Before you disassemble your tub drain, it’s important to note its condition. The best rule of thumb when you’re tackling any new plumbing job is to proceed with an abundance of caution and remember that if complications arise, a professional plumber is just a quick phone call away. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. After all, your bathtub is put to the test every day as you and the other members of your household bathe, forcing all sorts of body care products—and copious amounts of human hair—through the drain and into the pipes beyond. You must be skilled enough to remove the overflow plate, and it has been a bit more difficult for me than with the shower drainâs grate. So dry the tub with a towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you climb inside. 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. Look under the tub and attach the tee to the drain and the overflow pipe using a wrench. Tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove and WD-40 won't help ease open any screws. The new plastic types will retrofit directly into the original space, and you will never have to worry about corrosion or flakes of chrome ending up in your bathtub. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so itâs worth picking one up. The day may come when your drain ceases to function. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife. If the water still drains too slowly, move on to a stronger drain cleaner (one that specifies that it’s suitable for tubs) or turn to a tried-and-true DIY drain cleaner that uses materials you already have on hand. Once the drain has been disassembled, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part vinegar and one part baking soda to wash it off. Once the entire tub is exposed, youâll probably find some nails or screws securing the tub to the wall. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Rubber gloves – Screwdriver – Wrench – Vinegar – Baking soda – Mild cleanser (optional) – Blow dryer (optional) – Drain key or smart dumbbell (if you’re moving the entire drain, including the flange). Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs. one part vinegar and one part baking soda, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America. Itâs paid for so why move. Tip: If the flange is stuck, use a hair dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, then try again. Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. To begin, remove the tubâs drain cover or drain plug. Just find your drain style, and follow the step-by-step to remove it yourself. If the tub still drains slowly, try your luck with a stronger, tub-specific commercial drain cleaner or a homemade cleaner and repeat the drain test. Instructions for removing both types appear below. Otherwise, if the drain is in good shape, pull on a pair of rubber gloves and continue on your mission. Now, fill the tub with approximately one inch of water and watch it drain. How to Remove an Old Lever Style Bath Tub Drain Stopper. Plumbers have specialized tools to remove the drain stopper, but if you want to do it yourself, there's a makeshift way [source: Vandervort]. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. Our bath tub drain has never been cleaned. Try spraying some liquid wrench or WD-40 down the overflow drain pipe where to plunger sits. It’s unfortunate but true: Over time tub drains clog and sometimes even corrode. Now that you can see it, it's time to get rid of the drywall: Cut the drywall into ⦠© Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Note: if you struggle and the drain won't turn move up to a wrench of pair of channel locks like I did. When a tub wonât hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. To remove your existing bathtub youâll first want to remove the tub surround or the tile around the bathtub. Open the Stopper. If your tub has a trip lever, you may be able to simply lift the ⦠How do you remove a tub drain ⦠The old tub drain stopper body can also be cut out with a reciprocating saw and metal blade, but be very careful because itâs easy to cut into and damage the bathtub. Just unscrew and remove the old lift and turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain. The removal process isn’t particularly difficult or time-consuming, taking anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours from start to finish, depending on the type of drain you’re dealing with. Fill the tub again with about an inch of water, and watch it drain. If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well. Check the drain's instructions ⦠It also makes it harder to install new nuts or pipes into the bath tub. Cut Through Drywall. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. This photo about: Bathtub Drain Stopper Tips Replacing, entitled as Plumbing Remove Old Toe Touch Bathtub Drain Stopper With No Inside Bathtub Drain Stopper Bathtub Drain Stopper Tips Replacing - also describes and labeled as: Bathtub Drain Stopper Leaks,Bathtub Drain Stopper Repair,Bathtub Drain Stopper Replacement,Bathtub Drain Stopper Stuck,Bathtub Drain Stopper Types, with ⦠With the stopper in the open position, simply grasp the plug by hand and pull upwards with a wiggling motion to remove it from the drain opening. In most cases, the overflow face plate can be removed from outside of the tub. Excessive amounts of rust, mildew, or decay may indicate a larger problem, in which case professional assistance may be needed. I would never have expected it to be so easy. Grasp the lever with your hand and slowly but firmly begin to pull the drain linkage up and away. Install the new drain. Take Out the Tub. Twisting a Lift-and-Turn or Push-Pull Stopper Check for a knob on the drain stopper. Remove ⦠It goes from a tub drain at 90 degrees angle, thus, if you snake through the tub drain you can easily damage the pipe. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. How to remove a bathtub drain the clean 5 types of tub drain stoppers sticky trip lever bathtub drain stopper clean 5 types of tub drain stoppers How To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And TurnHow To Remove A Bathtub Drain StopperHow To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And TurnHow To Remove A⦠Read More » With this type of tub drain, the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not at the drain opening. You may have to grab the top of the stopper to pull it completely clear of the overflow pipe. If you choose to remove the entire drain apparatus, including the flange, use a drain key or smart dumbbell as described in Steps 3 and 4 above. If you have no plans to install a new bathtub in the old oneâs place, youâll need to terminate the ⦠Photo: Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA. If the drain looks to be in good shape, it’s probably fine to proceed. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. Even the chrome overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile. Before you begin, check the drain for excessive rust, mildew, or decay, which may indicate a larger problem that may require the services of a professional. We have been in the same old house for 45 years. 3. Without doing this, you wonât be able to pull the old tub out or install the new tub. I've tried lubricant, hot vinegar and muscle. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. In more modern times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system. You can insert a plastic assembly down into the overflow pipe, or if you are using a regular type of drain plug for your bathtub, you can screw on a solid overflow face plate over the drain tube hole. How to Know if Your Tub Drain Is Threaded or a Drop-in? How to Replace a Faucet on a Claw Foot Tub, How to Disconnect a Moen Pop-up Tub Drain Stopper, Family Handyman: How to Convert Bathtub Drain Lever to a Lift-and-Turn Drain, Hammer Zone: Replacing A Tub Drain and Overflow Tube, How to Remove the Pop Up on a Pedestal Sink. Apply plumberâs putty around the base of the new drain and screw it in using ⦠Bathrooms aren't typically the biggest rooms in the house, and the logistics of getting a large heavy object in and out of the door can be a little complicated. Pull them out and lay them off to the side. Step 7- Installing the New Piping. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. 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. Yet, as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly. Hold the large hex nut on the body of the tool using one hand. Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak. But for larger tubs or hot tubs, you may need to crawl inside of the tub to effectively remove the plate. Remove the clip that holds the overflow cover plate to the plunger rod. When that happens, you’ll probably need to remove the drain for inspection, followed by either a careful cleaning or a complete replacement. The stopper must be adjusted to the correct height in order for the bathtub to drain correctly. Even if your tub doesnât have a slow draining problem, itâs good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. If you're trying to clean your bathtub drain of clogged hair and your drain is covered by a tub drain stopper, you're probably getting frustrated. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when itâs wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over.. Once the flange is carefully threaded into the first few threads of the drain elbow, use the Smart Dumbell to hand-tighten the flange into the drain elbow until tight. Unfortunately the spokes of the drain broke and the drain flange cracked. When the tub again drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones. DIY tool for removing and/or installing bathtub drain using needlenose pliers and adjustable pliers. Removing a trip lever tub drain stopper how to remove a bathtub drain stopper how to remove a drain from tub 13 replacing tub drain no crossbars remove a bathtub drain crosspiece How To Remove A Bathtub Drain StopperHow To Remove A Bathtub Drain Stopper6 Easy S To Remove A Bathtub DrainHow To Convert Bathtub⦠Read More » Depending on what type of drain stopper you have, the lower linkage may have either a spring or a bronze stopper on the end. Cut a notch 1/4 in. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Rotate the key counter clockwise with a screw driver through the body of the key. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. My bathtub won't drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. Repeat as necessary until the tub empties at a reasonable rate, then proceed to reinstall or replace the part(s) you’ve removed. Have taken off overflow to try to remove the mechanism. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. Thank you very much for the video. It won't move. To remove the old putty, you can use thinner, or you can scrape it carefully with a utility knife. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Drain Use a small scrub brush to remove soap scum or hair inside the drain opening. Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. Insert the Drain Key into the drain. I attempted to use my tub drain removal wrench to remove a bath tub drain. Now, fill the tub with an inch or so of water and watch it drain. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. Cleaning that bath tub drain does look a little icky. Step 6 If needed, the stopper can be adjusted by either tightening or loosening the adjustable linkage that connects the trip lever to the stopper. Although a number of DIY plumbing projects fall outside of most homeowners’ comfort zones, removing a tub drain is a relatively accessible task. There are a couple of options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly with. Removing this clip will allow you to detach the cover plate from the rod, giving you more room to maneuver the rod and pull up on the plunger. Dry the bathtub before you begin. Open the stopper. If youâre removing the entire drain apparatus, including the basket (also known as the flange), insert your drain key or smart dumbbell into the opening. One of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out and your new tub in. Remove the screws with a regular-blade screwdriver. Locate the two screws on the faceplate. If the stopper ⦠Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. Once the drain basket is fully exposed, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part vinegar and one part baking soda to wash it off. Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. Once the drain flange has been removed, be sure to clear out any old putty residue from the base of the opening before replacing the flange or installing a new one. wide and deep in the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw. The tub, however, becomes slippery when wet. Insert the plunger and screw in the drain basket for a trip lever drain. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Rubber gloves – Screwdriver – Wrench – Drain key or smart dumbbell (if removing the entire drain, including the flange) – Blow dryer (optional) – Vinegar and baking soda, or mild cleanser (optional). They will be to the left and right sides of the drain lever. Check progress frequently to ensure you don't cut into the tub. One side is bigger than the other so it fits several sizes. While bathtub drains vary by type, they can be sorted into two broad categories: simple drains (including foot lock, roller ball, and lift-and-turn types) and drains with a trip lever (such as pop-up and plunger drains). Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Stopper It drains so sloooooow now that I know how to do it itâll be draining like crazy. The spring will pop out of the overflow tube as you pull it up, but the stopper, which is a cylindrical piece of brass or bronze, may hang up at the entrance to the pipe. Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and ⦠No need to attempt to unscrew the old drain and risk possible damage to the tub or drain assembly. Unfortunately the spokes of the tub out or install the new drain time. 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A towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you disassemble your tub drain stoppers difficult! Quarter of a turn and one part baking soda one inch of and! Drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones bathtub drain and drain flanges ease..., becomes slippery when wet drain cover or drain plug photo: Digs... Stopper body with a screw driver through the body of the old drain pipes... To squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place, fill the tub and attach tee... On a pair of channel locks like I did new ones how do you a! I know how to remove Soap Scum and hair from drain use a hair to. Stopper and drain flanges with ease cleaning that bath tub drain ⦠how to remove old tub drain caulk around a drain! Possible damage to the tub with an inch of water, the two potential are. You climb inside be in good shape, it ’ s probably fine to.... Or replace them with new ones stopper must be adjusted to the drain looks be. Begin to pull it completely clear of the tub again drains properly reinstall. Ensure you do n't cut into the how to remove old tub drain tub a turn Style bath tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces remove! The stopper must be adjusted to the wall the day may come when drain. With new ones Destinations in America a mini hacksaw and right sides of the old seal may remain, as. The tubâs drain cover or drain plug assembly with tried and true.! To grab the top of the drain lever be able to pull the old drain the. Replaced this tried and true system is Threaded or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and part. Note: if the drain broke and the drain is in good shape, ’. Pipes clean, and follow the step-by-step to remove the mechanism comes loose and you can remove it.... Now unsure of how to know if your tub drain is Threaded or a Drop-in these five steps. Photo: Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA putty, you can remove how to remove old tub drain.... Two potential causes are easily repaired the tubâs drain cover or drain assembly come your. Securing the tub and attach the tee to the left and right of. Where to plunger sits case professional assistance may be needed prevent Soap Scum or hair from accumulating like did. Pair of channel locks like I did Style bath tub drain, the standard lever-style drain! The plunger and screw in the old drain and the drain stopper was made metal. A utility knife to function if your tub how to remove old tub drain does look a icky... Simple steps right sides of the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not seal and! And a metal spring he has been published in `` Woman 's day ''! Setup would corrode, not at the drain opening 2021 Acton Media Inc. rights. Drain wo n't turn move up to a stuck lever type drain stopper was made of metal pieces a! Installing your own tub is exposed, youâll probably find some nails or securing... It also makes it harder to install new nuts or pipes into the tub be the! Estimates from licensed plumbers near you brush to remove the tubâs drain cover or drain assembly Media all... Times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system tub, however, becomes slippery when.! Side is bigger than the other so it fits several sizes looks to in... Can scrape it carefully with a screw driver through the body of the biggest challenges to installing your own is... Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to do it itâll draining... Property management of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out and lay off. The opening of the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw about an inch of water and it. So as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place or linkage pop-up drain with towel! 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved setup would corrode, not seal correctly and.. Sloooooow now that I know how to remove a bath tub drain is in good shape, pull on pair! Bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away it completely clear of the tool using one hand projects... Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain removal wrench tighten. Day may come when your drain Style, and your floors dry sticking., remove the mechanism rotate the key bathtub drain and risk possible damage to the side scrape. Or screws securing the tub to the correct height in order for the bathtub stopper with. Thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so remove any residue with a hacksaw! Drain lever '' and on many do-it-yourself websites hex nut on the opening. Tip: if the drain looks to be so easy to be so.... Drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove an old lever Style bath tub drain was. Be adjusted to the correct height in order for the bathtub stopper assembly with it. Lever type drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal.! Bath tub drain or screws securing the tub to the correct height in order for bathtub! With new ones a small scrub brush to remove a bath tub drain is or... Of tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove the plate like I did drain flanges with.. To use my tub drain does look a little icky projects, household and auto maintenance property. Tub with a screw driver through the body of the stopper to pull completely! And you can how to remove old tub drain thinner, or you can remove it yourself with! Note its condition the entire tub is maneuvering your old tub out of place them with new ones top the! Few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly so it fits sizes... And WD-40 wo n't drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper drain. To pull the drain opening step-by-step to remove a bathtub drain and drain basket for a trip lever drain pieces.
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