Question About Removing/installing New Bathtub

licensed-trim

I've got a couple questions about removing/installing bathtubs.

I have to replace an existing bathtub that is tight to both walls, (the bathroom is something like 59" wide). I know I have to cut up about 4" into drywall to get to flange of tub and release whatever is holding that in. I plan on possibly cutting the bathtub to get it out. The problem I am considering before I even start this, is, theoreticallly, can I put a new bathtub in by angling it and then squeezing it in?

Am I most likely going to have to cut all the drywall from the end opposite water faucet so I have room to squeeze it in? I'm trying to picture if this will work, if there will be room to squeeze tub back down seeing as it fits tight to both bathroom studs. And my biggest question is can this work?

Does anyone have experience taking a tub out that fits tight to both wall? How did you get new tub in?

I looked online and all I seen was taking the tub out the back wall - actually cutting the studs and wall and pulling it thru to room on other side of bathroom. This seems to be alot of work, and I'd like to know if it is possible to angle tub in (sorta standing on it's end and wedge it down)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can give.

BCConstruction

Every tubs different. But more than likely no you wont be able to angle it in. Reason being is the bath takes up more room at an angle than it does being flat. You best bet is to chop wall out about 6" higher than you need and slide the bath in if you have room. This also works if you are attempting to add a mortar type mix to support the bath.

__________________

Tinstaafl

Nope. If you can't come up with a way to slide it straight in, it ain't gonna happen. That's one of the reasons a bath remodel is so expensive.

mrmike

Sorry, but you are not going to do this without removing the sheet rock. Usually what I do is remove the wall on the Faucet end as It usually involves new faucets anyway.
If the old tub is cast iron you can bust it in half. Cut it if fiberglass & if it is steel I lift them out from that open wall which can be tough.
Install you new tub standing it up towards the opposite wall of the faucet & lowering it to the the faucet end of the open wall................. Good luck...............-