How To Fix Leaking Bathtub Drain

How To Fix Leaking Bathtub Drain: A Comprehensive Guide

A leaking bathtub drain is a common plumbing problem that can cause water damage to your bathroom floor and subfloor. If you're experiencing a bathtub drain leak, it's important to fix it as soon as possible. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you fix a leaking bathtub drain: ### 1. Diagnose the Leak Before you can fix a leaking bathtub drain, you need to determine where the leak is coming from. Here's how: 1.

Check the Bathtub Drain Stopper

: The drain stopper may be worn or damaged, allowing water to leak out. Visually inspect the stopper for cracks or damage. 2.

Inspect the Drain Pipe

: The drain pipe that connects the drain to the drain line may be loose or cracked. Check for leaks around the connection. 3.

Examine the Bathtub Overflow Drain

: The overflow drain is a small hole located near the top of the bathtub. It prevents water from overflowing the bathtub. If the overflow drain is clogged or damaged, it can cause water to leak out. ### 2. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials Once you've diagnosed the leak, it's time to gather the necessary tools and materials: - Adjustable wrench - Plumber's putty - Teflon tape - New drain stopper (if necessary) - New drain pipe (if necessary) - New overflow drain cover (if necessary) ### 3. Turn Off the Water Supply Before you start working on the drain, turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This will prevent water from leaking out while you're working. ### 4. Remove the Bathtub Drain Stopper If the leak is coming from the drain stopper, you'll need to remove it. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the drain stopper and remove it from the drain. ### 5. Apply Plumber's Putty Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the new drain stopper. This will help to create a watertight seal. ### 6. Reinstall the Bathtub Drain Stopper Reinstall the drain stopper in the drain. Make sure that it's tightly screwed in place. ### 7. Inspect the Drain Pipe If the leak is coming from the drain pipe, you'll need to inspect it for damage. Look for cracks or leaks around the connection. ### 8. Repair or Replace the Drain Pipe If the drain pipe is damaged, you'll need to repair or replace it. To repair the pipe, use a pipe sealant or wrap the pipe with Teflon tape. If the pipe is severely damaged, you'll need to replace it with a new one. ### 9. Inspect the Bathtub Overflow Drain If the leak is coming from the overflow drain, you'll need to inspect it for damage. Look for cracks or clogs. ### 10. Repair or Replace the Bathtub Overflow Drain If the overflow drain is damaged, you'll need to repair or replace it. To repair the drain, use a pipe sealant or wrap the drain with Teflon tape. If the drain is severely damaged, you'll need to replace it with a new one. ### 11. Test the Drain Once you've completed the repair, turn on the water supply and test the drain. Make sure that there are no leaks. ### Additional Tips: - If you're not comfortable working on plumbing fixtures, it's best to call a qualified plumber to fix the leak. - If the leak is coming from the drain pipe, you may need to remove the bathtub to access the pipe. - If the leak is coming from the overflow drain, you may need to remove the overflow drain cover to access the drain. - Always use a flashlight when inspecting the drain for leaks. - If you're replacing the drain stopper or overflow drain cover, make sure that you get the right size and type for your bathtub.