Costs & Guides

Do you want to know how much it costs to install a bathtub?

Check out our comprehensive pricing guide to learn about bath installation and replacement costs, including materials and labour!

Continue reading…

How Much to Fit a Bath?

So, how much does it cost to install a bathtub?

Bath installation costs range from £240 to £4650 on average.

What elements will influence the total cost?

The total cost of installing a bath is determined by the style of bath you select, the size of the bathtub, convenience of access, and the number of tradesmen necessary.

Will the location of your home have an impact on your costs?

The location of your house is also important, because contractors charge more in rural places, and you may pay more if you reside in a major city like Manchester or London.

Bath Prices

Here is a summary of bath installation costs for various types of bathtubs, which typically takes two to four hours to complete with the assistance of two craftsmen.

Type of Bath	Total Cost
Freestanding	£520 – £4650
Shower bath	£310 – £3500
Spa bath	£660 – £2400
Single-ended	£240 – £3500
Double-ended	£1570 – £4650
Slipper	£520 – £4650

What are the Supply Costs of Bath Installation?

If you intend to install a bath yourself, take into account the following supply costs for various bath types:

Type of Bath	Supply Cost
Freestanding	£400 – £4250
Shower bath	£190 – £3100
Spa bath	£540 – £2000
Single-ended	£120 – £3100
Double-ended	£1450 – £4250
Slipper	£400 – £4250

You might also wish to consider the cost of a bath based on the various bath materials:

Bath Material	Supply Cost
Acrylic	£120 – £3100
Steel	£125 – £650
Cast Iron	£800 – £3000
Stone	£1200 – £4250

What are the Additional Costs of Fitting a Bath?

You might want to think about other jobs that can be done at the same time as installing a new bath, such as:

Bath Screen

Many people choose to install a bath screen when installing a bathtub because it prevents water splashes and damp issues on the bathroom floor. Depending on the type, bath screens can cost anywhere from £10 to £400.

Shower

Unless you have selected for a shower bath, you will not have the option of choosing between a soothing bath and a rapid shower. However, you can always add a shower after you’ve finished with your bath.

Installing a shower might cost anywhere between £350 and £600, depending on the style you choose.

Bathroom Tiles

You might want to consider installing new tiling to protect your bathroom floor and make it more appealing.

Ceramic tiles range in price from £12 to £50 per square metre, marble from £40 to £70 per square metre, and glass tiles from £160 per square metre.

Underfloor Heating

Installing underfloor heating beneath your flooring is one of the most effective ways to heat your bathroom. This will make the floor more comfortable to walk on and ensure that your bathroom is warm when you exit the tub.

Electric underfloor heating, which costs £60 to £80 per square metre, or wet underfloor heating, which costs around £100 per square metre, are the two options.

There are also a number of cost-affecting aspects that will have an impact on the final price, such as:

Type of Bathtub

The type of bath you choose is one of the most important aspects that determines the whole cost. If you’re on a tight budget, a single-ended acrylic bath, which costs around £120, might be the way to go.

Freestanding steel baths, which cost up to £4250, are a good choice if you want a luxury model.

Size of Bath

The size of the bath has a considerable impact on the cost, since the larger the bath, the more difficult it is to install, as two or more craftsmen are often required to transport and fit the bath.

Because plumbers often charge an hourly rate per person, this will raise labour costs.

Bath Installation Area

The installation area is also important, because fitting a bath in a small space can be difficult and time-consuming.

You should also think about the state of the area, as it may need to be prepared before the bath can be placed, which will add time to the process.

Tradesperson Fees.

As previously said, the higher the number of tradespeople, the higher the labour expense. You should also think about the prices of location, since some contractors may charge more for remote places to cover their mileage charges.

You should also expect to pay more in cities like London, where a bath installation costs roughly £50 per hour, compared to £25 in Northern England.

Tradesmen Costs for Bath Installation and Repairs

When having a new bath done, one of the most important factors to consider is labour costs. Plumbers normally charge between £30 and £50 per hour to install a new bath, and bathtub installations typically require two craftsmen, double the labour cost.

It will cost between £250 and £350 to have your old bath torn out, which includes removing and disposing of the old bath as well as installing the new one.

If you choose a spa bath, an electrician may be required because it requires electric controls. Electricians often charge between £25 and £50 per hour.

How Long Does It Take to Fit a Bath?

A typical bath installation takes between two and four hours to complete. This will, however, differ depending on the style of bath you select, as some are easier to install than others.

If you’re installing a bath in a brand-new bathroom, you’ll want to factor in the time it takes to prepare the space, especially if the bath is inset or recessed.

Digging out and constructing a place to fit the bath will take more time.

If any pipes need to be moved or electrics need to be wired in, the process may take a little longer, but it shouldn’t take more than one day.

Choosing a Bath

There are many different bath types to pick from, each with its own style and price range.

Take a look at the guide below for more information on the many types of bathtubs, their prices, and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Freestanding Bath Cost

A freestanding bathtub, which serves as both a soothing bath and a gorgeous focal point for the bathroom, is one of the most important aspects of any luxury bathroom.

It is not constructed into a wall like conventional bathtubs, and the pipes flow through the floor.

A standalone bath might cost anything from £400 to £4250.

Pros: 

It has a nice feel about it.

It’s simple to set up and take down.

Cons: 

This product is not suitable for small bathrooms.

The bath must be carried by two or more people.

Shower Bath Cost

If you prefer both a relaxing bath and the convenience of a shower, a shower bath that combines the two is one of the best solutions.

Shower baths range in price from £190 to £3100 on average.

Pros:

Combines luxury and practicality.
This is ideal for small bathrooms.
Cons:

Installation is more difficult.
A shower screen is required.

Spa Bath Cost

One of the most indulgent options is a spa or whirlpool bath, which provide the ultimate soothing experience with built-in jets that bring the spa to you.

A spa bath will cost you at least between £540 and £2000.

Pros:

A luxurious bathing experience
Jets that massage
Cons:

Expensive installation
The bath must be installed by an electrician.

Single-ended Bath Cost

Single-ended bathtubs, which feature taps and waste at one end of the tub, are among the most popular inset kinds. A sloped portion on the opposite end usually provides back support.

Single-ended bathtubs, which feature taps and waste at one end of the tub, are among the most popular inset kinds. A sloped portion on the opposite end usually provides back support.

Bathtubs with a single end range in price from £120 to £3100.

Pros:

It’s perfect for shower baths.
Ideal for solo soaks.
Cons:

There isn’t a lot of room.
The position of the tap is not adjustable.

Double-ended Bath Cost

A double-ended bath offers more versatility in terms of tap and waste placement than a single-ended bath, as they can be mounted to a wall or put in the centre of the bath. They’re also a lot bigger, allowing for more room for children or taller people.

A double-ended bath offers more versatility in terms of tap and waste placement than a single-ended bath, as they can be mounted to a wall or put in the centre of the bath. They’re also a lot bigger, allowing for more room for children or taller people.

A standard double-ended bath will set you back between £1450 and £4250.

Pros:

Provides more space
Ideal for families with children.
Cons:

This isn’t the ideal solution for bathrooms with limited space.
The pipes’ location may limit the installation.

Slipper Bath Cost

The sloping roll top bath form of slipper bathtubs is recognised for supporting the body while relaxing in the tub. They date back to the Victorian era, when cast iron and enamel were commonly used.

Bathtubs with slippers cost between £400 and £4250.

Pros:

Provides excellent comfort.
More than one person can be accommodated
Cons:

Floor support is required.
Not suitable for cramped quarters

Bath Repairs

If you detect any problems with your bathtub, you may want to try to fix it yourself or get an expert to help you. There are a variety of bathtub repairs to consider, each with a distinct bath repair pricing, such as:

Bath Scratches

If you see scratches on the side of your bath, don’t worry and go out and get a new one; this problem is readily rectified.

To remove scratches, use a rubbing compound or texture cream; however, do not use these items on an acrylic bath because they are too harsh. Instead, lightly remove any apparent marks with an acrylic-friendly scratch repair product.

Cracked Bath

A cracked bath might be inconvenient, but in certain cases it can be repaired without the need for replacement. If you employ a professional, the cost of repairing a cracked bath is roughly £30 to £50.

You could also fix it yourself, though you should be very cautious with plastic or acrylic baths, as cracks might compromise the bathtub’s structural integrity. If the crack is large enough, it will have to be replaced.

Smaller cracks, on the other hand, can be repaired with a fibreglass bath repair kit, which costs roughly £30 to £40.

Leaking Bathtub Drain

If you find a leak in your bathtub drain, you should take care of it right away. If the issue is caused by damaged pipes and fittings, you will need to contact a plumber, who will charge a minimum of £30 for bath repairs.

If your bathtub drain is leaking due to a broken seal, you can repair it yourself. To unscrew the drain, just remove the drain stopper and use Channellock pliers or a drain key.

The previous plumber’s putty should then be removed by softening it with a hairdryer or another heat source. You can scrape and remove the putty with a putty knife after it’s soft enough.

After you’ve removed the old putty, apply new putty the size of a ten pence coin and roll it around to soften it into a rope shape. After that, place it under the tub drain and drain any extra water.

After that, you can tighten the drain lips and clean the area before checking for leaks.

How much Does It Cost to Remove a Bath?

If you’re replacing a bath or shower, you’ll have to include in the expense of removing the old one. The majority of plumbers will include this in their installation fee, which is often around £250.

If it is not included in the pricing, bathtub removal costs typically range from £40 to £70, which usually includes garbage disposal. You could alternatively hire a skip, which costs between £60 and £500 for a 2-yard skip and £500 for a 16-yard skip.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to install a new bath panel?
A: Before installing a new bath panel, make sure you get the proper size and material for your bathtub. Acrylic and MDF are the two main possibilities, with the former being the less expensive.

An electric drill, screwdriver, tape measure, pencil, wooden batten, and wooden screws are required to install a bath panel. After you’ve gathered all of these supplies, you can begin measuring the bath panel against your bath and anchoring a wood batten to the floor.

After that, you may trim the bath panel to size before drilling it into position at the bath’s side, being care to drill uniformly spaced 12mm holes. After you’ve drilled it in place, fasten it with wooden screws and cover it up.

Q: What is the best way to fix a chipped enamel bath?
A: If you detect small chips in your bathtub, you can repair them with an epoxy kit that comes in a variety of white colours to match your tub. Prior to applying the epoxy, scrub the chipped area with a sponge, hot water, and soap, then thoroughly dry it.

The next step is to follow the kit’s instructions, which include combining the two epoxy components in a disposable dish. This can be done using a toothpick or a matchstick. Apply a thin layer of the substance to the region with a spatula or paintbrush, making sure to avoid surrounding areas.

After that, the epoxy must be allowed to dry for two to three hours before being sanded using 400-grit sandpaper.

Q: What is the maximum amount of water that a bath can hold?
A: The amount of water a bath can contain is entirely dependent on the bath’s size. A regular tub, on the other hand, can store roughly 302 litres of water, while smaller ones can only hold 150 litres.

Q: What is the most effective method for cleaning a bathtub?
A: You should strive to clean your bath as often as possible to keep it safe from damage. Taking everything out of the bath, including toiletries and toys, is one of the most effective ways to clean it.

After that, use a tile cleanser and a grout brush to clean the tiles around the bath before completely rinsing it.

After cleaning the tiles, you should clean the drain by pouring white vinegar and baking soda down the drain and leaving it for up to five minutes before rinsing it with water.

After that, wipe down the entire bath from top to bottom and scrub away any persistent soap scum or stains with a small cleaning brush.

Q: What is the best way to seal a bath?
A: If you have a corner bath or a bath that is built against the wall, you must ensure that it is properly sealed. You’ll need safety gear, a caulking gun, masking tape, silicone sealant, a silicone applicator, and a safety knife to complete this task.

To achieve a tidy finish, begin by tape the edges around the bath once you have all of your supplies. The sealant should then be prepared while wearing your safety equipment.

The silicone gun can then be fitted with a nozzle for applying the sealant around the bath. A sealant applicator should then be used to smooth out the sealant.

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