How to Change a Bathtub Drain

A leaky or clogged bathtub drain can be a major nuisance. Not only can it cause water to pool in your bathtub, but it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. If you're experiencing problems with your bathtub drain, you may need to replace it. This is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours.

Tools and Materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench
Channel lock pliers
Flathead screwdriver
Putty knife
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape
New bathtub drain

Step-by-Step Guide

Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. There should be a valve located under the sink or in the basement that controls the water supply to the bathtub. Turn the valve to the "off" position.
Remove the old drain cover. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the drain cover. Be careful not to damage the surrounding tile.
Loosen the drainpipe. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the drainpipe that is connected to the drain cover. Be careful not to drop the drainpipe into the drain.
Remove the old drain. Use the channel lock pliers to remove the old drain from the bathtub. Be careful not to damage the tub.
Clean the drain hole. Use the putty knife to clean the drain hole of any old putty or debris. Make sure the hole is clean and dry.
Apply plumber's putty to the new drain. Roll a rope of plumber's putty around the base of the new drain. The putty should be about 1/2 inch thick.
Install the new drain. Insert the new drain into the drain hole. Press down on the drain until the putty makes contact with the tub.
Tighten the drainpipe. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the drainpipe that is connected to the drain cover. Be careful not to overtighten the drainpipe.
Install the drain cover. Replace the drain cover and tighten it with the flathead screwdriver.
Turn on the water supply to the bathtub. Turn the valve under the sink or in the basement to the "on" position. Check for leaks around the drain.

Tips

If you have a difficult time removing the old drain, you can use a drain auger to break up the clog.
If you're not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a plumber to replace the bathtub drain for you.
Be sure to choose a new bathtub drain that is the same size and type as the old drain.

Conclusion

Replacing a bathtub drain is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace the bathtub drain and get your bathtub back in working order.