The removal of a bathtub drain is usually a relatively easy task for anyone who is a DIYer. The first part is to figure out what kind of drain stopper is present in the tub. Understanding the fundamental aspects of the tub’s drain stopper prior removal can help avoid damaging the tub or drain. Beyond that the most difficult part is preparing for the elimination of hairballs and other gunk which could be sucked up below the drain. To remove a bathtub’s drain, you’ll need simple tools that are available in every common toolbox.
When to Remove a Bathtub Drain
Bathtub drains are able to be removed at any time homeowners need to clean the drain, change the entire drain, or even remove the bathtub. Drain baskets are prone to corroding with time, which can cause the removal of drains. It is also possible to be necessary to clear hairballs, clogs, and other gunk that is often trapped within these tightly fitting plumbing stops. Leaks that are visible are an indication that it’s the right time for the drain of the bathtub to be replaced and removed.
Safety Considerations
The removal of a bathtub drain often requires some elbow grease to loosen and scrub. Take your time when pulling the drain basket away from its location since they generally have long threads , which can take a couple of minutes to remove completely. Make sure to not pinch your fingers while using a wrench or pliers. When working drains that are older and dirty where there is a possibility of mold Additional precautions for safety, such as masks, could be required. A majority of people would prefer to wear gloves regardless.
Tools
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Locking pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Hex key
- Putty knife
Materials
- Sponge
- All-purpose cleaner
- Rag
Instructions
1. Identify Drain Stopper
The first step is to identify the kind of drain stopper you want to understand how to take it out of your drain. It is the component in the drain which opens and closes to allow the tub to empty itself or be filled with water. The most common kinds of stoppers include Toe-touch, push-pull trip-lever, lift-and-turn and screen.
2. Remove Drain Stopper
Take the drain stopper off in accordance with the following kind:
Toe-touch
- Drain the water and keep it in an open position.
- Keep the shaft cylinder in place (the component that fits to the drainage) and remove it from the drain basket
- If you need to you need to, use a screwdriver loosen the stopper on the toe.
Push-pull
- Drain the water and keep it open.
- Take the drain stopper by the knob and turn it counterclockwise, allowing it to loosen.
Lift-and-turn
- Drain the water and keep it open.
- Unscrew the knob on the top of the stopper.
- After removing the knob, find an under-screw set-screw. If there is, you can employ a screwdriver, or a wrench to remove the set-screw.
- The stopper should be rotated counterclockwise until it is removed from its mounting post
- Get rid of the mounting post using pliers by pulling it up
Trip-lever
- The drain should be opened and kept it open.
- Remove the faceplate connected to the drain overflow by using an screwdriver
- When the faceplate is removed remove the hardware of the drain with care so as not to damage it.
Screen
- Use a screwdriver with a flat head under the screen’s lip and gently lift it off.
3. Clean Hardware
When the drain stopper or screws, or the posts are being re-installed and cleaned, do so with sponges or a rag or all-purpose cleaner. For those who are worried about mold, you can look for more green cleaning solutions prior to applying bleach. Put the drain basket away and wash off any gunk or other debris which may be accumulated around the edges or inside the drainage basket.
4. Remove Drain Basket
The majority of drain baskets feature an aluminum or plastic crossbar which prevents big debris from falling into the drain. Utilize small needle-nose locking tools which are strong enough to lift from the drainage basket. Lock the pliers to the middle of the crossbar. Make a counterclockwise turn to into the open basket. If this isn’t easy grasp the lower part of the locking pliers in a perpendicular angle using a second set of pliers, and then twist counterclockwise. The torque increase should aid.
Another option is to utilize the drain wrench that is specifically designed to get rid of your draining basket. Drain wrenches to reduce the risk of breaking the drain basket when taking it out because they’re made to be shaped to slide easily into crossbars. Put the drain wrench inside the crossbars and then turn counterclockwise to take the basket off. If you are concerned about scratching expensive equipment, these might be worth the investment.
If the draining basket has no crossbars, you can use an extractor for drains. Drain extractors are able to grip the walls of the basket, allowing them to eliminate it.
5. Clean Drain Opening
Drains are usually covered with plumber’s putty. If it’s hard to get rid of the drain after following the steps previously mentioned using heat, you can use an electric hair dryer or a heat gun to make the putty looser.
Clean up any remaining putty or other debris in the drain area with an putty knife and towel. Don’t let putty go down the drain as it won’t dissolve and could cause clogging of the drain.
When to Call a Pro
Get a professional plumber on the line in the event that the drain stopper breaks in the process of removing it. If the stopper or the basket is stuck and can’t be pulled to the surface, call a plumber who will assist you in removing the tub drain without harming the drain hole or tub.
