How to Remove Bathroom Walls

Removing a non-load bearing bathroom wall is a project easily done in one afternoon.

Preparation

1. Check with a professional before you tear down your bathroom wall to make sure it is not a load-bearing or support wall. If you remove a load-bearing wall your house could collapse. You can also examine the original blueprints of the house.

2. Determine which wall you want to remove in your bathroom. Estimate where the electrical outlets, ductwork and plumbing are within the wall. When you tear down the wall there could be hidden electrical and plumbing, so be careful during the demolition.

3. Turn off the electricity to the bathroom so if you come into contact with any electrical wiring, there won't be any electrical shocks. Turn the water off to any of the plumbing that may be in the wall.

4. Duct tape plastic sheeting behind the wall you will be removing. Cover the entryway to the room with plastic sheeting as well. This will seal off the rest of the house from the dust and debris that will float in the air with the demolition. Cover the floors with drop cloths. Put on protective eyewear, gloves, steel-toed shoes, hard hat and a face mask.

5. Remove the electrical outlet covers. Double check to make sure the electricity is turned off by testing the light or electrical outlet. Use a crowbar to remove the baseboards and molding from around the floor or ceiling. Use a utility knife to slice through the paint and drywall tape at the top of the wall that meets with the ceiling. Breaking through this will ensure you don’t rip into the ceiling during the demolition.

Demolition

1. Remove any tiles covering the wall by hammering into one and then prying off the rest. Punch a hole through your drywall with a hammer. Pry the rest of the drywall off the studs with your hands.

2. Take out any metal outlet boxes, brackets or braces. Pull the electrical wiring up and cap the wires or re-route them to a different location. Cap the plumbing to prevent water leakage when you turn the water back on.

3. Saw off the studs close to the floor stud or knock them out with a heavy hammer. Saw the studs up near the ceiling and remove them. Pry off the 2 by 4 that is on the floor with a crowbar, as well as the one at the ceiling if there is one. The floor and ceiling should be flush now; if it is not, remove any boards or nails that are left.