How to demolish a bathroom

Conducting a bathroom demolition

Is the aged tile in your bathroom bothering you? Do you want to replace the tub with an open shower? Are you looking at redoing your bathroom and changing it to something better?

Bathroom demolitions do not appear to be simple tasks. Demolition of your existing bathroom is obviously tricky, but it does not have to be a significant undertaking. You should be fine with a good plan, the willingness to perform some manual labour, and the proper guidance.

Of course, DIY bathroom demolition will not produce the same results as hiring a professional. However, if you want to save a portion of the money, doing it yourself may be the solution you're looking for. In this article, we'll show you how to demolish your bathroom independently.

Steps in doing a bathroom demolition

Step one: Prepare for the project

A bathroom demolition is a task that any DIYer can handle. But, understand that it is a large undertaking. Before you start tearing things out, you should do a few things to ensure that you achieve success in the end.

Let's look at all you need to do to prepare for this task, from getting the required tools for the tasks to shutting down utilities.

Get the required tools

You will need the following tools:

• Pliers
• Chisel
• Jigsaw
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Shop-vac
• Utility knife
• Screwdriver
• Reciprocating saw
• Adjustable wrench
• Rags
• Bucket
• WD-40
• Duct tape
• Face mask
• Work gloves
• Study boots
• Plastic sheets
• Safety goggles

Remove everything

Remove your vanity, linen cupboard, shower, and any other storage space entirely before you begin your bathroom demolition. This is an excellent time to perform some light bathroom reorganisation, so get rid of everything you don't need and give away anything in good condition. Transfer anything you're keeping somewhere else.

Clear the walls

Next, remove your mirror to avoid damage while the hammers are striking. If you need to remove any shelves or cabinets but intend to use them in your new design, carefully store these in a safe place.

Shut down your utilities

Turn off the bathroom's power at the breaker box by flipping it to the "off" position. If your breaker box doesn't have a circuit map showing which switch controls the bathroom, you'll have to do some trial and error.

There are a few methods to turn off the water supply based on installed piping.

For the manifold supply system

• Locate the manifold lines next to your main water supply line.
• Determine the bathroom queue. You should label each line explicitly.
• Switch the valve on the bathroom's line to the "off" position with the manifold key.

For the copper piping system

• Turn off the valve for your sink under the vanity.
• Turn off the toilet valve, which is located behind the toilet on the wall or floor.
• Locate the shower line access panel, which is typically placed in the wall behind the shower. Switch the valve to the "off" position.

Turn the main water supply to your building off if you cannot reach the valves for your plumbing fixtures, cannot locate the bathroom line on your manifold system, or are experiencing any other problems.

Drain sinks and toilets

Drain any remaining water from your pipes after cutting off the water supply. Turn on all of the bathroom's faucets until the water runs clear. Drain the tank by flushing the toilet. Remove any remaining water with a small cup or sponge. You can use a wet/dry vacuum for any water that remains after you flush.

Hire a dumpster

Rent a home dumpster to store waste while you work. Your sink, vanity, bathtub, toilet, tile, and backing will produce more trash than you can take to the kerb after demolishing a bathroom. And even if you do, your garbage collection agency will not pick it up.

You'll need a roll-off container if you don't want to be the house with the toilet that doubles as a lawn ornament because you don't want to make multiple trips to the dump yourself.

Step two: Remove the sink and vanity

It's time to get started on the serious work. This stage will require only a bucket, an adjustable wrench, and a utility knife. Full-sized vanities, on the other hand, can be pretty weighty. So, having a friend on hand to assist would not be a terrible idea. To remove the vanity, do the following:

• Place a bucket or a bowl under the sink drain to collect any liquid that has accumulated in the drain trap.
• Unscrew the nuts surrounding the u-shaped segment of pipe known as the P-trap under your sink with an adjustable wrench. Fill your bucket with water that has accumulated in the P-trap.
• Unscrew the nuts that connect the sink's water supply lines to the wall.
• Examine the area beneath the sink for any bolts or brackets that attach it to the wall. Remove any that you come across and lift the sink out.
• Pull your sink straight up and out if it is on the vanity. Sinks are hefty, so have a helper ready.
• Unscrew the bolts that hold the vanity to the wall, or use a utility knife to cut through any caulk. Take away the vanities.
• Toss the rubbish into your dumpster to make way for the next steps.

Step three: Dismantle the toilet

Dismantling a toilet is a little more complex than removing a vanity. But it's still a simple operation for a do-it-yourself bathroom demolition.

An adjustable wrench and a utility knife are required. You may also want WD-40 and a socket wrench if your toilet has been in place for a long time. To remove the toilet, follow the steps below:

• The intake supply pipe is a threaded pipe positioned beneath the toilet tank. Remove the pipe from the tank and the supply line valve located on the floor or wall behind the toilet.
• If you have a two-piece toilet, remove the tank from the base and leave it aside.
• Remove the nuts and bolts holding the base to the floor tile using your adjustable wrench. Put some WD-40 on them and ratchet them loose with a socket wrench if they're stuck.
• Cut through any caulk present around the toilet base with a utility knife and remove the toilet from the flange bolts.
• Scrape the wax away from the drain flange on the floor with your utility knife. Remove the flange by unscrewing it.
• Fill the drain hole with rags to protect sewage gases from flooding the bathroom while you finish your demo work.
• Move everything to the trash so that the next task can begin.

Step four: Take out the tiles

This is the most challenging work in any bathroom demolition project and also the simplest. This phase will most likely take a full day, and you should never speed through it. Take breaks as needed to stay focused—and safe.

Prepare the room by duct-taping plastic sheeting over any vents, registers, and entrances before you begin. The steps below will guide you in safely removing tiles from the walls.

• Start with round tiles on the edge of your shower and use a hammer and chisel to chip away a straight section.
• Do the same thing in a line across the top of your shower where there are tiles.
• Cut through exposed drywall with a reciprocating saw, and be careful not to damage the studs.
• Put a pry bar into seams and start pulling down parts of tile and backing.
• Move from one tiled area to the next as you move around the room.
• Make sure you're always on solid ground, and you know where any helpers are before you swing your hammer.

Step five: Disconnect the bathing area

Your do-it-yourself bathroom demolition is almost done. The only remaining thing is to get rid of the tub or shower. The good news is that this step is easy, even if you may need help with heavy lifting. So, get your toolbox ready because you'll need a lot of tools for this step.

Removing the shower

You will need tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, jigsaw, hammer, pry bar, utility knife, and reciprocating saw. After you have gotten all these ready, do the following:

• Remove the shower door's hinges with a screwdriver, and then set the door aside.
• Remove the screws or levers that hold the door frame in place, and then pull the frame off. To cut through the caulk, you might need your utility knife.
• Remove things like the shower head and arm, the knobs or levers that control the water, the drain covers, the soap holders, and the towel racks.
• Use your reciprocating or jigsaw to cut your shower walls into pieces that are easy to handle. To cut each wall in half in a tile shower, pry off rows of tiles. For fibreglass showers, cut each wall at the corner and the bottom, so you have three pieces and a floor.
• Loosen the shower floor and pull it out.

For the bathtub

You will need a utility knife; drywall saw, pry bars, screwdriver, and jigsaw to remove the bathtub. After you have gotten these tools, do the following:

• If the drywall around the tub didn't come down when you were removing the wall tiles, use a drywall saw to cut through it to a height of about 8 inches. Make sure you don't cut into the studs.
• Remove the screws that hold the tub to the wall studs.
• Use a utility knife to cut through any caulk between the tub and the floor.
• Pull the tub a few centimetres away from the wall.
• Using a jigsaw, cut the tub in half. You can skip this step if your tub fits through your doors in one piece, but cutting it will make it lighter and safer to carry.
• Get a helper to assist you in prying it up.
• Move it to the dumpster.

Avoid these errors during bathroom demolition

Indecision

Make a thorough blueprint of how you want your space to look after it's finished before you start looking for builders and renovation companies. Changing your mind about the design of a project after it has begun can be costly.

Detailing your concept will also provide your contractor or renovation firm with a complete scope of work. The more you decide ahead of time; the more precise your estimate will be.

Rushing

It's challenging to slow down when you're thrilled about a new project, such as remodelling your bathroom, but you'll regret it if you don't. Rome was not simply built in a day, and neither will your newly renovated living space.

It takes time to complete the design process, which includes obtaining precise measurements and analysing the overall functioning of the space. Avoid diving headfirst to ensure everything is perfect the first time.

Cheapness

Experts recommend that you consider aspects other than pricing before deciding who to choose for your job. Going through a remodel is an exceptionally tough situation to live through.

Choose a contractor who can accomplish the contracted work and has project management and customer service skills. This will help mitigate the effect a large reconstruction can have on your life.

It's also good to collect at least three estimates from similar businesses to provide an accurate 'orange-to-orange' price comparison. A home renovation mistake can take many forms, but you can prevent most of them during the first discussions. During the choosing process, keep the following in mind:

• How comprehensive are their questions for you?
• Do they have an in-depth understanding of your house?
• Are they asking pertinent questions about your project?
• Can they explain the demolition's timeframe, supplies, and fixtures?
• Is the estimate, proposal, and scope of work going to be delivered on time?

Choose the right renovation company

Bathroom renovation is unarguably the most significant home improvement project you will undertake in your home after kitchen renovation. It is a project that anyone with little experience can decide to handle or supervise.

However, it is always best to outsource this all-important project to a reputable and qualified bathroom refurbishment company. They have the expertise, tools, and experience to deliver the job on time and according to requirements.

So, as you consider a DIY option for some specific part of your remodelling project, whether it be replacing a shower screen or remodelling the tiles, or conducting demolition work, make sure you consider the pros and cons vis-a-vis getting a professional to handle it for you. You may end up losing a dollar while trying to save a cent!