Step 1 · Preparation and Old Tub Removal
Begin by turning off the main water supply to the house. Open a faucet on a lower floor to drain the lines. Next, carefully remove the old faucet handles, escutcheon plates, and tub spout. You will then need to gain access to the tub's plumbing. This typically involves cutting an access panel in the drywall behind the faucet or working from a basement or crawlspace below. Disconnect the drain and overflow assembly from the tub and the house's main waste line using channel-lock pliers or a pipe wrench. Remove the wall material (tile, fiberglass surround) from around the tub flange down to the studs using a hammer, pry bar, and utility knife. Finally, with the tub fully disconnected and the flange exposed, use a pry bar to lift the tub out of its alcove. If the tub is cast iron or difficult to maneuver, it may be necessary to break it into smaller pieces with a sledgehammer (use extreme caution and full safety gear) or cut a fiberglass/acrylic tub with a reciprocating saw.