12 Easy Steps to Remove a Bathtub Drain in Minutes

2025-01-19

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Bathtub Drain Removal

Imagine stepping into your bathroom, only to be greeted by a bathtub drain that stubbornly refuses to budge. The water pools at your feet, threatening to flood the entire room. Don’t despair! Unclogging a bathtub drain is a task that can be easily accomplished with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of removing a bathtub drain, empowering you to tackle this common household issue with confidence.

First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. Before attempting any drain-cleaning tasks, ensure that the water supply to the bathtub is turned off. Wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands is also advisable. Next, gather the necessary tools, including a drain cover, a pair of pliers, and a bucket or bowl to collect any water or debris. With these essentials at your disposal, you’re ready to embark on the drain-clearing mission.

To remove the bathtub drain, begin by locating the drain cover. It’s typically a round or square piece of metal or plastic that fits snugly over the drain. Use your pliers to gently pry the drain cover loose. Once the cover is removed, you will have access to the drain strainer, which is usually a cylindrical-shaped device. Carefully lift out the drain strainer and inspect it for any hair, soap residue, or other debris that may be causing the clog. By clearing away these obstructions, you can often restore the drain’s functionality without further intervention.

Locating the Bathtub Drain Assembly

Identifying the bathtub drain assembly is crucial before commencing the removal process. Several types of drain assemblies are employed in bathtubs, and their locations may vary slightly. Below is a comprehensive guide to pinpoint your bathtub’s drain assembly:

Types of Bathtub Drain Assemblies:

Type	Description
Trip Lever Drain	Features a small lever or knob that raises and lowers the stopper
Push-Pull Drain	Operated by pulling or pushing a knob to open or close the drain
Toe-Touch Drain	Opened and closed by tapping a foot pedal located on the tub’s side
Lift-and-Turn Drain	A stopper that is lifted with a knob and twisted to open or close the drain

Locating Your Bathtub Drain Assembly:

Step 1: Examine the bathtub’s overflow plate. The drain assembly is usually attached directly below it. Step 2: Look for a small lever, knob, or foot pedal that controls the drain. Step 3: If no visible controls are present, the drain may be a lift-and-turn type. Locate the knob on the stopper and try lifting it and twisting it.

Once you have identified the drain assembly, you can proceed to the next steps of the removal process.

Preparing the Work Area

Before diving into the bathtub drain removal process, it’s crucial to prepare the work area to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Assemble the necessary tools, including a basin wrench, adjustable wrench, flashlight, drain cleaner, and a small bucket. Additionally, don’t forget to gather protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask.

2. Clear the Drain Area and Prepare for Spills

Remove any surrounding clutter, including hair, soap scum, or bath mats, to create a clear workspace. Place old towels or a plastic tarp around the bathtub drain to absorb any spills and prevent damage to the bathroom floor.

3. Cut the Power Supply

To avoid any electrical hazards during the removal process, locate the circuit breaker panel and switch off the power to the bathroom. If your bathroom doesn’t have a dedicated circuit breaker, turn off the main power supply to your home.

4. Remove Drain Stoppers and Strainers

Using pliers or your fingers, carefully remove any drain stoppers, strainers, or covers. These removable components often trap hair and debris, so inspect them for any buildup that needs to be cleared.

Disassembling the Drain Assembly

Once you have removed the drain cover, you can begin disassembling the drain assembly. This will vary depending on the type of drain you have, but most drains will have a few common components.

1. Remove the Stopper

The first step is to remove the stopper. This can usually be done by simply pulling it up. If the stopper is stuck, you can try using a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.

2. Remove the Escutcheon

The escutcheon is the decorative plate that surrounds the drain. It is usually held in place by a few screws. Remove the screws and then carefully pry the escutcheon off.

3. Remove the Drain Grate

The drain grate is the metal grid that covers the drain opening. It is usually held in place by a few screws. Remove the screws and then carefully lift the drain grate out.

Drain Type	Stopper Type	Escutcheon Type	Drain Grate Type
Pop-up drain	Lift-and-turn stopper	Screw-on escutcheon	Removable drain grate
Toe-touch drain	Stopper with lever	Snap-on escutcheon	Fixed drain grate
Trip-lever drain	Stopper with lever	Screw-on escutcheon	Removable drain grate

Removing the Drain Stopper Screw

Removing the drain stopper screw is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps to follow:

Locate the drain stopper screw. It is typically located in the center of the drain stopper.
Insert a screwdriver into the screw and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Once the screw is loose, you can remove it by hand.
With the screw removed, you can pull the drain stopper out of the drain.

Tips for Removing the Drain Stopper Screw

If the screw is stuck, you can try applying penetrating oil to it and letting it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen it.
If you don’t have a screwdriver, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen the screw.
Be careful not to overtighten the screw when you replace it. This can damage the drain stopper.

Removing the Drain Gasket

Once you have removed the tub drain, it’s time to remove the drain gasket. To do this, simply use your fingers to lift the gasket out of the drain hole. If the gasket is stuck, you can use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose.

Tips for Removing the Drain Gasket

Be careful not to damage the drain hole or the gasket when removing it.
If the gasket is stuck, use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose.

Cleaning the Drain Assembly

To access and clean the drain assembly, follow these steps:

1. Remove the drain cover

Use a slotted screwdriver or coin to unscrew the drain cover counterclockwise. Lift the cover to remove it.

2. Remove the drain flange

Beneath the drain cover is a metal or plastic flange. Unscrew the flange using pliers or a wrench, turning it counterclockwise.

3. Detach the drain pipe

Grasp the drain pipe and unscrew it from the drain flange by turning it counterclockwise. Pull the pipe out to disconnect it.

4. Remove the hair trap

The hair trap is a small cylindrical or bell-shaped piece of rubber or plastic located at the bottom of the drainpipe. Gently pry it off the end of the pipe.

5. Clean the parts

Use a wire brush or old toothbrush to remove hair, debris, and soap scum from the flange, drain pipe, and hair trap. Rinse all parts thoroughly with water.

6. Inspect and Repair the Gasket

The gasket, a rubber washer located at the base of the flange, seals the connection between the flange and the bathtub. Examine the gasket for damage, such as tears or cracks. If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size and material.

Reassembling the Drain Assembly

Step 1: Check the alignment of the overflow plate, and ensure it sits flush against the bathtub surface.

Step 2: Place the washer over the overflow plate and secure it with the overflow nut. Tighten the nut hand-tight, then use pliers to give it an extra quarter-turn.

Step 3: Insert the gasket into the bathtub drain opening. Make sure it fits snugly without any gaps.

Step 4: Place the drain shoe or body over the gasket. It should fit into the hole and rest flush against the tub.

Step 5: Secure the drain assembly with the drain nut. Hand-tighten it as much as possible, then use pliers to tighten it further. Be careful not to overtighten.

Step 6: Install the stopper. Insert the stopper into the drain shoe and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

Step 7: Connect the drainpipe. Align the threaded end of the drainpipe with the drain assembly and hand-tighten it. If necessary, use a pipe wrench to tighten it securely.

Common Drain Assembly Components
Overflow Plate
Overflow Nut
Gasket
Drain Shoe (or Body)
Drain Nut
Stopper
Drainpipe

Installing a New Drain Stopper

If your bathtub drain stopper is old, worn, or broken, you may need to replace it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Remove the old drain stopper

Use a pair of pliers to grip the drain stopper and pull it straight up. If the drain stopper is stuck, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it loose.

2. Clean the drain hole

Once the drain stopper is removed, use a toothbrush or a small brush to clean the drain hole. Remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris.

3. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty

Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the new drain stopper. This will help to create a watertight seal.

4. Insert the new drain stopper

Insert the new drain stopper into the drain hole. Press down firmly to seat the stopper.

5. Tighten the retaining nut

Most drain stoppers have a retaining nut that helps to hold them in place. Use a pair of pliers to tighten the retaining nut.

6. Test the drain stopper

Turn on the water and allow it to run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain stopper.

7. Caulk around the drain stopper (optional)

If you want to create a more watertight seal, you can apply a bead of caulk around the base of the drain stopper.

8. Types of Drain Stoppers

There are several different types of drain stoppers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Lift-and-turn stopper	Easy to use, inexpensive	Can leak if not properly installed
Pop-up stopper	Discreet, easy to clean	More expensive, can be difficult to install
Toe-touch stopper	Easy to use, hands-free	More expensive, requires a special drain assembly

Tightening the Drain Nut

The drain nut is located underneath the drain stopper. To tighten it, you will need a pair of pliers or a wrench. Grip the nut with the pliers or wrench and turn it clockwise until it is snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the drain.

9. Finishing Up

Once you have tightened the drain nut, you can reassemble the drain stopper. Place the stopper over the drain opening and press down until it is secure. Test the drain stopper by filling the bathtub with water and checking for leaks. If you find any leaks, you may need to tighten the drain nut further.

Here are some additional tips for tightening the drain nut:

* Use a pair of pliers or a wrench that is the correct size for the nut. * Grip the nut firmly and turn it slowly and carefully. * Do not overtighten the nut, as this can damage the drain. * Test the drain stopper after tightening the nut to make sure there are no leaks.

Tool	Use
Pliers	Grip and turn the drain nut
Wrench	Grip and turn the drain nut

Final Checks and Maintenance

1. Reassembly

Once the drain is removed, reassemble it by following the disassembly steps in reverse order. Ensure all components fit snugly and are tightened securely.

2. Test the Drain

After reassembly, fill the bathtub with water and allow it to drain. Check for any leaks or improper drainage to ensure the drain is functioning properly.

3. Regular Cleaning

To maintain the drain’s efficiency, clean it regularly with a mild cleaning solution and a soft brush. This will prevent clogs and keep the drain flowing smoothly.

4. Hair Catcher

Install a hair catcher over the drain to prevent hair from clogging the drainpipe. Clean the hair catcher regularly to avoid buildup.

5. Chemical Drain Cleaners

Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the drain’s components and cause leaks.

6. Drain Snake

If a clog occurs, use a drain snake to clear the blockage. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the pipe.

7. Professional Services

If you experience persistent drainage issues or suspect a major blockage, consider calling a professional plumber for inspection and repair.

8. Regular Inspections

Inspect the drain and its components regularly for signs of damage or wear. Address any issues promptly to prevent costly repairs.

9. Lift Rod Adjustment

If the drain lift rod has become loose, tighten the set screw to secure it. This will prevent the drain stopper from slipping out of place.

10. Maintenance Checklist

To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your bathtub drain, follow this maintenance checklist:

Frequency	Task
Monthly	Clean the drain and hair catcher
Annually	Inspect the drain and its components for damage
As needed	Use a drain snake to clear clogs
When necessary	Contact a professional plumber for major issues

How To Remove Bathtub Drain

If your bathtub is draining slowly or not at all, it may be time to remove the drain and clean it. Here are the steps on how to remove a bathtub drain:

Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
Remove the drain stopper. This can usually be done by unscrewing it by hand.
Insert a screwdriver or Allen wrench into the hole in the center of the drain and turn it counterclockwise. This will loosen the drain.
Once the drain is loose, you can remove it by hand.
Clean the drain and the drain hole with a brush or a sponge.
Replace the drain by inserting it into the drain hole and turning it clockwise until it is tight.
Replace the drain stopper.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.