Clearing the way for your bathroom remodeling project is mainly a task of loosening nuts and bolts, disconnecting pipes and dismounting counter tops. You will need simple tools like screwdrivers, a basin wrench and other adjustable wrenches or hammers. If your bathroom contains older fixtures or difficult to remove pipes such instances may require specialist tools and the assistance of a plumbing contractor. Whether you're doing this remodeling project yourself or you have hired a remodeling professional, it's good to be well versed in this removal process.
To prepare for clearing out the old appliances, you must first shut off the water supply nearest the fixtures being removed. If you have an older house, you may have to shut down the entire house's water supply. Otherwise, more recent appliances will generally have a shut-off valve on the supply line.
Look closely at how the fixtures are mounted and connected: wall mount, floor, suspension, or even mounted on a pedestal. Faucet assemblies can extend through holes in the fixture or may not be attached as they extend through the wall or holes in the counter top.
Toilets, however, are much easier with a greater incidence of mess. In a matter of minutes, you can empty a tank and dismount toilet. The mess occurs from the toilet's trap, where water remains until the bowl is tilted – discharging water.
Removing a bathtub is easier if you have an access panel to the pipes. Otherwise, you'll have to disconnect the plumbing from inside the tub improvising a tool to unscrew the chrome strainer and overflow plate. The rest of the removal requires careful handling and some strong helpers. You may have to remove the toilet and lavatory to have room to maneuver the tub from its recess. If your tub is cast iron – it'll require a team of four people to remove it as they generally weigh about 300 pounds. Two people can lift out steel or fiberglass tubs.
Generally, you can salvage all or part of a removed fixture for usage elsewhere. You must be careful in your removal of fixtures as they are fragile. Made of porcelain, china, or steel; they can crack, chip, or get dented. If you save fixture parts, make a sketch for later use noting size and shape. Remember, they may not fit your new fixture and you may have to give up that great looking faucet.
Once you remove your fixtures, you'll need to seal the open supply lines and drain outlets immediately with caps or plugs that match the construction material. This prevents sewer gas seepage into your home – a very stinky situation! It also protects the pipes from clogging due to construction debris. If your pipes were run through a plumbing wall, they may need to be removed, rerouted or cut back to the floor before the openings are sealed. Removing and correctly rerouting plumbing lines should be left up to a plumbing contractor because there are codes and regulations that need to be abided by for the plumbing system to function properly.
