A Guide On How To Replace Bathtub Drain

Before You Begin

If you?re ready to replace your bathtub drain and love DIY projects, check out this easy to follow how-to article. If your bathtub drain isn?t working well, is unsightly, or is visibly worn out, it may be time to replace it. It may seem intimidating at first but learning how to replace bathtub drains is a straightforward process. Below we?ve outlined the details you need to know to replace your tub drain with one that is new, works well and will improve your shower experience.

Plumbing can be complicated. After all, that?s why we pay plumbers to take care of the problems we can?t tackle. Replacing your tub drain is a relatively straightforward process, but if you feel uneasy or experience trouble along the way, don?t hesitate to contact a professional. Failing to install a drain correctly can lead to water damage and dangerous living conditions.Once you decide that you need to replace your drain, give your current drain a close inspection. If you find any significant damage, excessive erosion, mold, or mildew, you may be dealing with a more substantial issue that requires professional intervention.After you have inspected your drain and decided that you can accomplish the job yourself, you should gather your tools. Luckily, most of the tools needed to get the job done are widely available and relatively inexpensive.

It probably goes without saying, but before you can replace your drain, you must first remove the old one. To remove the drain, insert the Smart Dumbbell, attach the adjustable wrench to it and twist the old part counterclockwise. It will take some muscle to remove the drain.If you don?t have a smart dumbbell, you may be able to use narrow pliers instead. Merely grip onto the crossbars in the drain and turn the pliers in a counterclockwise direction. Whichever method you choose, remember to be careful. You don?t want to damage the finish of your tub. Once you remove your drain, follow the steps below to replace it.

Between your bathtub and the waste elbow below it, there will be a rubber washer. Without removing this washer, look for any apparent signs of damage. If there is no visible damage to the gasket, just leave it in place and move on to the next step.If you notice that the rubber gasket is worn out, torn, or otherwise corroded, you will need to change it out. The replacement drain that you purchased will likely have a rubber washer with it. Changing these washers out can be pretty tricky so take your time.Also, because the waste elbow is connected to the rest of the pipes, using too much force can cause the entire system to be knocked out of place. Using care and a gentle touch while removing and replacing the washer is crucial. Additionally, to keep the gasket from falling into the space below the tub, hold your screwdriver in the center of the ring.To remove the ring, you may have to push gently on the waste elbow. This action will create enough space to slide the gasket out from between the tub and the pipe. If you cannot reach the pipe with your hand, use the handle of the screwdriver. Use your fingers to take out the old washer carefully.To replace the rubber ring, just push it into place. Again, use caution to prevent it from falling into the space underneath the tub. You should not need to push down on the pipe to fit the new gasket into place, but if you do, be gentle. Once you have successfully placed the new rubber washer into position, move on to the next step.

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Replacement Drain

Replacement Drain
Plumber?s Putty
Smart Dumbbell or Narrow Pliers
Adjustable Wrench
Small Screwdriver
Rubber Gloves (optional)

Now that your drain is adequately prepared with plumber?s putty, it?s time to install it into the bathtub. To install the drain, first use your fingers to grab the inside of it. If your fingers do not fit, you can also use narrow pliers to grab onto the crossbars. Fit the drain inside of the tub and gently twist it into place using a clockwise motion.After you tighten the drain enough to stay in place, grab a tool to finish the tightening job. Either a smart dumbbell or a pair of narrow pliers will work well for this task. Choose one of the two tools mentioned above and secure it to the crossbars of the drain. Attach your adjustable wrench to the device and continue turning the drain in a clockwise motion.Be careful not to exert too much force while turning the drain. Because the drain is metal and the drain pipe is plastic, it is straightforward to strip the threading. Also, exerting too much force can cause unwanted damage to the finish of your tub.

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Step 1: Inspect the Rubber Washer

At this point, your bathtub drain is technically replaced. But, no tub drain is complete without its stopper. The difficulty of this step is directly related to the type of stopper you want to use. For example, if you are content using an old-fashioned rubber stopper, all you have to do is buy one and be finished. If you?re looking for something more sophisticated, keep reading.

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Step 2: Prepare the Drain with Plumber?s Putty

These drains are relatively simple in design, and installing the stopper for them is quite easy. Stoppers in this category include those with the rollerball, lift and turn, and toe touch devices. To attach each of these types of stoppers, you will follow the process outlined below.Locate the set screw underneath the cap of the stopper.Screw the set screw into the threaded center hole of the drain?s crossbars.Check to make sure the stopper functions appropriately.

Last update on 2021-02-28 at 20:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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