How To Replace Drain In Bathtub

How To Replace Drain In Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

A faulty drain can lead to a leaky bathtub, which can be a major inconvenience and can cause damage to your bathroom. Replacing a bathtub drain is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. With the right tools and materials, you can easily replace the drain and get your bathtub back in working order. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need: * A new bathtub drain * A screwdriver * A wrench * A putty knife * A bucket * A sponge * A flashlight * Safety glasses * Plumber's putty ### Step 2: Prepare the Bathtub Start by removing the old drain cover. Use a screwdriver to pry the cover off. Once the cover is removed, you will see the drain flange. The drain flange is the metal piece that connects the drain to the bathtub. ### Step 3: Remove the Old Drain Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the drain flange in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the drain flange. Be careful not to drop the drain flange into the drainpipe. ### Step 4: Clean the Drainpipe Use a putty knife to scrape away any old plumber's putty from the drainpipe. Once the drainpipe is clean, you can insert the new drain. ### Step 5: Install the New Drain Insert the new drain into the drainpipe. Make sure that the drain is properly seated. Once the drain is in place, tighten the nuts that hold the drain flange in place. ### Step 6: Apply Plumber's Putty Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the drain flange. The plumber's putty will help to seal the drain and prevent leaks. ### Step 7: Install the Drain Cover Replace the drain cover. Make sure that the drain cover is properly seated. ### Step 8: Test the Drain Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks around the drain. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts that hold the drain flange in place. ### Step 9: Clean Up Once the drain is installed and tested, clean up any mess that you made. ### Additional Tips * If you are replacing a drain in a cast iron bathtub, you may need to use a special tool called a tap wrench. * If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a plumber to replace the drain for you. * Be sure to turn off the water supply to the bathtub before you begin working on the drain.