Found this on another site:
- Remove the overflow cover and popup lever from the head end of the tub and look at the edge of the hole. ...
- Tap the tub with your fingernail, and if it has a light, tinny sound (tak, tak, tak), it's steel; if it sounds more solid, resonant or bell-like, it's probably ...
- If you can pick it up without giving yourself a hernia it is not cast iron.
How do I know if my Tub is cast iron or fiberglass?
Hold a strong magnet to the outside of your tub. Both cast iron and steel tubs are magnetic; fiberglass, acrylic, cultured stone and wood tubs are not. If the magnet sticks, your tub is either steel or cast iron.
What is the difference between a steel&cast iron bathroom tub?
Steel tubs are lightweight in comparison to cast iron and are the same size as fiberglass and acrylic tubs, making them a good choice for a remodeled bathroom. A cast iron tub is made by pouring molten liquid iron into a mold so that the iron hardens into the tub's shape. Like steel tubs, cast iron tubs are coated with enamel.
Are cast iron bathtubs magnetic?
Both cast iron and steel tubs are magnetic; fiberglass, acrylic, cultured stone and wood tubs are not. If the magnet sticks, your tub is either steel or cast iron.
How are cast iron tubs made?
A cast iron tub is made by pouring molten liquid iron into a mold so that the iron hardens into the tub's shape. Like steel tubs, cast iron tubs are coated with enamel.
How do I know what material My bathtub is?
If your tub has no give at all, then it's steel or cast iron. Hold a magnet up to the tub; does it attract? If it's magnetic, then it's an enameled surface, but if it's not magnetic, it's porcelain.
Will a magnet stick to a cast iron tub?
Cast Iron Tubs Both tubs are metallic (i.e. magnets will stick to them) and both can have porcelain-like finishes, a good rule of thumb is that bathtubs installed prior to the mid 1960's are usually cast iron.
What is the difference between a steel tub and a cast iron tub?
The enamel finish on both steel and cast iron tubs is resistant to scratching, chipping, and most chemicals. That being said, the enamel coating tends to be thicker on cast iron, and cast iron is a more durable metal than steel, allowing cast iron tubs to be more scratch and chip resistant than steel.
What were bathtubs made of in the 1950s?
Bathtubs in older homes in the 1950s usually had an enameled iron bathtub in white. Bathrooms undergoing a post-war renovation, however, usually featured a ceramic (or its porcelain byproduct) bathtub in one of the wide array of colors newly available.
How do you identify cast iron?
The specimen can be grinded using an abrasive wheel and looking at the spark pattern and spark color, an experienced person can inform if the material is Cast iron or cast steel. Steel will most often give off bright yellow sparks, whereas iron produces more of red or orange sparks.
Are old bathtubs worth anything?
Yes, you can sell your old bathtub. On average, a reused or salvaged bathtub will run anywhere from $300-$1,000, depending on the material and quality of the bathtub.
Will a cast iron tub rust?
Rust does not occur on plastic and fiberglass bathtubs. When steel and cast iron tubs are manufactured, they are coated with a veneer of porcelain. After years of use, this porcelain can wear down to the original casting. With the inevitable exposure to water, the iron or steel will eventually rust.
How can I tell if my tub is porcelain or enamel?
But there's a simple item you can use to determine bathtub types in this situation: a magnet. Since enamel tubs cover cast iron or steel, they'll be magnetic. So if the magnet doesn't stick, you have a porcelain tub. Porcelain tubs have a higher tolerance for cleaning agents than enamel or acrylic tubs.
Can a cast iron tub crack?
Though seemingly impervious to damage -- considering they weigh between 300 and 500 pounds -- cast iron tubs can crack with age. Because the cost of replacing a cast iron tub can run into the thousands of dollars, it makes sense to try to repair the crack before hauling your old tub off to the dump.
What were the older bathtubs made of?
Unlike the plain molded fiberglass tubs popular today, some of the earliest bathtubs were intricately carved wooden cabinets lined with tin or copper. Next came more sanitary materials, like vitreous china, glazed earthenware, and porcelain-coated cast iron.
What were bathtubs made of in the 1920s?
Drawbacks aside, the solid porcelain tub remained the Cadillac of the bath industry into the 1920s and the hallmark of a high-end bathroom.
What are cast iron tubs coated with?
Enameled Cast Iron The tub is made of molded iron coated with porcelain enamel. A cast-iron tub is a higher-end option, but it is an investment that will really last.
Does magnets stick to cast iron?
Most metals with magnetic properties are ferrous: metals and alloys that contain iron. These ferrous metals include mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
Is pure cast iron magnetic?
Yes, a magnet will be attracted to iron in any form, including cast iron, and any iron ally such as any of the steel alloys.
Why is cast iron not magnetic?
Atoms will filled electron shells are not magnetic because they have a net dipole moment of zero. Iron and other transition metals have partially-filled electrons shells, so some of these elements and their compounds are magnetic.
What metal will not stick to a magnet?
Metals That Don't Attract Magnets In their natural states, metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, gold, lead and silver don't attract magnets because they are weak metals.
What color was cast iron in the 1950s?
Generally found at the faucet end. The “ Colorful Fifties ” - from blue, to pink to green, cast iron bathtubs in 1950-60’s era joined the retro décor. Most non-white tubs, like the to the right, tend to be cast iron.
How thick is a bump out tub?
About 10”-12” in, the wall takes a 60° turn out into the room. The wall thickness on the bump-out expands to approximately 5” wide (thick) and is about 36” long. Cascading ripples at the bottom of the apron is also an indicative characteristic of the cast iron tubs.
Can you use a cast iron tub in a shower?
While most cast iron and steel tubs are candidates for tub shower conversions, it is difficult for most people to distinguish between the two. Both tubs are metallic (i.e. magnets will stick to them) and both can have porcelain-like finishes, a good rule of thumb is that bathtubs installed prior to the mid 1960’s are usually cast iron. Here are some examples.
How to make a quiet sound in a cast iron tub?
Knock on the tub a few times. If you have a cast iron tub, the sound will dampen quickly and will be a lower pitch. These are very dense tubs, so knocking on cast iron should result in a quiet sound.
How many people do you need to lift a cast iron tub?
If you have a cast iron tub, it will require two to four people to lift and possibly more support underneath the floor where it will rest. Touch a magnet to the tub if you are still not sure whether you have a fibreglass tub or some kind of metal tub.
What are old bath tubs made of?
Bath tubs come in a variety of materials, from fibreglass/acrylic to cast iron to steel. Older tubs are made of cast iron covered with a porcelain enamel that was baked on. Many old homes contain these iron tubs. Steel-based tubs are another common type in many older homes These tubs have an enamel, painted finish.
What is the material of a bath tub?
Bath tubs come in a variety of materials, from fibreglass/acrylic to cast iron to steel . If the material is cold to the touch and looks like the finish on a ceramic coffee cup, then you probably have an iron or steel tub.
What is the difference between a fiberglass tub and a steel tub?
If the material is cold to the touch and looks like the finish on a ceramic coffee cup, then you probably have an iron or steel tub. Fibreglass tubs are warmer to the touch and generally have a plastic-looking finish.
How long do bathtubs last?
Some things, like bathtubs, are installed for use for the long haul, and sometimes, they can last decades . Maybe you've discovered this by moving into a new home; you now have a tub that's seen better days, and you wonder if you should replace it. It depends on the tub material, and if you're not sure, you can figure out what your bathtub is made of.
Why is the composition of a tub important?
Reasons That Tub Composition Matters. What your tub is made of can give you an idea of how much load your floor is carrying. Some cast iron tubs can weigh hundreds of pounds. On the other hand, it may help clarify how far you should go with your bathroom renovations.
How long does a fiberglass tub last?
Fiberglass is slated for a 10- to 15-year life span, says Marines Plumbing, but steel or cast iron can last decades.
Is acrylic tub longer than fiberglass tub?
Acrylic lasts a little longer than fiberglass, but both have similar characteristics. If you can push in on the side of the tub and there's some give, then it's fiberglass or acrylic. Cracks and scratches are common for both fiberglass and acrylic tubs, whereas chips will usually indicate some kind of metal tub.
Can porcelain tubs be chipped?
Each of these surfaces can be easily chipped with heavy impacts or if the tub has been cleaned too often with abrasive cleaners, which weakens the surface. If you need your porcelain tub to shine again, skip the abrasives and try using a gentler cleaning regimen.
Is It a Metal Tub?
If your tub has no give at all, then it's steel or cast iron. Hold a magnet up to the tub; does it attract? If it's magnetic, then it's an enameled surface, but if it's not magnetic, it's porcelain. Each of these surfaces can be easily chipped with heavy impacts or if the tub has been cleaned too often with abrasive cleaners, which weakens the surface. If you need your porcelain tub to shine again, skip the abrasives and try using a gentler cleaning regimen.
How to tell if a tub is cast iron?
If you can see the tub from underneath and it looks black it is probably cast iron. If it is more like bright metal it is steel. If you want, remove the overflow cover and popup lever from the head end of the tub and look at the edge of the hole. You should see black cast iron or bright steel. You could also rap your knuckles on one of your wife's metal mixing bowls and note the sound. (steel) Then if she has a black castiron skillet, do the same thing again. Note the sound. (cast iron) Now go rap on the long side wall of your tub. (Cast iron or Steel?)
What is a steel tub?
You should be able to tap the tub with your fingernail, and if it has a light, tinny sound (tak, tak, tak), it's steel; if it sounds more solid, resonant or bell-like, it's probably cast iron.#N#Steel tubs are very thin with a light coat of enamel, like the lid of your old Kenmore top-loading washing machine.
How much does it cost to repaint a cast iron tub?
You plan to sell your house soon and reglazing it will save you money, saving you about $750, whereas replacing it would cost you anywhere from $600 to $1,500.
Why do you reglaze a cast iron tub?
Reglaze your cast iron tubs for the following reasons: You have a cast iron tub and reglazing a steel enameled tub is costly. You want to move the tub to any other location in the house. You don’t want to mess with the theme of the bathroom by changing the tub.
When was the cast iron tub built?
The Dilemma. The homeowner’s cast iron tub complemented the age of the house, which was constructed in 1919. With time, the cast iron tub lost its shine, as uncovered in the bathtub were green water stains under the faucet, gritty texture and nasty dents on the outside.
Where did the reglazing of cast iron tubs take place?
It all took place in Old Town Alexandria, where a homeowner decided to reglaze her cast iron tub instead of replacing, but was that a wise choice? Let’s have a look to find out!
What is the difference between a steel bathtub and a cast iron bathtub?
A bathtub is a bathroom feature many homeowners wouldn’t want to live without. Two popular bathtub materials are steel and cast iron. While these two materials have similarities, they also have differences; consequently, a steel bathtub and a cast iron bathtub can be as different as the metals of which they are made.
How much does a cast iron tub cost?
For a large metal bathtub, versus an acrylic or fiberglass tub, you should expect to spend relatively more, but the metal tubs will likely last longer. Because of their unique durability, cast iron tubs are typically one of the most expensive options. According to Badeloft, the average cost for a 60-inch standard cast iron tub is $500-$2,000, while the average cost for a 60-inch standard steel tub is $200-$2,000.
How is a cast iron tub made?
A cast iron tub is made by pouring molten liquid iron into a mold so that the iron hardens into the tub's shape. Like steel tubs, cast iron tubs are coated with enamel. Because these tubs are pure iron and thick, cast iron is the most durable bathtub material, meaning a cast iron tub can potentially last for decades.
What is a steel tub?
A steel tub may be the most practical and affordable style of tub. According to Inman, steel tubs, also called porcelain on steel or enameled steel tubs, are made with a thin, stamped steel shell and coated with heat-fused porcelain enamel. The surface of a steel bathtub is easy to clean and maintains its gloss over many years.
Is steel tub the same as cast iron?
Steel tubs are lightweight in comparison to cast iron tubs and are the same size as fiberglass and acrylic tubs, making them a good choice of bathtub material in a remodeled bathroom. However, although much lighter than cast iron tubs, porcelain on steel tubs weighs more than fiberglass or acrylic tubs, making them difficult to maneuver into place.
What color is a cast iron tub?
Cast iron tubs come in a variety of color options including stainless steel. I even noticed a cool navy blue one from Signature Hardware. Do keep in mind though, in order to install a cast iron tub in a particular area, you will want to make sure there is enough support for the weight.
Why are acrylic tubs so popular?
Acrylic tubs are probably the most popular due to their lightweight material and affordability. It is a tub that doesn’t need any extra support and can easily be installed on any level of a home. Being a previous owner of an acrylic tub, I found it to be very easy to clean.
Is cast iron better than acrylic?
But according to science, a cast iron tub will keep your water warmer for a longer period of time. Iron is a better heat conductor than acrylic.
Is cast iron tub a good bathroom?
If you want to be different, and add a great eye-catching piece to your bathroom, cast iron is the way to go! Cast iron tubs are more of a vintage, but timeless look. They do tend to be a bit pricier, but as I said, we were very impressed. To me, it is well worth the price.
Why is my bathtub yellow?
A yellow tinge on an otherwise white surface coating on the inside of the tub is an obvious sign of age. It takes years of bathing for that to happen. The white color can be restored by a skilled bathtub refinisher. Advertisement.
What does the absence of a stamp on a clawfoot tub mean?
Other Dating Methods. The absence of a stamp on a cast-iron clawfoot tub could mean it's a mid-20th century generic model, but it could also mean the tub was produced before stamping became commonplace. An unstamped tub that lacks faucet drillings could have been custom-made for a well-to-do household in the mid 1800s or earlier.
What does it mean when a clawfoot tub has feet?
Some clawfoot tubs have feet that have been obviously added on, and this often means the tub is old enough to have been refinished and restored.
What is a clawfoot tub made of?
Modern clawfoot tubs may be made of acrylic or fiberglass, but the original ones were cast iron coated with porcelain enamel. The cast iron is exposed on the outside and bottom of the tub, and although it may have been painted, the manufacturer's stamp -- if there is one -- is often clearly visible.
When did clawfoot bathtubs become popular?
Antique clawfoot bathtubs are a sought-after addition to many modern bathrooms. Bathtubs didn't become popular in the United States until the late 1870s, after plumbers had figured out how to vent waste lines, thus making residential plumbing a practical reality.
Who made clawfoot tubs?
The L. Wolf Company of Chicago company produced clawfoot tubs in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as shown in a catalogue supplied by the Encyclopedia of Chicago, and its stamp is also a sign of age. Crane, Mott and Kohler tubs aren't necessarily old, but they may be. Advertisement.
Do clawfoot tubs have feet?
Some clawfoot tubs have feet that have been obviously added on, and this often means the tub is old enough to have been refinished and restored. In some cases, the original feet were replaced with new ones, and in other, more rare cases, an old bathing tub that was manufactured in Europe -- perhaps made of copper and almost certainly lacking drillings -- was retrofitted with new feet. These tubs aren't necessarily more valuable than real vintage cast-iron clawfoots, but they may well be, and they are definitely older.
