how to take bathtub drain off

Taking Tub Trouble Away: A Comprehensive Guide to Removing Your Bathtub Drain

Does your bathtub drain leave a lot to be desired, often leaving you with a puddle of frustration? Don’t fret! This step-by-step guide will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to remove that pesky drain like a pro. Get ready to say goodbye to slow-draining woes and hello to a tub that flushes efficiently.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Bucket or container
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Flashlight or work light (optional)
• Gloves (optional, but recommended)
• Hairpin, paperclip, or bent wire (optional)

Safety Precautions:

Before you dive into this DIY project, remember these safety measures:

• Ensure the water supply to the bathtub is turned off.
• Place a towel on the floor around the drain to catch any water or debris.
• Wear gloves if you’re concerned about dirt or germs.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the Drain Stopper

• Most drains have a stopper that prevents water from flowing out. This can be easily removed by hand or using a screwdriver.
• If the stopper is stubborn, gently pry it loose with a screwdriver or use pliers to twist it off.

2. Unscrew the Drain Cover

• The drain cover is usually held in place by a single screw. Locate the screw, typically in the center of the cover, and use the adjustable wrench or pliers to unscrew it.
• Once the screw is removed, the drain cover should come off easily.

3. Remove the Hair Trap (Optional)

• In some drains, a hair trap or basket might be present. This catches hair and debris to prevent clogs.
• If you find a hair trap, gently twist or pull it out of its socket. It might be attached to the bathtub drainpipe.

4. Locate the Drain Nut

• Once the hair trap is removed, you’ll see a large nut at the base of the drainpipe. This is the drain nut, and it holds the drainpipe in place.

5. Unscrew the Drain Nut

• Using the adjustable wrench or pliers, carefully unscrew the drain nut counterclockwise. It’s usually made of plastic or metal and might be a little tight.

6. Remove the Drainpipe

• Once the drain nut is loose, gently pull the drainpipe straight up. It might be stuck, so you might need to use some force.
• As you pull up the drainpipe, be prepared for some water to drain out into the bucket or container.

7. Clean the Drainpipe and Drain Hole

• Take some time to clean the drainpipe thoroughly. Use a brush or cloth to remove any hair, soap scum, or debris.
• Check the drain hole in the bathtub as well and clean any visible gunk.

8. Inspect the Drain Gasket (Optional)

• If your drainpipe has a gasket, inspect it for any damage or wear. If it’s torn or cracked, it might need to be replaced to prevent future leaks.

9. Reassemble the Drain

• To put everything back together, simply reverse the steps you took to disassemble the drain. Make sure the drain gasket is properly seated before tightening the drain nut.

10. Test the Drain

• Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain or the base of the drainpipe.
• If you notice a leak, tighten the drain nut further or replace the drain gasket.

Troubleshooting:

Drain is Still Clogged:

• If the drain still doesn’t drain properly after cleaning, you might have a clog deeper within the drainpipe. You can try using a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner to dislodge the clog.

Drain is Leaking:

• If you notice a leak around the drain, check the drain gasket. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one. You might also need to tighten the drain nut further.

Drain is Making Noise:

• If your drain is making a gurgling or bubbling sound, it might be an indication of a vent problem. Check the vent pipe on the roof of your house and ensure it’s not blocked.

Conclusion:

Removing a bathtub drain might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward with the right tools and a bit of patience. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can tackle this DIY project and enjoy a properly functioning bathtub drain once again. If you encounter any difficulties or have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance from a plumber.

Don’t let a clogged or leaky drain ruin your bathing experience. Take matters into your own hands and give your bathtub a fresh start!

FAQ about How to Take Bathtub Drain Off

1. What tools do I need to remove a bathtub drain?

• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber’s putty knife (optional)
• Rags (optional)

2. How do I remove the overflow plate?

• Unscrew the screws holding the overflow plate in place.
• Carefully pry the overflow plate off using a plumber’s putty knife or a flathead screwdriver.

3. How do I remove the drain stopper?

• Insert a small screwdriver or Allen wrench into the hole on the drain stopper.
• Turn the screwdriver or Allen wrench counterclockwise to loosen the drain stopper.
• Remove the drain stopper by pulling it straight up.

4. How do I remove the trip lever?

• Locate the set screw on the trip lever.
• Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the set screw and remove it.
• Pull the trip lever straight up to remove it.

5. How do I remove the drain flange?

• Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the nut that holds the drain flange in place.
• Carefully remove the drain flange by pulling it straight up.

6. How do I clean the drainpipes?

• Insert a plumber’s snake into the drainpipe.
• Turn the crank on the snake to feed it into the drainpipe.
• Remove any hair, soap scum, or debris that the snake catches.

7. How do I reinstall the bathtub drain?

• Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the underside of the drain flange.
• Place the drain flange over the drain hole and tighten the nut that holds it in place.
• Insert the trip lever into the drain flange and tighten the set screw.
• Insert the drain stopper into the drain hole and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
• Replace the overflow plate and tighten the screws that hold it in place.

8. What should I do if the drain is clogged?

• Try using a drain snake to clear the clog.
• If the drain snake doesn’t work, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner.
• If the chemical drain cleaner doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber.

9. How often should I clean my bathtub drain?

• You should clean your bathtub drain every few months to prevent clogs.

10. What are the signs that my bathtub drain needs to be replaced?

• The drain is slow to drain.
• The drain is clogged frequently.
• The drain is leaking water.
• The drain is making noise.