There will come a day when your current bathtub will no longer work for you. It may be old and past its prime, the reason behind the days when avocados were a winner, or you just want a change to match your latest. Bathroom design ideas.
Whatever the reason for replacing your old bathtub, you’ll need to know how much to budget for it. Bathing has obvious value; The more you spend, the higher the replacement cost. Plus, there are additional costs, such as removal, disposal and plumbing, to consider.
Here we cover every aspect you might have to pay for, so you know how much money to set aside.
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With over a decade of experience on the front lines of construction as a multi-trader, Andy is uniquely positioned in the construction industry to help bridge the gap between tradespeople and product managers through his role at MyBuilder.com.
Cost of removing an old bath
The first step in the bathtub replacement process is to remove and dispose of the old bath. Andy Sims, Building Specialist for MyBuilderA typical cost breakdown: “Depending on factors such as tub size, weight and accessibility, removal costs are usually between £100 and £250.”
Once the bath is removed, it must be disposed of. You can do this yourself or pay someone to do it. “If you think it’s too big to load into your own vehicle, professional removal services are available and will usually charge between £50 and £150, depending on the size and weight of your bathtub,” says Sims.
At Soma Pillay, Bathroom Specialist Bathroom CityAdds, “If the bath is replaced during the entire installation, removing it is often built into the overall labor cost.”
For over 22 years, Soma Pillai has been instrumental in establishing Bathroom City as a leader in bathroom design and manufacturing. As Product Director, he oversees the development of a range that balances craftsmanship, functionality and modern aesthetics.
Buy this bath to replace your old bathtub
Banbury Single Ended Bath
This attractive, glossy white rectangular bath is made from durable acrylic that retains heat well. Available in four sizes from 1500mm to 1800mm and includes a five-year guarantee.
Cook & Lewis Oval Freestanding Bath
A modern oval freestanding bath that can make a stunning focal point in your bathroom. Ideal for large bathrooms, it has a high gloss finish and includes an integral waste and overflow.
BC Designs Boat Traditional Freestanding Bath
If you’re looking for a luxury bath, this traditional freestanding model, crafted from 99.5%+ 15-18-gauge pure copper with a hand-polished finish, may be just what you’re looking for.
The cost of a new bath
The cost of a new bath can vary greatly depending on the material, size and type. From Justin Scholes Bathroom Showroom Gives a general cost insight into the more common options: “The most common baths are standard acrylic, shower baths such as P or L shapes and acrylic freestanding baths. They are practical, suit most family bathrooms and tend to sit at the more affordable end of the market.”
“A basic acrylic bath can start from around £150 to £300 depending on the size and brand,” she adds.
Jess Thomas, MD of Drainage CentralBeyond the standard expands on typical costs for different types of baths. “Corner baths are ideal for smaller bathrooms; they cost from £250 to £2,000.” This Orlando Corner Bath with Victorian Plumbing Panels An affordable mid-range option.
Freestanding baths can be placed anywhere, but can cost a bit more than a standard bath, says Thomas: “Freestanding baths are more expensive than other types, usually costing between £350 and £4,000.” And you need to consider plumbing charges, especially if it’s located away from standard pipework.
Other bath options include a shower bath, like this L-shaped one Milan Shower Bath from Victorian Plumbing. “It’s ideal for smaller homes that don’t have space for a separate bath and shower. They usually cost between £200 and £3,000,” says Thomas.
For a more luxurious bathing experience, you can try a spa bath, e.g Laguna Whirlpool Spa 8 Jet Bath from Victorian Plumbing. As you might expect, you’ll pay more. “Expect to pay between £550 and £2,000,” says Thomas.
At the top end of the market, Justin Scholes shares what you can expect to pay for a bathtub. “At the luxury end, you have materials like cast iron or stone resin. They can run into the thousands, sometimes £4,000 or more.”
Justin Scholes is Proposition Development Manager at The Bathroom Showroom, with over 11 years of experience helping homeowners choose practical, well-designed bathrooms.
Jess Thomas is the Managing Director of Drainage Central and an expert in the drainage and plumbing industry. Jess consistently provides valuable insights on a wide range of industry topics.
What you can expect to pay for plumbing changes
The type of bathtub you choose to replace the old one and its placement may mean that you will need additional plumbing work. If you are getting a like-for-like replacement, the cost will be minimal and likely integrated into the price quoted to you.
However, if existing pipework needs to be replaced, adjusted or extended, this will incur costs. “Small plumbing repairs typically cost £80 to £200, while more extensive work, such as replacing sections of pipework, can range from £500 to £1,500, depending on the complexity of the work,” says Pillay. Plumbers charge around £40-£90 per hour depending on experience and location.
Installation costs for a new bath
If you only require a straight installation, ie little or no alteration to the pipework, no disposal costs etc. Scott Godfrey, Construction Consultant Black Hammer He shares what you can expect to pay, “For a like-for-like swap where the structure is sound, it often costs around half a day to a day to set up the bath, connect it, fit the panels and finish with clean silicone beads. As a guide, it’s usually £200 to £400 outside London and £350 to £60 in London.”
“If the floor is out of level or the bath is not properly supported, the silicone can fail early, so some jobs require extra time to pack, level and secure the bath before sealing,” he adds.
Scott Godfrey is a master craftsman with over 20 years experience in carpentry and joinery. His impressive portfolio includes bespoke projects from fully fitted kitchens and shelving to leading large scale ventures such as luxury home builds and extensive refurbishments, making him the ideal expert to discuss home, property and construction.
Typical overall cost to replace and install a bath
For a budget replacement, says Godfrey, “a replacement like an entry acrylic bath, using minimal pipe changes and a low-cost disposal route, often lands around £450 to £800 outside London and around £650 to £1,100 in London.”
However, if you have a better quality shower and more installation work, you’ll pay more shares Godfrey, “A mid-range refresh, where the shower is better quality, and you add new taps, screens, paid drains and some pipe changes, is usually around £900 to £1,800.”
Finally, if you’re going for a premium bathtub, Godfrey explains, “Premium upgrades such as freestanding, cast iron or stone can go from £2,000 to £4,500 or more once you factor in heavy handling, longer fitting times and any floor strengthening or refinishing.”
Factors that can affect the overall cost of replacing a bathtub
There are many factors that can affect the price. Godfrey shares what to watch out for: “The biggest cost drivers are how closely the new bath matches the old one and how well it needs to be built afterwards.”
“Tile damage and hidden leaks around the rim, rotten or springy floors can turn a simple swap into a repair job,” he adds.
Then there are unforeseen reasons that can drive up the price. “Access matters more than many people expect, including tight staircases, narrow doorways, parking spaces and whether two-person lifting is required,” says Godfrey.
Other factors may include the weight and material of the bath, which affects both labor time and disposal. “Regional labor rates and lead times also change the quote, and disposal regulations can change the plan if a local recycling center requires booking or if the bath is considered bulky waste,” adds Godfrey.
Before you dive in and replace your bathtub, take a look at some smart ideas for replacing it. Check out the latest Bathroom trendsAnd be inspired by us Consider a freestanding bath And Think spa bathroom For every budget.
