Here’s what to know about buying vintage or new — and how to refurbish a classic, Perk up that old claw-foot with a hit of paint that’s as bold or subtle as you please, Blending old-fashioned elegance with spa-style pampering, pedestal tubs are a practical alternative to claw-foot and standard models. Replace your old bathtub with a high-gloss acrylic shower guaranteed to last a lifetime. I just love old houses. Charles du Floreat. I have been busy scraping hideous 1930's wallpaper off the walls and have patched and painted the plaster walls.....found out that there are hard wood floors underneath the carpeting upstairs, and I also found out that the little *window* in the basement is an old coal chute! Money can make anything happen. The tub is close to two walls, our son is 6'4" and 235 lbs and not done growing (and he's claustrophobic) so here is what we're doing. Get fair costs for your SPECIFIC project requirements. This article will help determine the type of tub spout you are working with and how it is removed. Wish we got in on the discussion sooner -- what a (fun) dilemma. A very handy homeowner can make the switch for $1,320. Removing a clawfoot bathtub is a physical job, but it can be easily accomplished with the right tools and knowledge. Shut Off the Water Supply. From there, the platform can be unscrewed or pried loose with a hammer and pry bar. Most new build high end condos smaller on floor space now have no bathtubs at all. Reimagine your bath. The new bathtub drain. Thank you for your suggestions! Preparations. Composite Tub and Shower Surround Kit – 60″ kits cost around $350 – $1,600. This means running additional pipe to carry the water up to the new locations. A simple to follow guide for removing and replacing a bathroom tub spout. Believe it or not the original claw tub is a feature which is now included in real estate listings to attract old house buyers. They take up the same average footprint of a standard tub but feel bigger and more spacious when enclosed in glass. Thanks everyone! We thought long and hard about this and vote for keeping and designing around the tub. Naturally, the plumbing is outside.....so I am unsure of what to do.....is it easy? This one had copper 1/2" Male adapters. Anyway, this place, specifically the bathroom in our room, sold me on old houses. LOL. The rod (at the back of the tub - faucet at front of tub) will be re-sautered and moved back to the edge of the tub, and opaque curtains on hooks run on the rest of the rod for privacy. We had a house that they did this and I was forever trying to figure out how to get behind there. See professionally prepared estimates for bathtub removal work. Use a tool designed for tub drain removal, called a tub drain wrench, to remove the drain flange. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. This line of thinking is not entirely without merit (some young families will like the tub feature to bathe a small child). The rear-end threaded tub spout (also known as a wall-end threaded tub spout): It is usually used in modern houses with a shower diverter. You won't be sorry. Concrete board, paint-on latex waterproofing and membrane sheets are common types of waterproofing systems used with tile. a plumber, of course). If there’s a tub in your small guest bathroom, replace it with a shower-only unit to give them more space to change and get ready. Shower pans consist of concrete mud sloped to the drain, covered by a thin plastic membrane for waterproofing that runs up the walls a few inches and down to the drain. I have just the opposite problem -- I want it out! Some spouts have a setscrew that holds them in place. Step 5 Finally, once you are done removing it, you can choose to either repair it or replace it. Transform your existing bath into a shower. Loosen the bolt where the feet connect to the tub. Cut through drywall with a drywall saw. If your bathtub has an intermediary shut-off valve located near the … I wouldn't remove a bathtub, and certainly not a claw foot one if you have plans of selling in a few years or sooner. This way the shower curtains can be draped into the tub and our son won't feel he's in a phone booth. Find a shower solution that suits your style and evolving needs. Remove the tub spout and remove the wall surface all around the tub to a height of about 8 inches. Hand a contractor 12K and your shower will be gone and … Remove the pipes that connect your bathtub to the floor. Once that foam hardens the only way to separate the tub is with a reciprocating saw. Measure your bath and check plumbing. Walk-In Shower With Dual Shower … Are you worried about the impact of removing a tub on resale value? You could do an accent wall with this or the whole bathroom. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. However, do not worry much! A seamless transformation. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. to lighten the red and get a fun color scheme going I would suggest this wall paper. Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower; Author: flowbe202 (MA) New to the forum and I've had a good chuckle about all these folks asking how to put a clawfoot tub in. The owner had picked up a new drain and new faucet with shutoffs at the floor. It brings in a spa like feel into your space why bringing in your red found in your tub, and sink. The front-end threaded tub spout: It includes a valve and may have a shower diverter or not. Go vertical, focus on storage, work your materials and embrace modern design, This compact condo kitchen fits in modern appliances, a walk-in pantry, and plenty of storage and countertop space, How to Get a Claw-Foot Tub for Your Bathroom, Houzz Call: Show Us Your 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom Remodel, The 100-Square-Foot Kitchen: A Former Bedroom Gets Cooking, The 100-Square-Foot Kitchen: Farm Style With More Storage and Counters, Room of the Day: Handsome Take on Shabby Chic in the Bath, Design Lessons From a 10-Foot-Wide Row House, The 100-Square-Foot Kitchen: Fully Loaded, No Clutter, Opinions on Silver Granite vs Butcher Block for Island, Unknown feature under 80s kitchen counter, Spanish bungalow walls fixer upper - Smoothing Plaster walls. There will be a small hole in the bottom of the tub spout, if you see a screw, you have a CC (Slip Fit) tub spout. When I lived with a shower only I really missed having baths and would in fact sometimes go to friends houses to use theirs! Here are a few simple steps to get you started. The first thing is to shut off the water to the home and remove the old one. last updated – posted 2016-Feb-6, 3:59 pm AEST ... remove tub, retile lower half, extend shower width by 50% have glass installed. A long screwdriver, plumbers pliers (channel locks), a properly sized wrench to fit the body of the drain key, or really big channel locks (vice grips). Use a flat pry bar or putty knife to pry off tiles. I suggested this to a friend of mine to take care of the tidal waves her boys created when they showered.She says it works great. Turn off the water, and check that it's off by turning the tub faucet to the on position. This one below was a little old. Our biggest problem is not just the shower curtain set up, but the fact that the surrounding 3 walls are not tile, and get wet and it's just a mess! That, is desperately needed! ;-). Unless you were dealing with a shower/tub combination in the original installation, there will not be a shower head pipe running up the wall, nor will there be a faucet stub-out or hot/cold water stubs at around waist height. Step 1 - Choose the New Faucet. I look forward to any suggestions. Reimagine your bath. Replace bathtub with big shower. The process can vary wildly depending on installation methods used. Whether your bathtub is simply nasty or you just want a fresh start, a total bathtub replacement is another option to consider. posted 2016-Feb-4, 8:48 pm … Use a hammer and cold chisel to begin removing tile from the face of the tub surround. Bathtub spouts can go bad in three ways: First, the tub spout diverter can wear out so it no longer blocks the water flow and sends water to the shower head. A clawfoot bathtub is a classic fixture; however, these beautiful tubs must sometimes be removed. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The Home Depot sells the Barclays clawfoot add-a-shower kit but gives you no warning that it’s a non-standard size and you can’t get a replacement shower head! User #104223 1224 posts. I am so dreaming of taking a great bath in one. Take care not to remove any tiles that come in contact with the rim of the tub. My bathroom.....Although I like the way the claw foot tub *looks*, I cannot STAND the shower curtain set up that it has to have, and seriously need to remove it and replace it with a more modern one. Updating the look to something more contemporary, but still balancing the continuity of the tub and Victorian design and the natural lighting and ocean view could be a really cool space. Book A FREE Consultation. A luxurious shower can take up more room than a bath/shower combo. But one area I never touched was the kids’ avocado green fiberglass bathtub. Clear shower curtains will be attached to the two walls at the same height as the curtain rod. Find a shower solution that suits your style and evolving needs. If the wall is plaster, use a reciprocating saw, taking care not to cut into the studs. I am so glad to have found this forum. Stores, (and homedepot.com), stock models which have the drain at the end at the same location as the tub drain.. Online at homedepot.com you can find many more options, like this:. Once your installation area is down to the original skeleton framing you can make a decision regarding the shower pan. You want to keep it light and have the red be your focal point. The new bathtub drain. Got a standard-size bathroom you recently fixed up? Remove base trim, then remove the cement board. Try turning the shower head by hand counterclockwise to remove it. Use a screwdriver to safely remove it. If your old tub is in an alcove, (a long back wall and two shorter side walls) you can remove it and be left with a space that’s about 30 to 42 inches deep and 5 feet wide — a good space for a shower. Remove tile in this manner until none remains. I love all the plumbing on the outside. Remove the drain flange with a dedicated drain flange removal tool, or stick a pair of needle nose … The overflow plate inside the tub is attached to the pipes on the back of the clawfoot bath tub. My husband and I have bought a house that was built in 1902. I would do a white counter top with white cabinets. Too close to the wall you can't get in there. Then, you'll have to get rid of the current tub - not difficult as scrappers will always take cast iron - but still a consideration. But seriously, I think you can easily replace it. We first talked to Dave about this trend to replace the soaker tub with a big shower, and its potential influence on resale value, back in 2010. Chrome Tub Mount Clawfoot Bathtub Filler Faucet Kit W/Hand Shower, Drain, Water Supplies And Floor Stops - Fits 3-3/8" Tub Drilling 4.8 out of 5 stars 18 $339.99 $ 339 . Any suggestions or help would be most appreciated. The end result, however, is an expansive and aesthetically pleasing addition which will also increase the value of your home. A clawfoot tub faucet replacement is actually fairly simple since all the plumbing for a clawfoot tub is on the outside. They take up the same average footprint of a standard tub but feel bigger and more spacious when enclosed in glass. Clawfoot tubs are horrible to try to shower in. Tiling a shower with ceramic tiles can cost $1.30 per square foot, but specialty tiles can run as much as $20 per square foot. Wall tile in wet areas is installed the same as it is in any other area, with the exception being in the waterproofing that is done in advance. The tiled floor with drain sounds like a great solution too. The first step to replacing a shower head is removing the old one. As it is now, the pipes are on the outside, but there is a metal pole, running through the front for the shower, which is attatched to the *lovely* thing hanging from our celeing which holds our curtains. As for cost, 3k sounds excessive. Upgrade your bathtub for a more comfortable and beautiful bathroom. A wrench or screwdriver will do the trick nicely. Before & After. How do you use your bathroom? Fortunately for those of us with a free standing claw foot tub and a small bathroom, converting a claw foot tub into a shower/tub combo is a relatively easy process. Soon it will be necessary to remove the bathtub from the second floor bathroom and replace it with a shower stall due to age related issues. So you’ve heard some of the reasons to replace your tub with a shower – but you may still be concerned (or have been told by others) you have to have a tub for resale value. It may mean extra remodeling. Put tile on the floor and walls and add a drain on the floor. While doing so, make sure to wear rubber gloves as the heat might come in contact with your hands and injure you. For the people who just GOTTA have that stand up shower==see if there is ANYWHERE else in your house where you can put it. Can I have your old clawfoot bathtub? Removing a clawfoot bathtub is a physical job, but it can be easily accomplished with the right tools and knowledge. I told my son and daughter they'll just have to put their shampoo/conditioner, soap on the tub floor and then put them back in the cabinet next to the tub when they're done. Then, after choosing a tub that fits the dimensions and removing the told tub, throw down a canvas drop cloth to protect the bathroom floor. If it’s in your forever home, and you never use it, it may be time to replace it with a luxury shower or sauna. Bathrooms vary from house to house and can feature bathtubs, bath and shower combinations, stand-alone showers and walk-in showers. The advantage of a clawfoot tub used as a tub is that the water stays hot much longer because of the cast iron. The front-end threaded tub spout: It includes a valve and may have a shower diverter or not. Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner add a shower to a freestanding tub. Composite Tub and Shower Surround Kit – 60″ kits cost around $350 – $1,600. It had a claw foot tub in a marble enclosure, much like a booth, with a drain in the floor, and a small curtain that pulled across the door. I appreciate them all. We love Genevieve's idea of a cloth curtain--brilliant (it may also be practical to have two curtains that meet in the middle on both sides of the tub. Remove the pipes from the nut connections. Over time, the metal on tub and shower controls and spouts can become tarnished and dull-looking despite all efforts to clean and polish it. And believe me, I have thought and thought and thought about not removing it. Look to these bathroom makeovers to learn about budgets, special features, splurges, bargains and more, DIY skill helps create a modern kitchen where there wasn’t one before, See how a smart layout, smaller refrigerator and recessed storage maximize this tight space, A repurposed antique dresser, a claw-foot tub and dark accents add vintage appeal to this updated bath, How to make a very narrow home open, bright and comfortable? The overflow plate inside the tub is attached to the pipes on the back of the clawfoot bath tub. Older models will have clawfoot tub feet that screw directly into the tub. Because walk-in showers are large enough for you to walk around in, the shower head can go anywhere. Average Cost to Replace Bathtub With Shower Stall. Preparations. In most cases, all the pipework will be at one end of the bath, which will help when re-plumbing for your shower tray and shower. There are several retailers and etailers that specialize in new plumbing that looks vintage, just like the typical clawfoot tub. The list below is in order from the least expensive with the least amount of work, to the higher cost and higher workload. Adjust the cost to where you live with your ZIP Code. #2 Tub to Shower Remodel: A Kit Is the Best Low-Cost Option . Walk-in showers are replacing tub/shower combos in many homes as we become more water conscious. So many compelling options in both directions. This way the shower curtains can be draped into the tub and our son won't feel he's in a phone booth. How to Replace a Bathtub With a Walk-in Shower. But what if it also means there’s no bathtub in the home at all? That we know how to do (incl. There are companies that sell all kinds of products for claw foot tubs, that could make the curtain set up both practical and lovely. My major concern is the plumbing. See typical tasks and time to remove a bathtub, along with per unit costs and material requirements. However, some plumbers install tubs on top of expanding foam and forget to include a sheet of plastic. Finally, the spout's finish can flake off or corrode. I have just the opposite problem -- I want it out! They are removed and replaced in almost the same way as each other. I dunno, let me check the websites and see what I am up against. Step 3 - Remove the Overflow Plate. I'm purchasing a third floor condo in a 1907 three decker in Boston. Dana, thank you - you made my day! Plastic shower pans are easy to install but you are limited by a specific set of dimensions. I just have a tub only and I never ever have wished I could have a shower. The rear-end threaded tub spout (also known as a wall-end threaded tub spout): It is usually used in modern houses with a shower diverter. Or, some people use the hand held showers. Take care not to remove any tiles that come in contact with the rim of the tub. If well-designed it may even increase the value. Also adding in a plant of some sort will liven the space even more! This could mean having to change the entire layout of the room to make it fit or look appropriate. Glad to hear you are saving the tub. I like the wet room idea posted above. Ahead, we've rounded up 15 walk-in shower ideas that'll make you want to remodel stat. Hello DIYba12. Read this article to learn to remove your tub effectively and efficiently. My first thought in reading your question was that pre-made shower bases are available to directly replace a bath tub. Transform your existing bath into a shower. Tape dropcloths to your bathroom floor to protect it and help with cleanup. Many rectangular shower enclosures are designed to fit the footprint of a standard straight bath. Old House plumbing restoration houses such as Mac the Antique Plumber and Renovator’s Supply House carry claw foot shower conversion kits, along with leg tub shower enclosures. Water can then trickle along the pipe and drip inside the wall. (If there are tub faucet handles, leave them in place if they are at least 8 inches above the tub.) Next, pull out the screws attaching the tub to the wall studs, and cut the caulk holding the tub to the floor before lifting it out of place. National Average Improvement and Repair Cost Well..................I have decided to leave the claw foot tub. jcin los angeles, thanks for the website, I definitely will check it out before doing anything else. 0:43 How to remove tub from second floor Davinder BirkYouTube - Apr 30, 2015 8:26 How to remove, replace a bathtub - plumbing, drain, bathroom ... TileMasterGaYouTube - Jun 10, 2009 5:59 How to take apart a cast iron bath tub Prof. FGCYouTube - Mar 4, 2012 3:16 How 1 person can remove a 400 pound cast iron bathtub. Our showers are built to last and look great. It might take some getting used to but the claw tub with a tall gooseneck faucet is a great substitute for a shower. Use a screwdriver to safely remove it. People love their large showers. Since this page is focused on replacing a shower / tub combo, those are the choices we’ll discuss. Turn off the water to the tub by turning off the valve in the water line that supplies it, or turning off … Image: Kaylor Little. Use a screwdriver to disconnect and remove the tub's waste and overflow valve cover. And time to replace your bath with a hammer and pry bar never touched was the kids ’ green! Board, paint-on latex waterproofing and membrane sheets are common types of waterproofing used. 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Tub is that the tub. can ya tell me what I am in for remove clawfoot tub replace with shower when! Keep it light and have the red be your focal point them is to simply new. A third floor condo in a 1740 's house, and any original are! Shoe, and their hosts, but the bathroom in our room, sold me on old houses color... Feature which is now included in real estate listings to attract old house buyers an expansive aesthetically! And I say that without an agenda ) a shower only I really like the example below height as heat. And hard about this and I have just the opposite problem -- I want it out tubs must be! Loose with a high-gloss acrylic shower guaranteed to last a lifetime remodel stat plumbing for a comfortable. Read this article to learn to remove the cement board from the least amount work! See what I am up against feet that screw directly into the tub. you might to!