Bathtub Drain Removal - Home Bathtub

Bathtub Drain Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

A clogged bathtub drain can be a frustrating and unsanitary problem. If you're dealing with a stubborn clog that won't budge with a simple drain cleaner, you may need to remove the drain to clean it properly. While it's possible to remove a bathtub drain yourself, it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging your bathtub or drain. If you're not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it's best to call a professional plumber. ### Tools and Materials Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials: * Adjustable wrench * Channel-lock pliers * Screwdriver * Bucket * Rags * Old towels * Gloves * Safety glasses ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1.

Turn off the water supply.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to your bathtub. This will prevent water from leaking out of the drain when you remove it. If your bathtub has a separate shut-off valve, simply turn it to the "off" position. If not, you'll need to turn off the main water supply to your home. 2.

Place a bucket under the drain.

This will catch any water that leaks out when you remove the drain. 3.

Remove the overflow plate.

The overflow plate is the small, round plate located near the top of the bathtub. It's usually held in place by a few screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then lift off the overflow plate. 4.

Loosen the drain stopper.

The drain stopper is the part of the drain that plugs the hole in the bottom of the bathtub. It's usually held in place by a few screws. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws, then lift out the drain stopper. 5.

Remove the drain strainer.

The drain strainer is the metal or plastic screen that sits inside the drain. It's usually held in place by a few screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then lift out the drain strainer. 6.

Unscrew the drainpipe.

The drainpipe is the pipe that connects the drain to the sewer system. It's usually held in place by a slip nut. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the slip nut, then remove the drainpipe. 7.

Remove the old drain shoe.

The drain shoe is the rubber or plastic part that fits around the bottom of the drainpipe. It helps to seal the drain and prevent leaks. Use a channel-lock pliers to remove the old drain shoe. 8.

Clean the drain.

Once you've removed the old drain shoe, you can clean the drain. Use a brush and some CLR to scrub away any buildup. Rinse the drain thoroughly with water. 9.

Install a new drain shoe.

Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the bottom of the drainpipe. Then, press the new drain shoe into place. 10.

Reinstall the drainpipe.

Screw the drainpipe back into the drain. Hand-tighten the slip nut, then use an adjustable wrench to tighten it further. 11.

Reinstall the drain strainer.

Insert the drain strainer into the drain. Hand-tighten the screws, then use a screwdriver to tighten them further. 12.

Reinstall the drain stopper.

Insert the drain stopper into the drain. Hand-tighten the screws, then use a screwdriver to tighten them further. 13.

Reinstall the overflow plate.

Replace the overflow plate and tighten the screws. 14.

Turn on the water supply.

Turn on the water supply to your bathtub and check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the slip nut or screws until the leak stops. ### Troubleshooting If you're having trouble removing a bathtub drain, here are a few troubleshooting tips: * If the drain stopper is stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen it. * If the drainpipe is stuck, you can use a pipe wrench to loosen it. * If you can't remove the old drain shoe, you can use a utility knife to cut it away. * If you're not sure how to reinstall the drain, you can refer to the instructions that came with the new drain shoe.