When a bath is chipped, cracked or worn, the choice between repair and replacement involves a significant cost difference. Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Cost of Bath Replacement

Replacing a bath is not just the cost of the new bath — it involves several interconnected costs:

New bath unit: £100–£500 for a standard acrylic bath. £300–£800 for a steel bath. £500–£3,000 for a cast iron or stone resin bath.
Plumber: disconnecting and reconnecting waste and water supply. £150–£350.
Removal and disposal: removing the old bath, often cutting it up, and disposal. £50–£150.
Panel damage: the panels around the bath often need to be replaced when a bath is changed. £50–£200.
Tiling disruption: if tiles run to the bath edge, they may need to be removed and replaced. £200–£800 depending on extent.
Total typical cost: £550–£2,000 or more for a straightforward standard bath replacement.

Cost of Professional Bath Repair

Single chip repair: £85–£175
Multiple chips in one visit: £150–£300 for 3-4 chips
Full bath resurfacing: £250–£450

The Comparison

For a single chip, professional repair costs approximately 5-15% of full replacement. For a full resurfacing, it costs approximately 15-25% of replacement. In almost every case, professional repair is the more economical option for localised or moderate damage.