Quck answer
To remove a jet tub, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power supply to the tub to ensure safety.
2. Drain the tub completely by opening the drain valve.
3. Disconnect the tub from the plumbing by turning off the water supply and disconnecting the pipes.
4. Remove any access panels or side panels to access the internal components of the tub.
5. Disconnect the electrical connections, including the motor and control panel.
6. Carefully lift and remove the tub from its installation, ensuring not to damage any surrounding fixtures or walls.
7. Clean the area where the tub was installed and prepare it for the next installation or renovation.
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional if you are unsure about any step of the process.
Getting rid of a jetted tub during a bathroom redo or home renovation is a big task, but you don’t need a plumber to do it. This DIY project can be completed in one day with careful preparation and some assistance from a friend or family member. However, you will need proper safety gear and some basic plumbing knowledge to tackle this project.
Need to remove your jetted tub? Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Area
To accomplish this tub removal project, you will need to gather some essential safety equipment, especially safety goggles. Additionally, make sure to turn off the main water shutoff and the power to your bathroom.
Then you can begin the removal process. Start by taking off the showerhead, curtain rod, and anything else that might hinder tub removal. Next, remove the drain at the bottom of the tub using a screwdriver. Then use a screwdriver to remove the fixtures attached to the tub.
After that, remove the access panel. These panels are typically located on the side of the tub. Grip the access panel under its lip with your fingers and pull the bottom towards you. This should cause the pressure plugs to pop off, allowing you to access the sides. Work your way around the sides, pull it out by its upper lip, and set it aside.
2. Disconnect the Plumbing and Motor
Once the access panel is off, you will need to disconnect the plumbing for the tub. This can be done with an adjustable wrench. Remove all the lock nuts that connect the overflow pipes, drain, and waste pipe.
For your safety, you need to turn off the power to the tub at the circuit breaker before proceeding any further. Then, locate the power source for the tub’s motor and disconnect it. If possible, you can simply unplug it. Otherwise, find the power source and carefully disconnect the wires.
3. Access the Tub Frame
Depending on the bathroom’s design, you may need to remove some drywall if it is against the tub. First, use a stud finder to check for any obstacles like electrical fixtures or pipes behind the drywall. Mark these out with tape. If there is any drywall by the tub, use a utility knife to cut out about 6 inches of it.
Next, remove any nails that connect the tub flange to the studs. This is best done with a hammer. Then, use a pry bar and hammer to take off the tile and cement backer board around the tub’s frame.
If there is a tub surround, you will likely need a super bar and a hammer for removal. With the super bar, strike the top of the tub surround until it loosens from the wall. Then, use a reciprocating saw to cut through the corners of the tub surround. It can then be taken down in pieces.
4. Remove the Tub
When removing the jetted tub, it is advisable to seek assistance as it will be heavy and unwieldy. If possible, use scrap boards or other lifting tools for leverage. If the tub is made of fiberglass, you may need to use a reciprocating saw to cut it into smaller pieces. Otherwise, it may not fit through the doorway.
After removing the tub, it is likely that there will be uncovered sections of the wall and floor that are not yet finished, so it may be necessary to fix or fill these areas. This is an important aspect to think about before beginning the project, as it can increase the time, energy, and expense of your renovation. Once these issues have been taken care of, you can replace your jetted tub with a regular bathtub, an antique standalone tub, or a spacious, personalized shower.
