
Turn the plug wrench counterclockwise with a large adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers to loosen the drain. Unthread the drain all the way by hand once it is loose enough. Insert a pair of locking needle-nose pliers into the drain opening as far as jaws will go.
How to clean out my bathtub drain?
Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Deodorizing Your Bathtub Drain Download Article
- Remove your drain stopper. Tubs have different types of drain stoppers depending on what kind of tub you have.
- Pour a cup (180 g) of baking soda into the drain and let it sit for 20 minutes. ...
- Remove the gunk from the inside of your drain with a bottle brush. ...
- Flush the drain with a pot of boiling water. ...
How to remove the drain plug from bathtub?
Push-Pull Drain Stoppers
- Lift Stopper Lift the stopper to the open position.
- Remove Stopper Knob Hold the stopper body firmly by hand, and twist the knob counterclockwise to remove it. ...
- Remove Stopper From Drain With the cap removed, unscrew the mounting post beneath the cap counterclockwise to separate the stopper from the drain fitting.
How do you remove a tub drain?
Remove the faceplate of a trip lever drain.
- The faceplate will be on the tub wall near the faucet, not on the bottom of the tub with the drain.
- These type of drains will stop a tub when a trip lever is activated. ...
- Set the tip of the screwdriver underneath the lip of the loosened drain if you need some leverage as you pull it out.
- Make sure to pull away from the tub wall.
How to move a bathtub drain?
How to Move a Bathtub Drain Steps. Mark the drain pipe coming down from the bathtub 1/2 inch above where it connects to the P-trap. Cut straight across the drain pipe with a hacksaw. Trim burrs off of plastic pipe with knife. Determine where the new bathtub drain will exit the bathroom floor. Use power drill with 1/2-inch wood bit to create a ...
What do you need to do before you can remove the bathtub drain?
Where should a drain wrench fit?
How to remove a pop up stopper?
Why does my bath drain slowly?
How to get rid of a swollen drain?
What is a screen in a drain?
Can you use a needle nose plier to loosen a drain?
See 2 more
How do you use a bathtub drain tool?
2:565:57Right & WRONG Bathtub Drain Removal Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut it would go in here like this you pound it in place with a hammer you stick your ratchet inMoreBut it would go in here like this you pound it in place with a hammer you stick your ratchet in there the ratchet should help loosen the drain like.
How do you use a shower drain removal tool?
1:574:47How to Use Shower Drain Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it has four prongs on it it fits right down in internally in to the on top of the cocking net.MoreAnd it has four prongs on it it fits right down in internally in to the on top of the cocking net. And the fork used it perfectly on it and then you can just use a put a socket wrench.
What tool do I need to remove tub drain?
drain wrenchA drain wrench is a drain removal tool that is form-fitted to drain basket crossbars. It greatly reduces the risk of accidentally breaking the crossbar. If you are using a drain wrench, insert the drain wrench into the drain and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the drain basket.
What is the easiest way to remove a bathtub drain?
0:453:46How to remove and replace a bath drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn my drain assembly and that will remove it from the waste tissue which is below the tub. And. IMoreTurn my drain assembly and that will remove it from the waste tissue which is below the tub. And. I can put a screwdriver in the hole in the drain. Tool as well. Once. I get it loose.
How do you use a drain key tool?
How to Use a Tub Drain KeyPull out the drain stopper from your tub. ... Put on gloves, then pull hair and other debris off the flange's grate. ... Place the notched end of the drain key into the flange, turning it until it locks into place.More items...
How do you unclog a shower drain that doesn't come off?
First, if you have metal pipes, pour boiling water down the drain. Then remove hair from the drain. If that doesn't work, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. If the clog persists, use a plunger, plumber's snake or chemical drain opener.
How do I remove a bathtub 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.
How do you remove a twist drain plug?
0:061:38How to Remove any Bathtub Stopper, Pop-up, Grate, or Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt it'll sometimes be a set screw right here you'll take your screwdriver loosen that screw. AndMoreIt it'll sometimes be a set screw right here you'll take your screwdriver loosen that screw. And then this part will separate from the metal bar. And you just unscrew that metal bar.
What kind of caulking should you use around a bathtub?
siliconeFor caulking around a bathtub, Tom recommends using anything that is 100% silicone. In the segment, he used 100% Silicone Sealant in White, which is manufactured by Gorilla Glue.
How do you remove a tub drain with a broken crosshair?
1:323:06Replacing Tub Drain with BROKEN T! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see here I've got my screwdriver to actually break open one side of the tub drain. ThisMoreYou can see here I've got my screwdriver to actually break open one side of the tub drain. This point I'm taking my hammer. And I'm hitting the screwdriver underneath the tub drain.
How do you remove a bathtub drain cover without screws?
0:322:05How To Easily Remove Shower Drain Cover & UNCLOG ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne get yourself some wd-40 spray it around the rim of the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes orMoreOne get yourself some wd-40 spray it around the rim of the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes or so and then get yourself some pliers that fit into these holes in the drain.
Need to replace your tub drain? Removing the old one can be a real chore. Here are the three easiest options
Typically, you’d remove the drain with a drain wrench ($10 online; Photo 1) , but if the drain’s crossbars are gone, you’ll have to use a drain extractor ($20 online; Photo 2). If the drain is really old, sometimes even a drain extractor isn’t enough; you’ll first have to knock it loose using an old chisel to bite into the metal (Photo 3).
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Brad Holden, an associate editor at The Family Handyman, has been building cabinets and furniture for 30 years. In that time, he has absorbed so many slivers and ingested so much sawdust that he's practically made of wood.
What do you need to do before you can remove the bathtub drain?
There are many different types of stopper, and the first thing you need to do before you can remove the bathtub drain is to remove the stopper. Here are examples of how to do it with two of the more common versions.
Where should a drain wrench fit?
Drain wrenches have different heads, so the first thing you need to do is find one that fits your drain – it should fit comfortably over the cross at the bottom of the drain.
How to remove a pop up stopper?
To remove one, set it to the open position and turn the stopper in a counterclockwise direction to unscrew it. Next, unscrew the shaft.
Why does my bath drain slowly?
If your bath begins to drain slowly or stops draining completely, it has probably become blocked by a build-up of hair and grime. This means you will need to remove the drain and unblock it. You will also need to remove an old drain to replace it with a new one. Of course, you can call in a professional plumber to do it for you.
How to get rid of a swollen drain?
You can do this by heating it. The easiest way is to use a hairdryer – simply use the hairdryer to blow hot air into the drain for a few minutes before removing it.
What is a screen in a drain?
The screen is the grille that is designed to prevent larger objects from falling into the drain. You also need to remove this before you can gain access to the drain.
Can you use a needle nose plier to loosen a drain?
Once you manage to loosen it, simply continue turning until the drain comes free. If you don’t have a drain wrench, you can also use needle- nose locking pliers. However, this is not preferable since there is more chance of breaking the cross at the bottom of the drain.
Why Do You Ever Need To Remove The Bathtub Drain?
After a while, the drain fitting will likely deteriorate. There will be extreme corrosion or leakage, and the best solution is to replace it with a new one. To do that, you will need to remove the tub drain. Also, if you have just bought a brand new bathtub, you will have to remove the stopper as well. Even if you don’t, it’s well-advised to remove and have a look at the tub drain regularly. Over time, hair and debris can make the water drain more and more slowly.
What to use to clean drain stopper?
You will need a rag or a sponge and an all-purpose cleaner to do this.
What is the easiest stopper to remove?
Undeniably, the flip-it stopper is the most straightforward to remove – no tool required!
How many types of bathtub drains are there?
To your surprise, there are seven types of bathtub drains. They are varied by their looks and designs, yet they all serve the same purpose: allowing you to fill the tub to enjoy a hot bath after a long day and drain the water once you’re done.
How long does it take to drain a tub?
Extracting a tub drain out of the hole should not take you more than 15 minutes, I can guarantee. The job is suitable for every beginner, so don’t be afraid to try it before considering calling a plumber.
What is the sealant used in a drain basket?
The basket is sealed with plumber’s putty, and a sealant used to make watertight seals around drains. Most formulations contain clay or linseed oil, but you can also expect the inclusion of talc or limestone as well. The putty is sometimes replaced with RTV silicone or epoxy.
Where is the lever on a tub stopper?
Since this type of stopper comes with a lever, the removal process would be pretty challenging. The lever is attached to an overflowing plate in front of the tub. In the drain opening, a strainer stands in for a visible pop-up stopper.
How to remove a drain stopper from a shower?
1. Heat the drain basket with a hair dryer. Turn your hair dryer on “hot” or “warm” and let it blow on the drain basket (where the stopper was) for a few minutes . The basket, also known as a flange, is sealed with plumber’s putty. Warming it up will make it easier to remove.
What is the piece that stops a tub drain?
The plunger (a small piece that stops the tub) should come out along with the drain.
How to remove a drain basket?
Unscrew the drain basket. Grasp your drain wrench and turn it counterclockwise. This may be tough, but keep going. If you need more torque, try placing a strong screwdriver across the drain wrench’s handle so you have a little more to hold on to. Once the basket loosens up, you should be able to remove it by continuing to turn it counterclockwise.
What to do if plumber's putty is stuck in drain?
Pick this off and throw it away. If the putty is stuck, use a plastic putty knife to loosen it. Once it’s gone, clean the drain with a cloth and a mild bathroom cleanser or a 50/50 mix of vinegar and baking soda.
How to tell if a tub drains out?
You can place a piece of tape on the tub wall at the water line to make it easier to tell if any water drains out. If the water is below the piece of tape after an hour has gone by, then some water has drained out. If the tub does leak, check and make sure the new drain is sealed properly.
What is a drain wrench?
A drain wrench (also called a smart dumbbell) usually has several heads of different shapes/sizes to fit into a variety of drains.
Where is the faceplate on a tub drain?
The faceplate will be on the tub wall near the faucet, not on the bottom of the tub with the drain. These type of drains will stop a tub when a trip lever is activated.
What do you use to loosen a tub drain?
Once the locking pliers are secured, you use a pair of standard pliers to turn the locking-pliers and loosen the drain. If your drain doesn't have crossbars, you'll need to use a tool called a tub drain extractor. It has a conical shape and helical knurls that grip the metal wall on the inside of the drain fitting.
Why remove a tub drain?
Removing a tub drain is necessary if you're removing or replacing the bathtub or if the drain fitting is badly corroded or it leaks and needs to be replaced . The drain fitting is a metal basket-like piece that has a lip or flange at the top and a body with threads on the outside.
What happens if a tub has no screen?
If the tub has no screen, it likely will have a stopper set into the drain opening. The method to remove it depends on the stopper type. Stoppers that you open and close by moving the stopper itself usually unscrew from the drain or are secured with a setscrew.
What is the X on a tub drain?
Inside most drain fittings are two metal crossbars that form an "X" to prevent large items from falling into the drain. The crossbars are what make it possible to remove the drain with a plug wrench ...
Why is my tub drain so stubborn?
Tub drains are stubborn, often due to corrosion, gunk, or hardened plumber's putty. Heat helps to loosen old plumber's putty. If the tub is very cold, gently blow warm air from a heat gun or a hair drier over it for a few minutes to soften the putty before removing the drain.
What is the best substitute for a plug wrench?
Pliers: 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.
What is a plug wrench?
Plug wrench: A plug wrench is a small wrench made of cast iron or steel that is milled to fit the crossbars of two or more different sizes of drains. If you expect to be removing your tub drain more than once, it will be worthwhile to purchase this inexpensive item.
What do you need to do before you can remove the bathtub drain?
There are many different types of stopper, and the first thing you need to do before you can remove the bathtub drain is to remove the stopper. Here are examples of how to do it with two of the more common versions.
Where should a drain wrench fit?
Drain wrenches have different heads, so the first thing you need to do is find one that fits your drain – it should fit comfortably over the cross at the bottom of the drain.
How to remove a pop up stopper?
To remove one, set it to the open position and turn the stopper in a counterclockwise direction to unscrew it. Next, unscrew the shaft.
Why does my bath drain slowly?
If your bath begins to drain slowly or stops draining completely, it has probably become blocked by a build-up of hair and grime. This means you will need to remove the drain and unblock it. You will also need to remove an old drain to replace it with a new one. Of course, you can call in a professional plumber to do it for you.
How to get rid of a swollen drain?
You can do this by heating it. The easiest way is to use a hairdryer – simply use the hairdryer to blow hot air into the drain for a few minutes before removing it.
What is a screen in a drain?
The screen is the grille that is designed to prevent larger objects from falling into the drain. You also need to remove this before you can gain access to the drain.
Can you use a needle nose plier to loosen a drain?
Once you manage to loosen it, simply continue turning until the drain comes free. If you don’t have a drain wrench, you can also use needle- nose locking pliers. However, this is not preferable since there is more chance of breaking the cross at the bottom of the drain.
