I've got this shallow old tub from the 1960s that I'd love to replace with a deeper one, but I'm wondering if I could just install the new tub over the old one instead of ripping everything out. Has anyone done this? Is it a viable option, or should I bite the bullet and remove the old tub completely?
3 Answers
I get that you want to avoid tearing out that old tub – it can sound like a total pain. But honestly, placing a new tub over it doesn’t work well. There could be drainage issues, and it might not even hold up due to weight. I had a friend who tried that, and they ended up with leaks and had to spend a lot more fixing it. It's definitely worth it to remove the old tub; you'll have a chance to deal with any hidden damage and modernize the plumbing.
Nah, definitely don't try to put a new tub on top of the old one. Ripping it out is the way to go. If you handle the demo right, you can break it into manageable pieces and get it out without too much hassle. Trust me, layering a new tub over a shallow one will lead to bigger problems down the line.
Removing the old tub lets you inspect for water damage or leaks, which is really important. It’s an opportunity to replace any rotting wood and update the plumbing easily. If you want a deeper tub, just go for the full removal. You’ll be thankful you did it right instead of dealing with problems later!