There will come a day when your current bathtub simply doesn’t work for you any more. It might be old and past its prime, a throwback to the days when avocado was a winner, or you simply 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. There’s the obvious cost of the bath; the more you spend, the more the replacement cost will be. Plus, there are additional costs, such as removal, disposal, and plumbing, to consider.
Here we cover every aspect that you might have to pay for, so you’ll know how much money to set aside.
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With over a decade of experience on the front line in construction as a multi-trader, Andy is uniquely placed in the construction industry to help bridge the gap between tradespeople and product managers with his role at MyBuilder.com.
Cost to remove an old bath
The first step in the bathtub replacement process is to remove and dispose of the old bath. Andy Simms, building expert for MyBuilder, shares typical costs: “Removal costs will usually range between £100 and £250, depending on factors such as the tub’s size, weight, and accessibility.”
Once a bath has been removed, it must be disposed of. You can do this yourself or pay someone to do it. Simms says, “If you find that it’s too big to load in your own vehicle, professional disposal services are available and will typically charge between £50 and £150, depending on your bathtub’s size and weight.”
Soma Pillay, Bathroom Specialist at Bathroom City, adds, “If the bath is being replaced during a full installation, removal is often built into the overall labour cost.”
For over 22 years, Soma Pillay has been instrumental in establishing Bathroom City as a leader in bathroom design and manufacturing. As Product Director, he oversees the development of ranges that balance craftsmanship, functionality, and modern aesthetics.
Shop these baths to replace your old bathtub
This sleek, glossy white rectangular bath is constructed from durable acrylic that retains heat well. Available in four sizes, ranging from 1500mm to 1800mm, and includes a five-year guarantee.
A modern oval freestanding bath which can create a stunning focal point in your bathroom. Ideal for larger bathrooms, it has a high gloss finish and integral waste and overflow included.
If you are looking for a luxury bath, this traditional freestanding model, crafted from 99.5%+ 15-18-gauge pure copper with a hand-polished finish, could be just what you are looking for.
Cost for a new bath
The price of a new bath can vary greatly depending on the material, size, and type. Justine Scholes from The Bathroom Showroom gives an insight into the typical costs for 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.”
She adds, “A basic acrylic bath can start from around £150 to £300, depending on the size and brand.”
Jess Thomas, MD of Drainage Central, expands on typical costs for different types of baths beyond the standard. “Corner baths are ideal for smaller bathrooms; they cost anywhere from £250 to £2,000.” The Orlando Corner Bath with Panel from Victorian Plumbing is an affordable mid-range option.
Freestanding baths can be placed anywhere, but they can cost a little more than standard baths, 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 is located away from standard pipework.
Other bath options include shower baths, such as this L-shaped Milan Shower Bath from Victorian Plumbing. Thomas says, “They are ideal for smaller homes that do not have the space for separate baths and showers. They usually cost between £200 and £3,000.”
For a more luxurious bath experience, you can try a spa bath, such as this Laguna Whirlpool Spa 8 Jet Bath from Victorian Plumbing. As you might expect, you’ll have to pay more. Thomas says, “Expect to pay between £550 and £2,000.”
At the top end of the market, Justine Scholes shares what you can expect to pay for a bathtub. “At the luxury end, you have materials like cast iron or stone resin. Those can run into the thousands, sometimes £4,000 or more.”
Justine Scholes is Proposition Development Manager at The Bathroom Showroom, with over 11 years of experience in 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 continually 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 you'll need extra plumbing work. If you are getting a like-for-like replacement, the cost will be minimal and most likely integrated into the price you have been quoted.
However, if the current pipework needs replacing, adjusting or extending, this will cost. Pillay says, “Minor 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 job.” Plumbers charge around £40-£90 an hour, depending on experience and location.
Installation cost for a new bath
If you only need a straightforward installation, i.e with little or no pipework changes, no disposal costs etc, Scott Godfrey, construction consultant for Black Hammer shares what you can expect to pay, “For a like-for-like swap where the structure is sound, labour to set the bath, connect it, fit the panel and finish with a clean silicone bead is often priced as about half a day to a day. As a guide, that is commonly £200 to £400 outside London and £350 to £600 in London.”
He adds, “If the floor is out of level or the bath is not properly supported, silicone can fail early, so some jobs need extra time to pack, level and secure the bath before sealing.”
Scott Godfrey is a master craftsman with over 20 years of 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 renovations, making him the ideal expert to discuss home, property and construction.
Typical overall cost to replace and install a bath
For a budget replacement, Godfrey says, “A like-for-like replacement, using an entry acrylic bath, minimal pipe changes and a low-cost disposal route, often lands around £450 to £800 outside London, and roughly £650 to £1,100 in London.”
However, if you have a better quality bath and more installation work, you will pay more shares Godfrey, “A mid-range refresh, where the bath is better quality, and you add new taps, a screen, paid disposal and some pipe alterations, is commonly around £900 to £1,800.”
Finally, if you are going for a premium bathtub, the costs will be more explains Godfrey, “Premium upgrades such as freestanding, cast iron or stone can move into £2,000 to £4,500 or more once you include the heavier handling, longer fitting time and any floor strengthening or refinishing.”
Factors that can affect the overall cost of replacing a bathtub
There are a whole host of factors that can affect the price. Godfrey shares what to look out for: “The biggest price drivers are how closely the new bath matches the old one, and how much making good is needed afterwards.”
He adds, “Tile damage around the rim, rotten or springy floors, and hidden leaks can turn a simple swap into a repair job.”
Then there are unexpected reasons that can drive up the price. Godfrey says, “Access matters more than many people expect, including tight staircases, narrow doorways, distance to parking and whether two-person lifting is needed.”
Other reasons can include bath weight and material, which affect both labour time and disposal. Godfrey adds, “Regional labour rates and lead times also shift quotes, and disposal rules can change the plan if the local recycling centre requires booking or treats baths as bulky waste.”
Before you dive in and replace your bathtub, take a look at some smart ideas to replace it. Check the latest bathroom trends, and be inspired by our freestanding bath ideas and spa bathroom ideas for every budget.
