Bathtub Drain Plug Removal

Bathtub Drain Plug Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

A clogged bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, causing water to pool in the tub and making it difficult to use. In most cases, the clog is caused by hair, soap scum, and other debris that has built up over time. While it is possible to clear a clogged drain with a chemical drain cleaner, it is often more effective to simply remove the drain plug and clean it manually. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools Before you begin, you will need to gather the following tools: * A pair of pliers * A screwdriver * A bucket or bowl to catch the water that will drain from the tub * A pair of rubber gloves (optional) ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Once you have gathered your tools, you need to turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This will prevent water from leaking out of the tub while you are working. The water supply valve is usually located under the sink or in the basement. ### Step 3: Remove the Overflow Plate The overflow plate is the small, round plate that is located near the top of the bathtub. It is usually held in place by a few screws. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws and then lift the overflow plate off of the tub. ### Step 4: Remove the Drain Plug The drain plug is located in the center of the bathtub drain. It is usually held in place by a small screw or a clip. Use the pliers to remove the screw or clip and then lift the drain plug out of the tub. ### Step 5: Clean the Drain Plug and Overflow Plate Once you have removed the drain plug and overflow plate, you can clean them with a scrub brush and some household cleaner. Rinse the drain plug and overflow plate thoroughly with water and then dry them with a towel. ### Step 6: Reinstall the Drain Plug and Overflow Plate Once the drain plug and overflow plate are clean, you can reinstall them in the bathtub. First, insert the drain plug into the drain hole and then secure it with the screw or clip. Next, replace the overflow plate and secure it with the screws. ### Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply Once the drain plug and overflow plate are reinstalled, you can turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Test the drain to make sure that it is working properly. If water is still leaking from the tub, you may need to tighten the drain plug or overflow plate further. ### Additional Tips * If you are having trouble removing the drain plug, you can try using a pair of pliers to grip the edges of the plug. * If the drain plug is heavily corroded, you may need to replace it with a new one. * You can prevent clogs from forming in your bathtub drain by regularly cleaning it with a drain cleaner. * If you have a pop-up drain, you can remove the stopper by simply pulling it up.