Bath Installation Cost

Would you like to discover the average cost to install a bathtub?

In this guide, we look at bathtub installation costs for a range of different baths, including walk-in baths, shower bathtubs and freestanding baths.

On average, installation of a new bath will typically be around £700.

We also cover the cost of old bathtub removal and the cost of a bathroom fitter, so you can see how much you should expect to pay in labour.

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How Much to Fit a Bath?

The average price to have a bath installed is £700. This covers removal of the old bath plus supply and installation of the new one, and includes steel or acrylic standard, double-ended, corner, and shower-over baths.

Choosing other types or materials will increase the price. The overall cost can also rise if the job takes longer than a few hours, particularly if plumbing needs adjusting or floors and walls need repairing.

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At the top end, natural stone and cast iron baths cost more to buy and fit, but create a real wow-factor in a room. These tubs range from £1,800 to £11,500.

Whirlpool baths can also push up the cost, ranging from £950 to £3,500. You'll also pay a premium for a walk-in bath, with prices starting from around £3,300 and potentially exceeding £9,000 if structural work is needed to accommodate the bath and any design features.

New Bath Prices

The cost to supply and fit a bath will depend on a combination of the material the bath is made from and the type of bath you choose.

The following table will give you an idea of the price you can expect to pay for the supply, fitting, and removal of your old bath.

These prices assume that the new bath fits the same way as the old one, so there is no need to move any pipework.

Labour Cost to Install a Bath and Timescales

When planning your budget for your new bath, remember to include the bath fitter cost. If you're getting your whole bathroom done, this will only be a small part of the overall bathroom fitting cost.

Removing an old bath and installing a new one is a straightforward task. With no complications, the whole job can usually be done in 2 to 4 hours, costing £280 to £390 for labour, including removal and disposal of your old bath.

Some situations push the labour cost higher. The table below breaks down what to expect.

A few factors commonly push labour costs above the standard rate:

• Spa and whirlpool baths need electrical work, so installation starts at around £500.
• Walk-in baths require specialist fitting and carry a similar cost.
• Especially heavy baths need two fitters, adding £80 to £160 to the job.
• Moving pipework adds your plumber's hourly rate, typically around £75 per hour.
• Inset or recessed baths can cost more to install unless you're simply replacing an existing one, as the surrounding area may need adjusting to fit it.

Supply Costs Only

The cost of your bath will vary based on the type of bath you choose and the material you get it in. The following tables will give you the average prices for standard size baths.

Type of Bath

For ease of comparison, these prices are all for standard size acrylic tubs.

Material

For ease of comparison, these are the prices for standard size tubs.

Additional Materials

If you are getting a standard, built-in bath, you will also need bath panels. The number you need will depend on how your bath is fitted.

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New Bath Costs by Type

Choosing a new bath comes down to two main decisions: the style of bath, meaning its shape and features, and the material it's made from.

The design you choose is most likely limited by the space you have available. Once you know which options you can choose from, you can weigh up which features matter most to you, such as jets or accessibility.

Here's a look at bath costs by type:

Standard/Built-In Bath Cost

A standard tub will be flush against the wall on at least two sides, or as many as three. The sides not against the walls will be covered with bath panels. The taps and drain are at one end of the tub, and the opposite side is slanted for comfort.

Corner Bath Cost

Corner baths come in two options: a standard triangular tub or an offset tub with more space on one side of the taps.

Freestanding/Rolltop Bath Cost

Freestanding baths do not have to be in the corner of your bathroom. They can be used as a centrepiece for the room.

Shower Over Bath Cost

These tubs combine a bath and shower in one fixture, making them a popular choice for smaller bathrooms.

Whirlpool/Spa Bath Cost

These baths have jets built in, and you can even get built-in lights for ambience.

Walk-In Bath Cost

These are baths that have a watertight door, allowing you to walk in and out of the bath. This is a good option if you want a bath but can't safely get in and out of one.

Inset/Recessed Bath Cost

These are tubs that are mostly hidden, with only the rim on show. They can either be sunk into the floor or built into a pedestal that houses them.

Double Ended Bath Cost

In larger models, you can fit two people in the bath at the same time.

New Bath Costs by Material

Once you've settled on a style, the material it's made from will change the look and feel of the bath. Different materials hold heat differently and feel different against your skin.

Cast Iron Bath Cost

This type of bath is an enamel-coated iron tub that's been common since the 1800s, but is now more of a specialist item.

Copper/Brass Bath Cost

Both copper and brass baths are very similar in look and features, making them a design choice for those wanting a statement bathroom.

Stone Bath Cost

Stone baths can be made from a range of materials, so there are a lot of options to consider.

Acrylic Bath Cost

Steel Bathtub Cost

A strong, hygienic, and easy-to-clean option made from galvanised steel.

Additional Bath Installation Costs

It can often be cheaper to combine the installation of a bath with any other work you need to do in your bathroom. Some other jobs you might want to consider getting done simultaneously are given here.

Shower

While you have a plumber installing a new bath, you could also have a new shower fitted. Rather than the additional work of a separate shower unit, an over-bath shower is a common alternative. The average cost of installing a power shower is around £550, although this doesn't include if any additional waterproofing or tile work is required.

Bathroom Tiling

Tiling a bathroom can be a big job. When you take out your old bath, it is not unusual for some of the tiles surrounding it to break. This can mean that it is a good idea to get new tiles at the same time.

The cost of tiling will depend on how many tiles you get. Re-tiling a whole bathroom costs around £820.

Bath Taps

Most standard bathtubs come undrilled, so new taps aren't typically included in bathtub installation costs. This means you can choose the taps you want, whether that's a single mixer tap or two separate hot and cold taps. The design of the bath you choose may limit your options.

Bath Panels

If you are having a standard, built-in bath installed, you will also need bath panels. A front panel typically costs £45 to £125, while an end panel costs £25 to £60.

Shower Screen

If your bath doubles as a shower bath, you will need a shower screen or curtain to keep water contained. Costs for shower screens can vary depending on size and style.

Factors That Impact Bath Installation Costs

Installing a bath is a relatively simple process. If it is not part of a larger project, the costs will be mostly dependent on the type of bath you choose. Most baths cost a fixed amount to fit, as it is a simple job for a trained plumber. There are a few factors that can cause the costs to be higher.

Weight of The Bath

If the bath you choose is made from an especially heavy material like stone or cast iron, then the installation costs will be higher. This is due to the fact that more than one person will be required to install this sort of bath.

You may also need to reinforce the floor to support the bath, which can also add to the final price.

Type of Bath

There is a very large difference in price between basic and standard options compared to more high-end choices. The most basic baths can be found for as little as £90. The average price of a bath is £350. Top-of-the-range and specialist baths can cost between £3,200 and £5,500.

Moving the Waste and Taps

If you need to move the location of the waste and water, then this will make the job take longer. The added cost will depend on how long the plumber will take to complete the work. You can expect to pay around £75 per hour.

Whirlpool/Spa Bath/Walk-in Baths

Installing any of these varieties is more complex than a standard bath, and therefore can take longer as they often require the help of a specialist. As a result, you expect to add at least an additional £120 to £230 to your labour fees, not to mention the price of the bath itself.

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What Size Bath?

The space you have in your bathroom will be a large factor in determining the size of the bath that you choose. The bath can fit flush to three walls, so it is quite easy to find a space to fit a tub in most bathrooms. You just need enough space to the side of the bath for climbing in and out of the tub – 1m should be plenty of space.

A good option for a small bathroom is a corner tub. These can fit well into small spaces.

When measuring the space for your bath, don't forget that tiles have thickness. This means if you measure between tiled surfaces, you will actually have a little more space for the bath than it appears.

Standard bathtubs in the UK are typically between 500 and 550mm high, although there are some variations (for example low-level baths for easy access or luxury freestanding bathtubs). The table below provides some average costs based on length and width.

Cost of Removing a Bath

If you're replacing your existing bath with a new one, most plumbers include removal and disposal in the overall bathtub installation cost.

If you're not replacing your bath straight away, having it removed on its own is a relatively quick job, usually taking no more than an hour, and you'll likely pay the labourer's minimum call-out charge for this.

The cost depends on your location, but expect to pay £60 to £90 for the removal itself. This figure covers labour and disposal only. It doesn't include any making good afterwards, such as patching plaster, repairing tiles, or replacing flooring where the bath used to sit, which can add a further £100 to £400 depending on the extent of the work needed.

It's also worth checking whether your local council or waste collector charges a separate fee for taking away an old bath, as this isn't always included in a removal-only quote.

It's generally more cost-effective to combine bath removal with other bathroom work, such as fitting new items, rather than paying for it as a standalone job.

What's Involved in Installing a Bath?

The installation of most baths is fairly straightforward. However, as the job involves plumbing and, in some cases, electrics, it is always recommended to hire a professional bathroom fitter to ensure your bathtub installation is done correctly.

With MyJobQuote, you can request multiple quotes from local bathroom fitters near you. It's fast, free, and there is no obligation to go ahead.

We have outlined the installation steps for the most common types of baths:

Before the Job Starts

• Turn Off Water — The first thing you need to do is turn off your home's water at the stop cock.
• Remove the Old Bath — Start disconnecting the bath, removing the overflow, taps, and waste, then lift the old bath out.
• Build the Cradle — Construct the new bath's cradle – this is the stand that holds the bath up and keeps it steady – and screw it into the new bath.

During the Job

• Fit the Taps and Waste — Fit the taps to the bath, then attach the waste. You will need to use some silicone to secure the washer in place before you attach the overflow with a screw.
• Position and Fix — Place the bath at the correct height and position, then fix it to the wall and floor using screws and a spirit level. For a freestanding bath, once connected to the existing plumbing, you are all done.
• Connect and Test — Attach the bath trap and drainage pipe, connect the taps, then turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Whirlpool baths require an electrical access point fitted by a registered electrician to comply with building regulations before the pump can be tested.

After the Job

• Fit the Bath Panels — Fix the batons to the ground running along the open edges of the bath. These are used to attach the bath panels.
• Seal the Edges — Seal the edges of the bath using silicone to create a watertight seal to stop water from running down the wall and getting underneath the bath. To apply the sealant, you should first fill the bath – this stops the sealant from pulling away from the wall once it is set.

Checklist: Hiring a Bathroom Fitter for your Bath Installation

Getting a bath fitted is a specialist job. There are plenty of things that can go wrong, especially if you are installing a bath with electric pumps for the jets. Finding the right installer can make a big difference in how well the bathtub installation is completed.

Here are a few key things to look for when you are looking for a bathroom fitter.

• Are they a member of a recognised trade body? Look for a bathroom fitter who is part of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers (BiKBBI) or the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA).
• Are they WaterSafe approved? WaterSafe is the UK's national register of approved plumbers. Hiring a WaterSafe-approved plumber means their work meets Water Regulations.
• Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you in case something goes wrong during your bathtub installation.
• Will they provide an itemised quote? Ask for a breakdown of your bathtub installation costs so that you know what is included and whether there are any additional costs.
• Are they experienced in bathtub installations? Find out how long they have been fitting baths and whether they have experience with your specific bath type, particularly if you are installing a whirlpool or free standing bath.
• Do they have examples of similar work? Ask to see photos of previous bathtub installations, or check their MyJobQuote profile for examples of comparable work.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read the feedback they have received from previous bathtub installation customers.

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