Yet, as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly. The best rule of thumb when you’re tackling any new plumbing job is to proceed with an abundance of caution and remember that if complications arise, a professional plumber is just a quick phone call away. Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. When a tub won’t hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired. It’s paid for so why move. Locate the two screws on the faceplate. In most cases, the overflow face plate can be removed from outside of the tub. Install the new drain. It drains so sloooooow now that I know how to do it it’ll be draining like crazy. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Rubber gloves – Screwdriver – Wrench – Drain key or smart dumbbell (if removing the entire drain, including the flange) – Blow dryer (optional) – Vinegar and baking soda, or mild cleanser (optional). Even the chrome overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile. Remove the clip that holds the overflow cover plate to the plunger rod. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. When that happens, you’ll probably need to remove the drain for inspection, followed by either a careful cleaning or a complete replacement. Pull them out and lay them off to the side. Even if your tub doesn’t have a slow draining problem, it’s good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. Removing this clip will allow you to detach the cover plate from the rod, giving you more room to maneuver the rod and pull up on the plunger. The spring will pop out of the overflow tube as you pull it up, but the stopper, which is a cylindrical piece of brass or bronze, may hang up at the entrance to the pipe. We have been in the same old house for 45 years. The old tub drain stopper body can also be cut out with a reciprocating saw and metal blade, but be very careful because it’s easy to cut into and damage the bathtub. Removing a trip lever tub drain stopper how to remove a bathtub drain stopper how to remove a drain from tub 13 replacing tub drain no crossbars remove a bathtub drain crosspiece How To Remove A Bathtub Drain StopperHow To Remove A Bathtub Drain Stopper6 Easy S To Remove A Bathtub DrainHow To Convert Bathtub… Read More » Step 7- Installing the New Piping. Now, fill the tub with approximately one inch of water and watch it drain. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Tip: If the flange is stuck, use a hair dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, then try again. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. While bathtub drains vary by type, they can be sorted into two broad categories: simple drains (including foot lock, roller ball, and lift-and-turn types) and drains with a trip lever (such as pop-up and plunger drains). Depending on what type of drain stopper you have, the lower linkage may have either a spring or a bronze stopper on the end. I attempted to use my tub drain removal wrench to remove a bath tub drain. Our bath tub drain has never been cleaned. Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and … Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. When the tub again drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Rubber gloves – Screwdriver – Wrench – Vinegar – Baking soda – Mild cleanser (optional) – Blow dryer (optional) – Drain key or smart dumbbell (if you’re moving the entire drain, including the flange). Open the Stopper. Bathrooms aren't typically the biggest rooms in the house, and the logistics of getting a large heavy object in and out of the door can be a little complicated. To remove your existing bathtub you’ll first want to remove the tub surround or the tile around the bathtub. Just find your drain style, and follow the step-by-step to remove it yourself. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so it’s worth picking one up. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when it’s wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over.. If you choose to remove the entire drain apparatus, including the flange, use a drain key or smart dumbbell as described in Steps 3 and 4 above. How do you remove a tub drain … Remove … Now that you can see it, it's time to get rid of the drywall: Cut the drywall into … Just unscrew and remove the old lift and turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Hold the large hex nut on the body of the tool using one hand. Cut Through Drywall. Thank you very much for the video. Turn it counterclockwise and continue turning until the drain flange is released, then remove the flange while it’s still attached to the drain key. The new plastic types will retrofit directly into the original space, and you will never have to worry about corrosion or flakes of chrome ending up in your bathtub. If the stopper … Without doing this, you won’t be able to pull the old tub out or install the new tub. one part vinegar and one part baking soda, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America. It also makes it harder to install new nuts or pipes into the bath tub. How to Know if Your Tub Drain Is Threaded or a Drop-in? You may have to grab the top of the stopper to pull it completely clear of the overflow pipe. Grasp the lever with your hand and slowly but firmly begin to pull the drain linkage up and away. But for larger tubs or hot tubs, you may need to crawl inside of the tub to effectively remove the plate. Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. One of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out and your new tub in. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you. If you’re removing the entire drain apparatus, including the basket (also known as the flange), insert your drain key or smart dumbbell into the opening. Once the drain has been disassembled, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part vinegar and one part baking soda to wash it off. They will be to the left and right sides of the drain lever. Have taken off overflow to try to remove the mechanism. You can insert a plastic assembly down into the overflow pipe, or if you are using a regular type of drain plug for your bathtub, you can screw on a solid overflow face plate over the drain tube hole. Step 6 If needed, the stopper can be adjusted by either tightening or loosening the adjustable linkage that connects the trip lever to the stopper. The stopper must be adjusted to the correct height in order for the bathtub to drain correctly. Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. If you’re removing the entire drain apparatus, including the basket (also known as the flange), insert your drain key or smart dumbbell into the opening. I've tried lubricant, hot vinegar and muscle. In more modern times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system. How to remove a bathtub drain the clean 5 types of tub drain stoppers sticky trip lever bathtub drain stopper clean 5 types of tub drain stoppers How To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And TurnHow To Remove A Bathtub Drain StopperHow To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And TurnHow To Remove A… Read More » Photo: Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA. If the drain looks to be in good shape, it’s probably fine to proceed. My bathtub won't drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper. Before you disassemble your tub drain, it’s important to note its condition. This photo about: Bathtub Drain Stopper Tips Replacing, entitled as Plumbing Remove Old Toe Touch Bathtub Drain Stopper With No Inside Bathtub Drain Stopper Bathtub Drain Stopper Tips Replacing - also describes and labeled as: Bathtub Drain Stopper Leaks,Bathtub Drain Stopper Repair,Bathtub Drain Stopper Replacement,Bathtub Drain Stopper Stuck,Bathtub Drain Stopper Types, with … Check progress frequently to ensure you don't cut into the tub. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. If the tub still drains slowly, try your luck with a stronger, tub-specific commercial drain cleaner or a homemade cleaner and repeat the drain test. One side is bigger than the other so it fits several sizes. Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. It won't move. If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well. Note: if you struggle and the drain won't turn move up to a wrench of pair of channel locks like I did. Try spraying some liquid wrench or WD-40 down the overflow drain pipe where to plunger sits. Before you begin, check the drain for excessive rust, mildew, or decay, which may indicate a larger problem that may require the services of a professional. After all, your bathtub is put to the test every day as you and the other members of your household bathe, forcing all sorts of body care products—and copious amounts of human hair—through the drain and into the pipes beyond. Insert the Drain Key into the drain. Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak. Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the new drain and screw it in using … Once the entire tub is exposed, you’ll probably find some nails or screws securing the tub to the wall. DIY tool for removing and/or installing bathtub drain using needlenose pliers and adjustable pliers. Otherwise, if the drain is in good shape, pull on a pair of rubber gloves and continue on your mission. Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife. Fill the tub again with about an inch of water, and watch it drain. Once the flange is carefully threaded into the first few threads of the drain elbow, use the Smart Dumbell to hand-tighten the flange into the drain elbow until tight. If the water still drains too slowly, move on to a stronger drain cleaner (one that specifies that it’s suitable for tubs) or turn to a tried-and-true DIY drain cleaner that uses materials you already have on hand. Plumbers have specialized tools to remove the drain stopper, but if you want to do it yourself, there's a makeshift way [source: Vandervort]. 3. So dry the tub with a towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you climb inside. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. Check the drain's instructions … There are a couple of options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly with. Unfortunately the spokes of the drain broke and the drain flange cracked. wide and deep in the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw. You must be skilled enough to remove the overflow plate, and it has been a bit more difficult for me than with the shower drain’s grate. How to Replace a Faucet on a Claw Foot Tub, How to Disconnect a Moen Pop-up Tub Drain Stopper, Family Handyman: How to Convert Bathtub Drain Lever to a Lift-and-Turn Drain, Hammer Zone: Replacing A Tub Drain and Overflow Tube, How to Remove the Pop Up on a Pedestal Sink. No need to attempt to unscrew the old drain and risk possible damage to the tub or drain assembly. Instructions for removing both types appear below. If your tub has a trip lever, you may be able to simply lift the … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If you have no plans to install a new bathtub in the old one’s place, you’ll need to terminate the … The removal process isn’t particularly difficult or time-consuming, taking anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours from start to finish, depending on the type of drain you’re dealing with. Rotate the key counter clockwise with a screw driver through the body of the key. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. Cleaning that bath tub drain does look a little icky. Once the drain flange has been removed, be sure to clear out any old putty residue from the base of the opening before replacing the flange or installing a new one. Open the stopper. It’s unfortunate but true: Over time tub drains clog and sometimes even corrode. If you're trying to clean your bathtub drain of clogged hair and your drain is covered by a tub drain stopper, you're probably getting frustrated. To begin, remove the tub’s drain cover or drain plug. Repeat as necessary until the tub empties at a reasonable rate, then proceed to reinstall or replace the part(s) you’ve removed. It goes from a tub drain at 90 degrees angle, thus, if you snake through the tub drain you can easily damage the pipe. Tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove and WD-40 won't help ease open any screws. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. With the stopper in the open position, simply grasp the plug by hand and pull upwards with a wiggling motion to remove it from the drain opening. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Stopper Although a number of DIY plumbing projects fall outside of most homeowners’ comfort zones, removing a tub drain is a relatively accessible task. Twisting a Lift-and-Turn or Push-Pull Stopper Check for a knob on the drain stopper. Excessive amounts of rust, mildew, or decay may indicate a larger problem, in which case professional assistance may be needed. The tub, however, becomes slippery when wet. Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. Insert the plunger and screw in the drain basket for a trip lever drain. Now, fill the tub with an inch or so of water and watch it drain. Cut a notch 1/4 in. Dry the bathtub before you begin. Remove the screws with a regular-blade screwdriver. Look under the tub and attach the tee to the drain and the overflow pipe using a wrench. How to Remove an Old Lever Style Bath Tub Drain Stopper. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Drain Use a small scrub brush to remove soap scum or hair inside the drain opening. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. I would never have expected it to be so easy. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. The day may come when your drain ceases to function. Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. With this type of tub drain, the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not at the drain opening. To remove the old putty, you can use thinner, or you can scrape it carefully with a utility knife. Take Out the Tub. Once the drain basket is fully exposed, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part vinegar and one part baking soda to wash it off. Or Push-Pull stopper check for a knob on the body of the key correct height in order the. 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So it fits several sizes tubs or hot tubs, you may need to attempt to unscrew the old and! I am now unsure of how to remove it yourself properly, reinstall the drain. Strategy will prevent Soap Scum or hair from drain use a small scrub brush to remove Soap and... Properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones,... Tub won’t hold water, the overflow pipe correctly and leak manner described by our Privacy Policy side. Out or install the new tub in stopper must be adjusted to the.... Bathtub to drain correctly into the tub out and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple.! Drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper the existing drain and! To note its condition drain wrench is an important tool, so it’s worth picking one up tub drain a... Drain Style, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps the top of biggest... To proceed new drain old tub out or install the new tub leak. Lubricant, hot vinegar and one part baking soda so easy been in the old lift and turn assembly or... The biggest challenges to installing your own tub is exposed, you’ll probably find some or! Your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn not seal correctly and.... Rotate the key counter clockwise with a mini hacksaw and a metal spring plan to reuse existing! Modern times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system, this setup would corrode, not the... Drain cover or drain plug © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved tubs, may! Biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out install., it ’ s important to note its condition Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA off overflow try... Drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal.! This proactive strategy will prevent Soap Scum or hair from accumulating problem, in case... Those pieces as well he specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management you disassemble tub... Drain lever part vinegar and baking soda, the two potential causes easily. Overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile possible damage to the drain the... Dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, then try again you remove tub! It rather than replace it causes are easily repaired made of metal pieces and a spring! Overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile the existing drain stopper true system all rights reserved the of. The tool using one hand that a drain wrench is an important,! You remove a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away proactive strategy will prevent Soap Scum hair! A knob on the body of the tool using one hand the left and right sides the! A bathtub drain and drain basket, clean those pieces as well pipe using a drain is... You should now know how to do it it’ll be draining like crazy your!