Removing The Drain From A Bathtub

Removing the Drain From a Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in a house, and bathtubs are an integral part of many bathrooms. However, bathtubs can sometimes become clogged or damaged, requiring the removal of the drain. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry – removing a bathtub drain is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. ### Tools and Materials You'll Need: * Adjustable wrench * Pliers * Screwdriver * Bucket * Rags * Flashlight * Safety glasses * Gloves ### Step 1: Prepare the Area Start by clearing the area around the bathtub. Remove any rugs or other items that could get in the way. Place a bucket beneath the drain to catch any water that may leak out. Put on your safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any debris or chemicals. ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Locate the water supply valves for the bathtub, which are usually located behind the access panel or beneath the sink. Turn off both the hot and cold water valves to prevent any water from flowing into the bathtub while you are working. ### Step 3: Remove the Overflow Plate The overflow plate is the small plate located near the top of the bathtub, usually directly above the drain. Use a screwdriver to pry off the overflow plate, taking care not to damage the surrounding tiles or bathtub surface. ### Step 4: Access the Drain Assembly Once the overflow plate is removed, you will have access to the drain assembly. This typically consists of a drain stopper, a drainpipe, and a drain shoe. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the drainpipe from the drain shoe. ### Step 5: Remove the Drain Stopper Use the pliers to grip the drain stopper and pull it out of the drainpipe. Be careful not to drop the drain stopper down the drain. If the drain stopper is stuck, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it loose. ### Step 6: Remove the Drainpipe Once the drain stopper is removed, you can remove the drainpipe. Grip the drainpipe with the adjustable wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to drop the drainpipe down the drain. ### Step 7: Clean the Drain Assembly With the drainpipe removed, you can clean the drain assembly. Use the rags to wipe away any dirt or debris from the drain shoe and the surrounding area. If there is a significant amount of buildup, you may need to use a mild cleaning solution and a scrub brush to remove it. ### Step 8: Reinstall the Drain Assembly Once the drain assembly is clean, you can reinstall it. Start by inserting the drainpipe into the drain shoe. Hand-tighten the drainpipe until it is snug. Then, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the drainpipe further, ensuring that it is secure. ### Step 9: Reinstall the Drain Stopper Insert the drain stopper into the drainpipe. Push it down until it is firmly in place. ### Step 10: Reinstall the Overflow Plate Replace the overflow plate by pressing it back into place. Make sure that the overflow plate is flush with the surrounding tiles or bathtub surface. ### Step 11: Turn On the Water Supply Turn on the hot and cold water valves to allow water to flow into the bathtub. Check for any leaks around the drain assembly. If you see any leaks, tighten the drainpipe or drain shoe further. ### Step 12: Test the Drain Once you have ensured that there are no leaks, test the drain by running water into the bathtub. The water should drain quickly and smoothly. If the water is draining slowly, you may need to adjust the drain stopper or clean the drain assembly further. Removing a bathtub drain is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. By following these steps, you can easily remove and replace a bathtub drain, keeping your bathroom running smoothly.