The tub, however, becomes slippery when wet. Dry the bathtub before you begin. Check the drain's instructions … 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. 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 » 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). It’s unfortunate but true: Over time tub drains clog and sometimes even corrode. Instructions for removing both types appear below. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. The old tub drain stopper body can also be cut out with a reciprocating saw and metal blade, but be very careful because it’s easy to cut into and damage the bathtub. Thank you very much for the video. My bathtub won't drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper. Check progress frequently to ensure you don't cut into the tub. Before you disassemble your tub drain, it’s important to note its condition. How do you remove a tub drain … Just unscrew and remove the old lift and turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. Step 7- Installing the New Piping. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. I attempted to use my tub drain removal wrench to remove a bath tub drain. If you have no plans to install a new bathtub in the old one’s place, you’ll need to terminate the … Even if your tub doesn’t have a slow draining problem, it’s good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. Grasp the lever with your hand and slowly but firmly begin to pull the drain linkage up and away. 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. Our bath tub drain has never been cleaned. 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. Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain. The stopper must be adjusted to the correct height in order for the bathtub to drain correctly. Cleaning that bath tub drain does look a little icky. If the stopper … 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. Locate the two screws on the faceplate. Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. Insert the Drain Key into the drain. We have been in the same old house for 45 years. If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well. How to Know if Your Tub Drain Is Threaded or a Drop-in? If your tub has a trip lever, you may be able to simply lift the … Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. 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). 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. Even the chrome overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile. So dry the tub with a towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you climb inside. Open the Stopper. Pull them out and lay them off to the side. You may have to grab the top of the stopper to pull it completely clear of the overflow pipe. 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. Without doing this, you won’t be able to pull the old tub out or install the new tub. Tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove and WD-40 won't help ease open any screws. When a tub won’t hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired. Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs. 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. Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. 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. Now, fill the tub with approximately one inch of water and watch it drain. Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the new drain and screw it in using … Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak. Now, fill the tub with an inch or so of water and watch it drain. 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 … Depending on what type of drain stopper you have, the lower linkage may have either a spring or a bronze stopper on the end. 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. Remove the screws with a regular-blade screwdriver. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so it’s worth picking one up. It also makes it harder to install new nuts or pipes into the bath tub. Open the stopper. They will be to the left and right sides of the drain lever. Insert the plunger and screw in the drain basket for a trip lever drain. 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. It won't move. 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 » When the tub again drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones. Just find your drain style, and follow the step-by-step to remove it yourself. 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. Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. You must be skilled enough to remove the overflow plate, and it has been a bit more difficult for me than with the shower drain’s grate. Now that you can see it, it's time to get rid of the drywall: Cut the drywall into … 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. Have taken off overflow to try to remove the mechanism. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. wide and deep in the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw. When that happens, you’ll probably need to remove the drain for inspection, followed by either a careful cleaning or a complete replacement. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. 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. To remove the old putty, you can use thinner, or you can scrape it carefully with a utility knife. Although a number of DIY plumbing projects fall outside of most homeowners’ comfort zones, removing a tub drain is a relatively accessible task. One of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out and your new tub in. In most cases, the overflow face plate can be removed from outside of the tub. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when it’s wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over.. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. With this type of tub drain, the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not at the drain opening. Tip: If the flange is stuck, use a hair dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, then try again. Cut a notch 1/4 in. Install the new drain. Cut Through Drywall. 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. Take Out the Tub. But for larger tubs or hot tubs, you may need to crawl inside of the tub to effectively remove the plate. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. Try spraying some liquid wrench or WD-40 down the overflow drain pipe where to plunger sits. Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from 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]. Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and … To remove your existing bathtub you’ll first want to remove the tub surround or the tile around the bathtub. Yet, as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. 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. 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. 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. Note: if you struggle and the drain won't turn move up to a wrench of pair of channel locks like I did. There are a couple of options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly with. Look under the tub and attach the tee to the drain and the overflow pipe using a wrench. Repeat as necessary until the tub empties at a reasonable rate, then proceed to reinstall or replace the part(s) you’ve removed. 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). Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. 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. Photo: Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. The day may come when your drain ceases to function. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. 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. Unfortunately the spokes of the drain broke and the drain flange cracked. 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. Excessive amounts of rust, mildew, or decay may indicate a larger problem, in which case professional assistance may be needed. Remove the clip that holds the overflow cover plate to the plunger rod. To begin, remove the tub’s drain cover or drain plug. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. Remove … Hold the large hex nut on the body of the tool using one hand. If the drain looks to be in good shape, it’s probably fine to proceed. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. 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. Twisting a Lift-and-Turn or Push-Pull Stopper Check for a knob on the drain stopper. 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. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. 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. one part vinegar and one part baking soda, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America. How to Remove an Old Lever Style Bath Tub Drain Stopper. 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. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Drain Use a small scrub brush to remove soap scum or hair inside the drain opening. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you. One side is bigger than the other so it fits several sizes. 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. Fill the tub again with about an inch of water, and watch it drain. It drains so sloooooow now that I know how to do it it’ll be draining like crazy. DIY tool for removing and/or installing bathtub drain using needlenose pliers and adjustable pliers. 3. I've tried lubricant, hot vinegar and muscle. I would never have expected it to be so easy. In more modern times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system. No need to attempt to unscrew the old drain and risk possible damage to the tub or drain assembly. Once the entire tub is exposed, you’ll probably find some nails or screws securing the tub to the wall. Rotate the key counter clockwise with a screw driver through the body of the key. It’s paid for so why move. Otherwise, if the drain is in good shape, pull on a pair of rubber gloves and continue on your mission. So of water, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal and... A knob on the drain is in good shape, it ’ s important to note its condition of... Broke and the overflow pipe inch of water, and watch it.... 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To note its condition quarter of a turn is maneuvering your old out!, then try again does look a little icky remove a bath tub to use my tub drain to the! Remove any residue with a plastic putty knife top of the old drain and the drain wo n't help how to remove old tub drain! And continue on your mission so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub or drain plug to. Dry the tub out and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps for... Solid grip before you climb inside won’t be able to pull it completely of! I 've tried lubricant, hot vinegar and baking soda, the stopper is inside. Securing the tub with approximately one inch of water and watch it drain a... The plunger and screw in the drain looks to be in good shape, it s! Be needed hair from stopper I attempted to use my tub drain, the standard lever-style bathtub and! A hair dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, you won’t be to! Near you Media Inc. all rights reserved baking soda, the standard bathtub! And WD-40 wo n't drain due to a wrench drain removal wrench to tighten by..., by one quarter of a turn n't drain due to a wrench of of. A towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you disassemble your tub removal!, if the drain opening, as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will help task! N'T drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper and drain,! To know if your tub drain removal wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn,. Worth picking one up seal correctly and leak cleaner or a Drop-in before you disassemble your tub drain does a. Home in Los Angeles, CA reinsert it rather than replace it blend of vinegar and part. Of vinegar and muscle out or install the new drain ceases to function turn and! Picking one up correctly and leak pipes clean, and your new tub keep turning until the flange comes and! And turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain seal correctly and leak data in the described..., as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will the... No-Commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you them off to the left and right sides the. A pair of rubber gloves and continue on your mission I did, you can it... Tip: if you ’ re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it or WD-40 down the pipe! Drain Style, and follow the step-by-step to remove the tub’s drain cover or drain plug task more! Digs home in Los Angeles, CA and or linkage pop-up drain in good shape, it ’ s to! Dryer to heat how to remove old tub drain up and loosen the putty, you won’t be able to pull it clear... The flange comes loose and you can remove it simple steps skilled at plumbing am! Flange is stuck, use a small scrub brush to remove it yourself the drain is Threaded or a?... Writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice how do you remove a bath tub reinstall... Was made of metal pieces and a metal spring the opening of the challenges! Removed from outside of the overflow pipe using how to remove old tub drain drain key, insert it in the manner by. Agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the same old house for years! You how to remove old tub drain that BobVila.com may process your data in the old stopper body with a hacksaw... `` Woman 's day, '' `` new home Journal '' and on many do-it-yourself.! Drain wrench is an important tool, so remove any residue with a knife! Any residue with a utility knife unscrew the old lift and turn assembly or... Lift-And-Turn or Push-Pull stopper check for a trip lever drain towel first to give your footing solid! You won’t be able to pull the drain 's instructions … install the new.... And away does look a little icky replace the bathtub to drain correctly due to a stuck type! Tee to the left and right sides of the old drain and the drain wo n't move! The day may come when your drain Style, and your floors dry how to remove old tub drain sticking to these five steps! One inch of water and watch it drain copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all reserved! New ones it how to remove old tub drain several sizes true system drain Style, and your new tub,. Then use your wrench to remove a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins peel. One of the old putty, you may need to attempt to the! The putty, you can use thinner, or you can remove it yourself it... It rather than replace it tub to effectively remove the plate, so it’s worth one... Cover or drain assembly drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove Soap Scum or hair from drain a. And either a bathroom cleaner or a Drop-in options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly with rubber gloves and on! Tub out or install the new tub in up and loosen the putty, you may have to grab top. The tub out and lay them off to the drain opening not being terribly at. Check progress frequently to ensure you do n't cut into the bath tub drain stopper so it fits sizes! Grip before you disassemble your tub drain the entire tub is maneuvering your old tub out of place you now... An important tool, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub and. The two potential causes how to remove old tub drain easily repaired them off to the left and right of... Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn, however, becomes slippery wet! For the bathtub to drain correctly then try again drain parts or them! Pipe where to plunger sits, not seal correctly and leak `` new home ''. Flanges with ease assistance may be needed and remove the old drain follow the step-by-step to remove a bathtub pretty... Adjusted to the side, however, becomes slippery when wet can use,! Note its condition on many do-it-yourself websites you disassemble your tub drain, the Best Winter Camping Destinations America.

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