How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub and Why?

Your old tub is stained, cracked, or outdated. You only want to replace the bathtub and want to figure out how much the service costs. While it’s possible to replace only the tub, you should also consider the downsides of that choice.

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels. We don't do tub-only replacements. They don’t address issues behind the walls and often leave a seam that makes the tub and shower area look worse. We do full bathtub remodels down to the studs. However, we want to give you all of the cost information if you feel a tub-only replacement is the best solution for your home.

This article breaks down what a tub-only replacement costs versus a full bathtub remodel, why most reputable contractors won't do tub-only work, and the types of warranties that come with each choice.

Table of Contents:

• How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub?
• Can You Just Replace the Tub Without Redoing the Tub and Shower Area?
• Why Do Most Reputable Contractors Refuse to Only Replace A Tub?
  
• What Does a Full Bathtub Remodel Include?
• Are There Hidden Costs If You Just Replace the Tub?
  
• Does Replacing Just The Tub Come With a Warranty?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub?

If you only replace your bathtub and keep the same plumbing, the cost usually lands around $8,000. A tub-only swap keeps your old plumbing, walls, and tile in place.

A good-quality full bathtub remodel can run $12,500 to $22,000. Sometimes more. A bathtub remodel replaces everything behind the tub, including the plumbing, drains, studs, and waterproofing.

Can You Just Replace the Tub Without Redoing the Tub and Shower Area?

You can replace only the tub, but this leaves a horizontal seam where the new tub meets your old tile or wall material. It tends not to look visually appealing.

Wall materials are rarely the exact same thickness compared to when they were first installed. The new section sits differently compared to the old one. Even if you found the same tile, the new section will likely still stand out.

Reputable contractors refuse only to replace a tub.

Why Do Most Reputable Contractors Refuse to Only Replace A Tub?

Most reputable contractors won't do a tub-only replacement because of that seam. Water will have another entry point if the waterproofing on that seam fails. Any reputable contractor is not going to want their name attached to that outcome.

Wood framing does not handle trapped moisture well. Water behind the wall can lead to mold and rot. A reputable contractor will want to make sure water can be fully sealed out, which is done by doing a full bathtub remodel.

What Does a Full Bathtub Remodel Include?

A good-quality bathtub remodel replaces everything down to the studs of the tub and shower area. When you’re paying for a full bathtub remodel, you’re obviously doing more than just replacing the old tub.

It should cover:

• A new tub built to hold up over time, not a thin-walled model that flexes or cracks under weight.
• New plumbing and a new drain.
• New waterproofing behind the wall.
• New wall material installed to seal the tub and shower area, including fully sealed corners.

If you go the cheaper route of doing tub-only work, you’re likely not addressing all the problems behind your walls. Eventually, you’re paying for a full remodel.

Are There Hidden Costs If You Just Replace The Tub?

Some contractors or handymen only replace the bathtub. However, you can also expect hidden costs.

Many will quote a low price to get the job, then find damage once the wall is open. Damaged studs or a soft subfloor can add money to the project, and you often have no way to guarantee the final price ahead of time.

Does Replacing Just the Tub Come With A Warranty?

A bathtub might come with a warranty. However, you can expect it to have limited coverage. You might get one year on parts and labor, but nothing else. You’re on your own from there.

A full remodel from a reputable contractor typically covers the materials for much longer. Some companies will fix covered issues more than once.

Shugarman's Bath backs every full remodel with a true lifetime warranty that covers both materials and labor for as long as you own the home.

Is Replacing Your Bathtub Worth It?

Replacing a bathtub might cost less upfront. However, you’ll have a seam that sticks out like a sore thumb and a lackluster warranty (if you get one at all). A full bathtub remodel will cost more, but it’s the option that addresses the issues behind the walls in the tub and shower area.

Before hiring anyone, learn how to vet a contractor. Our article covers how to look for active licensing and insurance, how to spot a bad warranty, and questions you need to ask contractors before signing anything.

When you're ready to talk through your specific tub and shower area, contact Shugarman's Bath to speak with one of our experts.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.