installations. Some whirlpool tubs also require an electrician to wire the tub's motor into the electrical system.

Do Plumbers Install Bathtubs?

Yes, plumbers do install and replace bathtubs. Plumbers charge $300 to $2,000 on average for labor to install a new tub, depending on the style and modifications needed. Installing a different type or moving the bathtub requires a plumber to relocate the pipes and drains, increasing costs.

Home Depot Bathtub Installation Cost

Homeowners have reported Home Depot bathtub installation costs $4,000 to $7,000 for the materials and labor to remove and replace an acrylic tub with a tile surround. Home Depot offers a free, in-home consultation and estimate from a licensed and insured professional.

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Bathtub?

Replacing a bathtub with one of the same sizes takes 1 to 2 days. A tub replacement and tile surround installation takes 3 to 5 days. Installing a different size and style bathtub takes 2 to 30 days, depending on the renovations and plumbing modifications needed.

How Long Does A Bathtub Last?

The average lifespan of a bathtub is 10 to 50 years. Acrylic tubs last 10 to 15 years. Cast iron tubs last 50 to 100 years. Fiberglass tubs last 10 to 20 years but may need refinishing after 5 years. Whirlpool tubs last 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance.

Can I Refinish My Tub?

The average cost to refinish a bathtub is $250 to $600. Refinishing is an affordable option for tubs with minor chips, scratches, or discoloration. Tub resurfacing lasts for 10 to 15 years and adds a glossy coating that gives a brand new look.

The price to install a bathtub liner is $1,600 to $3,200. An acrylic tub insert or overlay is fitted over the existing bathtub without demolition or plumbing work, which lowers the installation cost.

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Hiring A Bathtub Installer

Installing or replacing a bathtub requires plumbing and construction expertise. Before hiring bathroom remodelers near you, be sure to:

• Look for plumbers with experience installing tubs or bathroom contractors.
• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for a written contract and warranty.
• Get a full breakdown of all material and labor costs involved.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask

• How long have you been in business?
• How many bathtubs have you installed?
• Can I see a portfolio of your past installation jobs?
• Will you remove and dispose of my old tub?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
• Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
• How long will the tub installation take?
• What hours do you and your crew work?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• What is your payment schedule?

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