How To Change A Bathtub Drain

How to Change a Bathtub Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures

A leaky or clogged bathtub drain can be a nuisance and can lead to more serious problems if left unattended. If you're experiencing issues with your bathtub drain, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials: * Adjustable wrench * Phillips head screwdriver * Flat head screwdriver * Bucket or container * Rags * New bathtub drain assembly * Plumber's putty ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Once you have gathered your tools and materials, turn off the water supply to your bathtub. You can do this by finding the shut-off valve for your bathtub and turning it to the "off" position. If you don't know where the shut-off valve is, you can usually find it under your sink or in the basement. ### Step 3: Prepare the Bathtub Once the water supply is turned off, you can begin preparing the bathtub. Remove the drain cover and use a rag to clean the drain opening. You may also need to remove the overflow plate, which is located on the side of the bathtub. ### Step 4: Remove the Old Drain Assembly Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the old drain assembly in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the drain assembly by pulling it straight up. ### Step 5: Clean the Drain Opening Once the old drain assembly is removed, you can clean the drain opening. Use a rag to wipe away any dirt or debris. You may also want to use a degreaser to remove any buildup. ### Step 6: Apply Plumber's Putty Apply a generous amount of plumber's putty to the bottom of the new drain assembly. The plumber's putty will help to create a seal between the drain assembly and the bathtub. ### Step 7: Install the New Drain Assembly Insert the new drain assembly into the drain opening. Hand-tighten the nuts until they are snug. Do not over-tighten the nuts, as this could damage the drain assembly. ### Step 8: Reinstall the Overflow Plate If you removed the overflow plate, reinstall it now. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the overflow plate in place. ### Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply Turn on the water supply to your bathtub and check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts on the drain assembly until the leaks stop. ### Step 10: Replace the Drain Cover Replace the drain cover and you're done! ### Troubleshooting If you're having trouble changing your bathtub drain, here are a few troubleshooting tips: * If you can't loosen the nuts that hold the old drain assembly in place, you may need to use a penetrating oil. Spray the penetrating oil onto the nuts and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen them again. * If you can't remove the old drain assembly, you may need to use a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to damage the bathtub when using the hammer and chisel. * If you have a leak after installing the new drain assembly, tighten the nuts on the drain assembly until the leak stops. Do not over-tighten the nuts, as this could damage the drain assembly. ### Conclusion Changing a bathtub drain is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.