Q. Going to remove un-used bathtub permanently and add a large walk in shower - can the toilet (which is currently in horrible location) be moved to use the bathtub drain and then we would seal off the existing toilet train.

A. You cannot use a bathtub drain for a toilet drain. All new plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber..this is a big job/expensive/and might not be possible depending upon the access available to the plumbing from underneath.

Q. They remodel bathrooms by inserting a full bathtub acrylic finish ceiling to floor. I think they call themselves bath magic. How much would they charge for a standard bathtub? I am looking for a ballpark figure.

A. The company is called Bain Magique in French and Bath Fitter in English. Bath Fitter products are custom made for each individual bathroom so we offer free in-home estimates with no obligation. There are many different styles and shapes of tubs and we need to identify exactly the model in a home and match it to one of our more than 700 molds. Our products are made of high-gloss, high impact acrylic, the same material used in high-end spas. We offer a Lifetime Warranty. Our prices depend on a variety of factors and begin at $1,100. Please visit the www.bathfitter.com to design you own bathroom and/or find a location near you. You can also call the 1-800-892-2847 or email me at jpatry@bathfitter.com.

Q. The caulking where wall meets the bathtub came off. About 10 tiles have become lose dues to possible water damage. Also, the floor outside bathtub (about 1 sq ft) has become soft. What is the estimated repair cost for this ?

A. The wall is one thing, but what concerns me most, and should concern you, is the floor. One day you're going to step out of your shower and your foot is going to go through the floor. Or you're going to fill the bathtub and IT'S going through the floor. I have a feeling you let this go for too long. You might have some major structural repairs to make which would include removing the tub. Hard to say without looking at it. I would take care of it as soon as possible. Have it looked at by professionals. Get a few bids for repairs. See if your Homeowner's Insurance will cover it...

Q. Ok so I have decided to remodel my bathroom. Most of it I will be doing myself. I am just wondering where I should start? Here is a list of things that will be done: 1. Take down old pink tile and put new tile in 2. Put in new bathroom sink/vanity 3. Put in new toilet 4. Convert bathtub to shower/tub combo ( there's pink tile around the bathtub as well) I will not be doing this myself. I am going to hire someone to do this. Any advice would be great

A. I attempted to answer, but there are things I do not know. What are you doing yourself and what are you hiring a professional for ? Is a plumber going to be hired for all the plumbing or will you do it yourself ? Do you have a second bathroom to use during the reno ? If not, then time is a factor and will affect the way you approach your project. Also, if you only had a tub before, you probably do not have an exhaust fan. I would highly recommend getting one installed if you are to install a shower to prevent moisture damage. Higher the sones, the quieter the unit & higher the price. You may need to hire an electrician if you cannot do this yourself. The more work you can take away from a professional, the more savings for you.

Q. There is a major problem in my bathtub drain, and someone is comin around to clean it, he said something about using an acid to clean it, he also said i have to leave the house for at least 2 hours, is it possible hes lying?

A. Yes, but instead of asking here, why not call HIM, and ask what he wants to use, and why you have to leave?

Q. I just bought a home built in the early 1960's. We were painting all the interior walls (laytex paint) and my boyfriend thought it was a good idea at the time to rinse out the rollers, brushes, etc, in the bathtub. (His intentions were good, bless his heart) The bathtub is not modern fiberglass, but is the old school porcelain with ceramic tile surround. Over the years the top protective layer has worn off the tub, leaving the raw porcelain underneath exposed, which has absorbed all the paint. Now I have a pink and blue bath tub (supposed to be white) I have tried bleach, paint thinner, hydrochloric acid, etc, and nothing has worked. Other than calling BathFitter, is there anything else I can do to remove the paint?

A. Paint stripper should work, test in an inconspicuos area first. Goof Off is good to try, too.

Q. I've heard rumors that Diet Coke has the ability to clean out clogged bathtub drains. If anyone has tried this, I'd like to know what the results were.

A. I am not sure as I have never heard this but I do know Drano works a treat. :)

Q. I am cleaning a bathtub drain and plunging is not working. I will try snaking next - after that will follow chemicals.

A. Totally agree about the chemicals. After you remove the blockage pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed immediately by a cup of plain white vinegar. Let it sit for a while. It will foam up and work on the soap, etc. You might have to do it several times. No damage to the environment, either. Of course, your bathtub's gonna smell like a salad bar...