How To Remove Old Bathtub Drain Cover

How to Remove an Old Bathtub Drain Cover

A bathtub drain cover can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris over time. This can lead to slow drainage or even a clogged drain. If you're having trouble with your bathtub drain, one of the first things you should do is try to remove the drain cover and clean it. Removing a bathtub drain cover is a relatively simple task that can be done with a few basic tools.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, you'll need to gather a few tools:

A screwdriver
A pair of pliers
A bucket or bowl
A flashlight (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This is usually done by turning off the valves under the sink. If you can't find the valves, you can turn off the main water supply to your home.
Remove the drain stopper. The drain stopper is usually held in place by a screw. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw and then pull the stopper out of the drain.
Locate the drain cover. The drain cover is usually located in the center of the drain hole. It may be held in place by screws or by a locking mechanism.
Remove the screws (if necessary). If the drain cover is held in place by screws, use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Be careful not to drop the screws down the drain.
Unlock the locking mechanism (if necessary). Some drain covers are held in place by a locking mechanism. To unlock the mechanism, use the pliers to squeeze the tabs on the sides of the drain cover. Once the tabs are squeezed, the cover should come loose.
Pull out the drain cover. Once the drain cover is loose, pull it out of the drain hole. Be careful not to drop the cover into the bucket or bowl.
Clean the drain cover. Use a brush or a sponge to clean the drain cover. Be sure to remove all of the hair, soap scum, and other debris.
Reinstall the drain cover. Once the drain cover is clean, reinstall it in the drain hole. If the cover is held in place by screws, be sure to tighten the screws until the cover is secure.
Turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Check to make sure that the drain cover is properly installed and that there are no leaks.

Tips

If you're having trouble removing the drain cover, you may need to use a flashlight to get a better look at the locking mechanism.
If the drain cover is badly corroded, you may need to replace it with a new one.
To prevent the drain cover from clogging in the future, be sure to clean it regularly. You can also use a drain screen to catch hair and other debris.