Have you found that this is the time to change your bathtub drain? Do you have an idea on how to go about it? In this post, I have prepared you a tutorial to enable you to change the bathtub drain hassle-free. Therefore, you will learn how to change bathtub drain in the next couple of minutes. But why should you opt to change your bathtub drain?
If you find that your bathtub drain is leaky, it is time to take an action. You might think to fix or replace it. In this case, it all depends on the condition of the bathtub drain. Because you cannot keep a malfunctioning tub drain at your bathroom. It will cause damage to your bathroom.
The constant moisture due to water dripping will be destructive. If this is the case, just take your time to analyze the situation and decide whether to repair/fix or replace. If you prefer the latter, this is how to change bathtub drain.
If you realize that you need to replace the drain and you are running on a low budget, this is the best time to learn some of these do-it-yourself projects. Apart from knowing how to change bathtub drain, you will know many more other home improvement do-it-yourself projects. Also, learn how to fix a dripping bathtub faucet. Your bathtub drain might not even be leaky, but can be slow-draining.
Why is the bathtub drain slow-draining? It is because there is clog. Can I fix this? Yes! As you can see, there are so many problems that are related to the home environment which could be costly if you always want to invite a professional. If your bathtub drain has corroded, learn how to change bathtub drain and work on it. Here are the tools that you require.
Tools And Materials Required
- A new bathtub drain assembly
- Adjustable wrench
- Drain key
- Utility knife
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Dumbbell tool
- Putty knife
- Plumber’s putty
- Tub drain wrench
Procedure: How To Change Bathtub Drain
- The process of changing a bathtub drain starts with acquiring a new one. Make sure that you know all the features and dimensions of the current tub drain before heading to buy a new one.
- The newly purchased drain should fit seamlessly and trouble-free if you know the dimensions and other surrounding features.
- In going about how to change bathtub drain, you need to understand that it works alongside a stopper assembly. Along with the stopper, the bathtub drain regulates the flow of water.
- The stopper can either be opened or closed to allow or prevent the flow of water respectively.
- Given their joint functioning, it is good to change the stopper as well. However, this will depend on the condition of the current stopper.
- The bathtub stopper has a rubber seal whereas the bathtub has a drain flange. These parts get worn out hence inhibiting the efficient functionality of the pair.
- If these parts are all together worn out, you have to change the bathtub drain and the stopper as well.
- Once all the decisions are made and you have got the new drain assembly, start removing the old one.
- Understand the nature of the tub stopper associated with the drain. Note that there are different types of tub drain stoppers. The stopper can be a screen, toe-tap, twist, or plunger type.
- After understanding the nature of the tub stopper, you need to remove it based on the strategy of its design.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screw holding the stopper in place. For pop-up and toe-tap stoppers, you have to remove the decorative cover plate before unscrewing the mounting screw.
- Use a utility knife to pry off the decorative cover. Then use a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screw.
- Use the dumbbell to remove the bathtub drain. In doing this, you need to seat the removal tool in the drain. Make sure that the dumbbell’s notches fit tightly in the drain’s crossbars.
- In the middle of the dumbbell, clamp with an adjustable wrench and rotate in an anticlockwise direction to loosen and finally remove the bathtub drain.
- Before installing a new bathtub drain, you need to clean the area. Using a putty knife, scrape the old putty and thoroughly clean the area.
- But for some drain assemblies, you don’t need to use putty because they were designed with a rubber gasket that works in the place of plumber’s putty to create a watertight seal. In this case, this is how to re-install the bathtub drain.
- But before this, if the drain assembly does not come with a rubber gasket, you will have to use the plumber’s putty.
- Mold a rope-like shape of a plumber’s putty and apply it at the bottom of the drain flange. Press the plumber’s putty firmly against the drain flange body.
- In the tub’s opening, place the new drain and thread it by turning its body in the clockwise direction.
- Using a bathtub drain wrench, tighten the connection. Use the putty knife to remove the excess plumber’s putty.
- But what about if you had a rubber gasket? Between the bathtub and the drain shoe, slot in the new rubber gasket. The rubber gasket should create a seal that prevents water drips.
- Just assemble the drain assembly the same way you disassembled them if you have a rubber gasket. Don’t forget to re-install the stopper. In this case, you need to follow specific stopper instructions from the manufacturer.
- Is everything now okay? Turn on the water valve and check whether there are any leaks. Any leaks? If there are no leaks, you know how to change bathtub drain.
Conclusion
All in all, I hope you found a well-explained tutorial on how to change bathtub drain. The process is quite easy if you are committed. Don’t withstand working with a corroded bathtub drain. You need to replace it if it does not meet your bathroom requirements. Some of them are very old and malfunctioning. Why work with a dripping bathtub drain? Learn how to change bathtub drain and avoid paying professionals when you are running on a low budget. If you like this post, share it with your friends.