How to Replace Bathtub Drain

How to Replace Bathtub Drain

Knowing how to remove a bathtub drain is a helpful skill for when you need to deep clean the drain, replace the drain entirely or remove the bathtub. Removing a bathtub drain is a straightforward beginner task, especially once you identify the type of tub drain and stopper you have.

How do you unscrew a bathtub drain?

Instructions
Remove the Tub Stopper or Screen. Remove the drain stopper or screen to gain access to the tub’s drain fitting. Remove the Drain With a Plug Wrench. Remove the Drain With Locking Pliers. Clean the Drain Opening.

Are bathtub drains universal?

Thanks to the standardization, any bathtub drain can fit any standard bathtub between 14 and 26 inches in depth. The size of the drain is standardized because it needs to fit to the P-trap, which is the next component of the drain.

What tool do you use to remove a tub drain?

Double Ended Tub Drain Wrench.

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 an old shower drain?

REMOVAL OF EXISTING SHOWER DRAIN BODY
Remove drain cover with flat blade screwdriver.Remove the crown nut by unthreading it using needle nose pliers.Extract the compression seal exposing drain pipe and shower drain body.With mini hacksaw, make two vertical cuts approximately 1” apart through drain body.

How do you install a tub drain pipe?

Installing a Bathtub Drain Pipe
Connect a PVC tub drain kit to the tub. If the original pipe is in good shape and not leaking, you can connect the tee-fitting drain pipe. Take off the drain pipe that leads from the tub to the main drain. Use PVC and proper connectors to replace the old pipe.

Are all tub drains in the same place?

The position of the tub drain will vary, depending on the size and design of the tub, and you’ll need to cut an access hole in the floor at the drain end of the tub to allow for positioning and installing the drain line.

What is the standard bathtub drain size?

Down the Drain

According to Bonnets Stems and Accessories, Inc., a standard modern bathtub drain is 1 1/2 inches in diameter – the width straight across the middle. Rough-in plumbing should be calculated for a 1 1/2-inch pipe.

Are all bathtub drains in the same spot?

Bathtubs and shower tubs don’t usually have the same drain line location. When you change systems, it can be problematic to line up the drain lines. And when drain lines don’t align, low-profile shower trays can overflow. There’s one other reason, but the chance of this happening is extremely rare.

Do you use plumbers putty on tub drain?

For the drain itself, plumber’s putty is the best solution. The material makes waterproof seals with wet surfaces. If you need to seal the drainpipe, you’ll want to use silicone. Caulk is important to sealing pipes because it creates watertight seals that don’t wash away.

Sophia Al-Mansoor
Author

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.