Bathtub Replacement Takes One to Three Days Depending on Your Home's Layout
Roland Park and Hampden homeowners coordinate with us to minimize disruption. We remove your old tub, inspect plumbing and framing, install the new unit, and finish walls – typically completing work in 1-3 days when walls and subfloors are sound.
Many Baltimore City rowhomes have original cast iron tubs weighing 300+ pounds. Removing these fixtures requires careful demolition and special equipment, typically adding one day to the project. We assess your tub type during the estimate and build extra time into the schedule upfront.
Hidden water damage or corroded plumbing can extend timelines by 1-2 days. We inspect thoroughly during demolition and notify you immediately if repairs are needed.
Licensed Plumbers Handle All Drain and Supply Line Work During Tub Installation
Code-compliant plumbing is required for remodel permits throughout Baltimore City and County. Our licensed plumbers reposition drains when needed, replace corroded supply lines, and install new fixtures to current standards. We pressure-test all connections before closing walls to ensure leak-free performance.
Baltimore City requires licensed plumbers for all drain and supply work involving permits. Our Master Plumber handles complex projects, from repositioning drains in tight rowhome bathrooms to upgrading old galvanized pipes during bathtub replacement. This ensures code-compliant installations that pass inspection the first time.
Many Baltimore homes have supply lines with decades of corrosion and mineral buildup. We replace deteriorated pipes while walls are open, preventing future leaks and improving water pressure. New quarter-turn shut-off valves give easier access for future maintenance.
Proper venting prevents slow drains and sewer gas odors common in older Baltimore bathrooms. We inspect the vent stack and correct problems to ensure your new tub drains quickly and stays odor-free.
Tile Removal Is Often Required When Replacing Built-In Bathtubs
Alcove tubs in Fells Point and Locust Point rowhomes require surround demolition before removal. We remove tile at least three rows above the tub deck to access the mounting flange and inspect for hidden water damage common in 1960s-era bathrooms. Any damaged drywall, cement board, or rotted framing gets replaced before installation begins.
Baltimore’s humid climate, especially near the Inner Harbor, accelerates mold growth behind old tile surrounds. During demolition, we inspect wall cavities for rot and mold, remove damaged framing, treat affected areas, and install fresh materials.View our bathroom renovation projects to see complete installations throughout Baltimore.
We remove all compromised materials, treat mold with antimicrobial solutions, and install moisture-resistant backer boards to create a solid foundation for your new bathtub and surround.
We contain demolition dust with plastic barriers and exhaust fans, then clean thoroughly at the end of each workday. Your home stays livable throughout the project, even in tight Baltimore rowhomes.
Baltimore Homeowners Choose Acrylic, Fiberglass, or Cast Iron Based on Use and Budget
Material choice depends on your household needs, budget, and home style. Acrylic offers excellent durability and easy maintenance for busy families, while enameled cast iron suits historic Bolton Hill homes seeking period authenticity. Acrylic resists chips and retains heat better than fiberglass. Cast iron provides exceptional longevity but may require floor reinforcement in older Baltimore homes.
Baltimore’s freezing winters make insulated acrylic ideal for ground-floor bathrooms – it stays warmer to the touch than fiberglass or porcelain-coated steel. Fiberglass offers a budget-friendly option but scratches more easily with daily use.
Acrylic bathtubs come in dozens of colors and styles. The nonporous surface resists staining and cleans easily with standard products, making daily maintenance simple.
Cast iron tubs offer timeless appeal and exceptional durability – many original units in Baltimore rowhomes still function after 80+ years. The enamel finish resists scratching far better than acrylic or fiberglass. These fixtures are ideal for historic district renovations in Bolton Hill, Mount Vernon, or Federal Hill. The 300-400 pound weight provides excellent stability and eliminates flexing.
Fiberglass provides the most affordable option, ideal for rental properties or guest bathrooms with light use. We recommend acrylic for primary bathrooms in owner-occupied homes where longevity matters.
Older Homes May Need Subfloor or Joist Reinforcement Before Installing a New Tub
Many older Baltimore homes in Remington and Pigtown have undersized floor joists that sag under weight over time. Upgrading from lightweight fiberglass to cast iron tubs often requires structural reinforcement. We inspect framing after removing your old tub and install blocking or sister joists as needed. Proper support prevents tub flexing, cracked fixtures, and future water leaks.
Baltimore rowhomes built before 1950 typically have 2×6 or 2×8 floor joists on 16-24 inch centers – adequate for original fixtures but marginal for modern cast iron tubs. We assess your floor structure during the estimate and factor reinforcement costs into your quote. This Baltimore-specific construction knowledge prevents delays and ensures your bathtub installation lasts decades.
Decades of small leaks often rot subfloors around original bathtubs, especially in Baltimore’s humid climate. During demolition, we remove all compromised plywood and replace it with ¾-inch pressure-treated material. A solid subfloor is essential for proper tub support.
Floor reinforcement typically adds just half a day to your project timeline. We complete all structural work during the demolition phase when framing is exposed.
Tub Liners Cover Existing Surfaces Without Full Demolition
Acrylic bathtub liners offer a fast cosmetic update without demolition, ideal for surface scratches, minor stains, or rental property turnovers in Federal Hill, Canton, or Fells Point. A custom-molded liner fits directly over your existing tub and bonds with industrial adhesive in a single day. This eliminates tile removal, wall repairs, and plumbing modifications.
Baltimore’s humid climate creates moisture challenges for tub liners – improper installation allows water to seep behind the liner, trapping humidity and causing mold. We only recommend liners when your existing tub is structurally sound, leak-free, and located in a well-ventilated bathroom with a functioning exhaust fan.
Tub liners solve cosmetic issues like chips, scratches, and surface stains. However, they cannot fix structural problems – deep cracks, flexing tubs, damaged drain flanges, or water-damaged walls require complete replacement. During your free estimate, we assess your tub’s condition and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Professional installation determines liner longevity – poor surface prep or improper adhesive application causes failures within 2-3 years. Our certified installers follow manufacturer specifications for surface preparation, adhesive application, and curing time.
