How To Fix Leaking Bathtub Drain

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain: A Comprehensive Guide

A leaking bathtub drain can be a real nuisance. Not only is it annoying to listen to, but it can also waste water and increase your water bill. If you're dealing with a leaking bathtub drain, don't worry - you can fix it yourself with a few simple steps.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about fixing a leaking bathtub drain. We'll cover the most common causes of leaks, as well as the step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

Causes of Bathtub Drain Leaks

There are several common causes of bathtub drain leaks, including:

Loose drain stopper: The drain stopper is the small plug that sits in the drain hole. If the drain stopper is loose, it can allow water to leak out.
Damaged washer: The washer is a rubber ring that seals the drain stopper to the drain. If the washer is damaged, it can allow water to leak out.
Cracked drainpipe: The drainpipe is the pipe that carries water from the drain to the sewer. If the drainpipe is cracked, it can allow water to leak out.
Loose drain flange: The drain flange is the metal ring that connects the drainpipe to the bathtub. If the drain flange is loose, it can allow water to leak out.

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain

Once you've identified the cause of the leak, you can begin to fix it. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to fix a leaking bathtub drain:

1. Gather your tools and materials

You will need the following tools and materials to fix a leaking bathtub drain:

Adjustable wrench
Plumber's putty
New drain stopper
New washer
Bucket
Rags

2. Remove the drain stopper

Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the drain stopper. Once the drain stopper is loose, remove it from the drain hole.

3. Inspect the washer

Inspect the washer for any signs of damage. If the washer is damaged, replace it with a new one.

4. Apply plumber's putty to the drain flange

Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the drain flange. The plumber's putty will help to seal the drain flange and prevent leaks.

5. Reinstall the drain stopper

Insert the drain stopper into the drain hole. Tighten the drain stopper using the adjustable wrench.

6. Test the drain

Fill the bathtub with water and check for leaks. If the drain is still leaking, you may need to repeat the steps above.

Preventing Bathtub Drain Leaks

There are several things you can do to prevent bathtub drain leaks, including:

Clean the drain regularly: Hair and other debris can build up in the drain and cause leaks. To prevent this, clean the drain regularly with a drain cleaner.
Don't drop heavy objects into the drain: Dropping heavy objects into the drain can damage the drain stopper or the drainpipe.
Tighten the drain flange regularly: The drain flange can loosen over time, so it's important to tighten it regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent bathtub drain leaks and keep your bathroom dry.