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Is it possible to replace a bathtub drain?
Bathtub drain removal and replacement can be an easy task, regardless of the type of bathtub you own. Once you know the appropriate steps for how to remove a tub drain, you can even replace the bathtub drain with a different style of drain that better suits your needs.
What is a tub drain assembly?
A bathtub drain flange is the finished drain part that’s visible in the tub. A rubber gasket underneath the tub seals the drain elbow to the tub. That drain elbow connects to a length of pipe that then connects to the waste and overflow pipe.
What can I use if I don’t have a drain wrench?
Short of a plug wrench, the best substitute is a set of needle-nose locking pliers. The pliers need to be small enough to reach into the drain and through the cross. Once the locking pliers are secured, you use a pair of standard pliers to turn the locking pliers and loosen the drain.
How do you remove a tub drain without a crosshair?
If your drain doesn’t have metal bars, or crosshairs, spanning the drain opening, a drain key is the only tool that will work. Place a drain key into the bathtub drain with the drive screw at the top and the lower expansion shoes in the drain proper. Grasp the drive screw with your fingers and turn it hand-tight.
How do you remove a drain flange?
If you’re removing the entire drain apparatus, including the basket (also known as the flange), insert your drain key or smart dumbbell into the opening. Turn it counterclockwise and continue turning until the drain flange is released, then remove the flange while it’s still attached to the drain key.
What is a tub flange?
“What is a tub flange?” It’s a “raised rim” around the edges of the tub that will sit against the shower walls.
How does a tub drain work?
Bathtub drains have two legs, one to the main drain opening and the other to the overflow drain opening. With a pop-up drain, linkage forces the drain stopper up or down by way of a rocker arm. With the plunger type, a hollow brass plunger slides up and down inside the drain assembly to seal the drain opening.
How do bathtub drains work?
They work by a connection between the drain stopper and a lever via a rod mechanism hidden behind the bathtub. When the lever is up, the stopper is held in place, keeping your tub filled with water. When the lever is moved down, the stopper lifts and the tub drains.
Are tub drains universal?
Bathtub drains are 1 1/2 inches wide and fit all standard bathtubs ranging from 14 to 26 inches deep.
Are all bathtub drain threads the same?
One of the most confusing and annoying plumbing problems is replacing the bathtub drain (called a plug) that screws into the base (called a shoe). There are two common thread types (16 and 11 1/2 Threads Per Inch), and one uncommon one (14 TPI). We sell a variety of shoe adapters, some are only available from us.
How much does it cost to replace a bathtub drain pipe?
The national average materials cost to install a bathtub drain is $96.35 per drain, with a range between $86.44 to $106.26. The total price for labor and materials per drain is $345.97, coming in between $313.33 to $378.62.
How do I fix a leaky tub pipe?
How to fix a bathtub drain leaking: To repair a tub drain, unscrew the drain flange from above. Then clean the flange and apply silicone caulk. If you have access to a shower drain from below, tighten the ring nut that locks the drain to the shower pan. If that doesn’t work, replace the drain assembly.
What is the best tool to unclog a tub drain?
A plunger is one of the most popular tools to prevent bathtub clogging. How successful you are will depend on the nature of the clog as well as the design and size of your drain. Take a plunger and add some water to the tub before you start to plunger vigorously.
How do you remove a tub drain crossbar?
If your drain fitting has these crossbars, insert a drain wrench into the cross shape and turn counterclockwise to unscrew it. (There are two ends to the wrench; use the side that offers the best fit.) You can also try using a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the X and unscrew the drain fitting.
How do I get my shower drain cover off?
Insert the tip of the screwdriver through an opening in the cover and lift up. For a snap in cover, spray lubricant along the edges of it as well. Let it settle down into the threads. Insert the needle-nose pliers into the openings of the drain cover, firmly grip the pliers, twist it towards the left, and pull it out.
What are the different types of bathtub drain stoppers?
The most common types of bathtub drain stoppers are lift-and-turn, push-and-pull, pop-up, toe-touch, flip-it, and trip lever. Identifying which type you have will help you when it becomes necessary to fix or replace your drain stopper.
How do you get plumbers putty unstuck?
In case it doesn’t, then you can scrape it off using a sturdy putty knife. It’ll easily come off this way. If there’s putty residue left behind, try to wipe it off with a mineral spirit. Since the binding compound in putty comprises of linseed oil, you’ll easily dissolve it in a mild solvent such as a mineral spirit.
