Bathtub replacement Sydney

Professional Bathtub Replacement Services by MB9 Australia Pty Ltd

If you’re searching for bathtub replacement in Sydney, you’ve probably reached that moment when the old tub is scratching, staining, leaking—or just making your entire bathroom feel older than it should. At MB9 Australia, bathtub replacement isn’t a side job we tack on to bigger work. It’s something we treat seriously, because a bath is one of the key features of a bathroom renovation, and the way it’s installed affects everything around it: plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, moisture control, even the future resale value of your home.

And because MB9 is a licensed Kitchen Renovator, Bathroom Renovator, Contractor and Construction Company, you’re not just getting a tub swap. You’re getting a team that knows how a bathroom should be built from the structure up.

Why More Sydney Homeowners Are Replacing Their Bathtubs

I once had a client in Chatswood who told me her bathtub “looked like it had survived World War II.” That might sound dramatic, but when I saw it… she wasn’t wrong. The enamel was peeling, the drain leaked into the downstairs ceiling, and the edges had worn so thin the silicon was barely hanging on.

Replacing that old tub did more than make the bathroom look good. It stopped further water damage, reduced mould, and made the whole room feel modern and clean again.

Across Sydney, more people are replacing old baths because:

  • Older homes (especially in suburbs like Balmain, Newtown, Petersham) often have ageing cast iron tubs that are heavy, cracked or rusting.

  • Many 1990s–2000s homes in areas like Ryde, Carlingford and Hornsby have outdated acrylic tubs that stain easily.

  • Renovation interest in Sydney has surged as homeowners choose to upgrade rather than move.

  • Tight rental markets and rising construction costs mean homeowners want to maximise the value of what they already have.

Recent reports highlight the trend:

Replacing a bathtub is one of those upgrades that sounds small, but it quietly transforms the comfort and resale potential of your home.

What Bathtub Replacement Actually Involves

A lot of people assume bathtub replacement is as simple as “take the old one out, put the new one in.”

In reality, a proper job looks more like this:

1. Inspecting the Bathroom

We assess the plumbing, waterproofing, tile condition, and structure. In older homes—especially terraces in the Inner West—we often discover:

  • Rot behind tiles

  • Mould under the bath lip

  • Weak flooring

  • Rusted drains

Fixing these early prevents bigger issues later.

2. Removing the Old Tub

We disconnect the plumbing, remove the silicone and tiles around the edges, and safely carry the tub out. Some old cast iron tubs weigh 150–200 kg, especially in Federation homes across the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs.

3. Repairing or Adjusting Plumbing

New tubs often need:

  • Redesigned waste outlets

  • New traps

  • Repositioned taps or mixers

  • Updated drainage to meet standards

This part must be done by licensed trades—the exact kind MB9 brings to every project.

4. Ensuring Waterproofing Is Safe

If the waterproofing is compromised (common in houses older than 15–20 years), we repair or replace it. This is crucial for bathrooms in apartments in Mascot, Zetland, Chatswood and Homebush, where strata compliance is strict.

5. Installing the New Bath

We level it, reinforce the floor if needed, connect the plumbing, and seal everything.

6. Re-tiling the Surround

Most bathtub replacements involve some tiling repainting or repair. We match your existing tiles or retile the entire section for a seamless finish.

7. Final Testing

We check:

  • Water flow

  • Seal integrity

  • Drainage

  • Level and stability

Only when everything passes our checks do we hand it over.

Types of Bathtubs We Replace and Install

We work with all common bathtub types used in Sydney homes:

1. Built-in Baths / Alcove Baths

Very common in apartments and family homes. These are usually replaced with a similar style for practicality.

2. Freestanding Baths

Popular in modern homes in suburbs like Pymble, Turramurra, Mosman, and Coogee.
A bathtub replacement can also involve converting from built-in to freestanding.

3. Drop-in Baths

These sit inside a platform and are typical in 90s and early-2000s homes.

4. Corner Baths

Still found in many suburban homes, especially in Blacktown, Parramatta and older developments.

5. Compact Baths

Used in tight inner-city spaces like Glebe, Newtown, and Surry Hills.

Whatever the style, we install it with a builder’s eye—not just a plumber’s or tiler’s—so it integrates with your whole bathroom system.

Why Bathtubs Fail in Sydney Homes (and How We Fix It)

Over the years, we’ve replaced hundreds of baths around Sydney. These are the top issues we see:

1. Cracked or Discoloured Acrylic

Common in older homes built between 1990–2010.
Acrylic becomes brittle over time—especially in apartments with poor ventilation.

2. Leaking Waste Outlets

This is a big one. Tiny drainage leaks can cause slow moisture buildup behind walls and floors.
We see this often in Hills District and North Shore homes.

3. Bad Silicone & Mould Growth

Bad sealing = moisture = mould.
Mould loves tight corners around tubs.

4. Loose Baths

If the original installer didn’t level the bath properly or didn’t fix it into position, the tub shifts over time, creating cracks in the silicone or grout.

5. Renovation Fatigue

Sometimes the problem is simple:
The bath is just old and ugly, and the homeowner’s patience has run out.

Bathtub Replacement in Different Sydney Areas

Sydney homes vary massively in age, build type and structure. That affects how bathtub replacement should be handled.

Inner West (Newtown, Stanmore, Annandale)

Homes often have timber floors and old plumbing.
We reinforce subfloors and update plumbing lines.

North Shore (Chatswood, Lane Cove, Killara)

These bathrooms are often larger. Many homeowners use bathtub replacement as part of a wider renovation.

Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee, Randwick)

Moisture control is a priority here.
Older waterfront apartments often need waterproofing updates.

Northern Beaches (Manly, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest)

Freestanding tubs are common.
We often install larger premium baths.

South West Sydney (Liverpool, Cabramatta)

Many homes built in the last 30 years still use original baths—often outdated, discoloured or shallow.
Replacement improves both style and function.

Apartment Heavy Suburbs (Mascot, Wolli Creek, Homebush)

Strata rules are key.
We handle compliance, noise control, and waste removal professionally.

How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost?

The price depends on:

  • Bath type (acrylic vs stone vs cast iron)

  • Plumbing changes

  • Waterproofing needs

  • Tile repairs or retiling

  • Bathroom condition

  • Access (tight apartments cost more than ground-floor homes)

As a general guide:
Bathtub replacement in Sydney typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on complexity.
A full bathroom renovation is higher, of course, but a simple replacement can be done at a reasonable price.

For context on rising renovation costs:

This makes correct installation critical—fixing a leaking bath later is far more expensive than doing it properly the first time.

Why Choose MB9 for Bathtub Replacement?

✓ Licensed, Experienced, Reliable

We’re fully licensed in NSW and handle bathtub replacement as part of complete bathroom renovation services.

✓ We Understand Sydney Homes

Old terraces, new apartments, luxury houses—each has different requirements.

✓ We Manage All Trades

You get plumbers, waterproofers, tilers, carpenters, and project coordination through MB9.

✓ No Shortcuts

We don’t install baths without checking waterproofing and structural integrity.

✓ Transparent Pricing

No surprises. No hidden problems.

✓ Honest Advice

Sometimes a bathtub replacement is enough.
Sometimes a small bathroom refresh is smarter.
Sometimes a full renovation is the best long-term solution.
We tell you the truth clearly.

Bathtub Replacement vs Full Bathroom Renovation

Not sure which one you need?

Choose bathtub replacement if:

  • The bath is cracked, leaking, discoloured or outdated

  • The bathroom layout still works

  • The tiles and waterproofing are still in good condition

  • You're preparing a rental or sale and want quick improvement

Choose full renovation if:

  • The bathroom is older than 20 years

  • Plumbing or waterproofing has failed

  • You want a full layout change

  • You want to upgrade everything at once

At MB9, we help you make the right call for your budget and long-term plans.

Bathtub Replacement Examples

1. Coogee Apartment

Replaced a yellowed acrylic tub with a modern built-in bath.
Retiled the surround and updated the mixer.

2. Balmain Terrace

Removed an old cast iron bath, reinforced the timber floor, installed a sleek new acrylic built-in bath.

3. Lane Cove Family Home

Upgraded to a freestanding bath as part of a partial bathroom refresh.

4. Ryde Duplex

Replaced a cracked tub after detecting a waste leak that had caused moisture under the tiles.

FAQs About Bathtub Replacement in Sydney

Q: How long does bathtub replacement take?
Usually 1–3 days depending on plumbing and tiling.

Q: Do I need council approval?
No, not for a direct bath replacement.
A permit is only needed if you're altering plumbing layouts in a way that affects compliance.

Q: Can you replace a bath without damaging the tiles?
Sometimes yes. Often no. It depends on how the previous builder installed it.

Q: Can I switch from built-in to freestanding?
Yes, as long as the plumbing can be moved or adapted.

Q: Is it worth replacing the bath before selling my home?
Absolutely. A fresh bath improves both perceived cleanliness and value.

Ready to Replace Your Bathtub?

Whether you’re in Chatswood, Coogee, Ryde, Balmain, Manly, or anywhere across the Sydney metro area, MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can help you replace your bathtub quickly and professionally—with workmanship that lasts.