Regardless of the reason why you need to remove a bathtub drain, there are some tips you should know before starting. This article shows the main of them.
Look over the guide below and find out some basic tricks that will help you to make a good job of the removal.
No matter what aim you pursue, the process of getting an old tub drain is common for all purposes. Furthermore, it’s rather simple and accessible even if you’re not a professional plumber.
You may want to replace you current bathtub, make some minor repairs etc. In some cases, you need to remove a drain even when you just want to clear out the tube from hair or nasty residues.
It’s necessary to give you notice that the project won’t be as easy as falling off a log. So sometimes, it is reasonable to think of hiring an expert.
Instead of getting confused with bathroom fixtures, you can contact a specialist and be sure for the result. Make a request and let a suitable pro know about your needs.
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Another way of getting you job done is to read on the present article. The tips and tricks will reveal basic principles of the task.
Before getting started, be aware of some important things. First of all, remember that different houses have various types of bathtubs and fitments.
That’s why some details and peculiarities might be missed out. And our second advice is to be ready for unexpected nuisances.
It is often happens so that trying to crack one problem, you’re at risk to create a new set of problems to deal with. This situation could turn into such a case too.
Speaking about tools, it is necessary to say that the best option for you are drain removal or smart dumbbell. Besides, an ordinary screwdriver and wrench may come in handy.
Bathtub drain removal guide
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Unscrew the drain cover
At first, you have to remove the overflow plate. This is a part of a tube drain, aimed at hiding a drain and performing decorative functions, as well as serving a filtering gauze.
The covering is normally screwed down. So to remove a drain, you must remove this screw first. Then, pull the linkage out of the drainpipe.
It is usually not so easy to do, so apply more force and pull harder. Be careful not to damage anything. When you lifted it out, move on to the next step.
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Rotate the drain assembly
If the drain assembly wasn’t fixed by a screw, there is another alternative how to get it out. There different ways to do it using simple tools.
The best option is to have a plug wrench at your hand. It will give you the opportunity to turn drain assembly.
But you can also use two pairs of vice-grip pliers. Put them down in hole and grab the X-shaped assembly right in the center.
Don’t overdo, as it is easily damaged if rotating not carefully. Then you will have more troubles than before.
To simplify the task, you can use a hair dryer. You may need it to heat the stopper, so switch on the dryer on High.
With the help of it you can direct warm air to the drain. It will loosen the putty and gunk that accumulated over years.
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Pull out the stopper
This phase is probably the most difficult of the whole process. So arm yourself with patience and be ready to it.
Grab the stopper and pop it out of the pipe. It will be very tough, because the stopper body is held by the old plumber’s putty.
One more method to remove the old stopper body is to cut it a bit with a small handsaw or metal blade. But always remember you don’t want to worsen the situation.
Any careless movements can lead to bathtub damage. Hence, select the tool that can fit the size of the hole.
There are different types of stoppers in fact, so not all of them require such harsh work. Most are on the contrary easy to remove.
HireRush.com recommends you also to prepare some bucket or some such to ensure the dirt won’t pour down. This tip may be helpful for preventing old hair and debris from contaminating your bath.
Here you go. The job is finished. When you get the tub drain, some plumber’s putty may remain. To clean all that left on the tub and on, use a screwdriver or a towel. Try to tear it off.
And there is one more thing you have to know, if going to install a new drain. Always apply new putty in this case.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to fix bathtub drain properly. As a consequence, it can cause leakage.
