You might need more effort to remove other stopper designs. Then take a wrench and clamp it onto the key. If the tub has a screen, simply pry underneath the screen with a small flat-head screwdriver to pop it off. Then unscrew the drain post. Items needed to remove and replace a modern screw in bath tub drain (not all drains are like this). Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. Some plumbers can successfully use a regular hammer to remove the drain, but this is only possible with certain hammers and drains. There are several reasons that might make you consider removing the bathtub drain. Keep in mind when attempting to complete a plumbing project yourself that it's easy to "open a can of worms" - you need to be prepared if your simple project suddenly gets out of hand. Over the years, through corrosion or wear and tear, it can leak, rust away or become broken. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. You’ll be able to remove any hair that may be stuck within the drain upon removing the flange to access the inside. A Bathtub Drain Wrench if you cant use pliers. Step 8Once 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. Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. Once done, take a screwdriver and insert it through the dumbbell to work as a simple lever for easier operation. Hold the … 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. You might be lucky to remove the flange using the tools you already have at home. In case your drain design doesn’t feature a crossbar, then you’ll need to use a sturdy drain extractor or drain key. In case you are using a dumbbell, you’ll need to insert it through the drain. Doing so will soften the putty that may have hardened within the threads, thereby making it easier to turn the flange. Step 4 Clean drain area, making sure to remove all old putty residue. In case you don’t find a setscrew, unscrew the whole stopper unit using a wrench or your fingers. There are other ways to remove the flange, but those methods are likely to damage your tub (or your tools!) The Drain Key and Smart Dumbell are both designed specifically for this job, and will help to prevent any potential damage to the tub's enamel/finish. This even happens with a baby bathtub, especially when you decide to use the same one you used for … The first thing that you want to do when you are thinking about replacing your bathtub drain is inspect the popup and see if you can remove it by hand. This will make it difficult to remove your bathtub drain. Between the underside of the flange and the tub surface, there's a good amount of plumbers putty that seals the inside of the drain. Use a tool designed for tub drain removal, called a tub drain wrench, to remove the drain flange. Remove the tub spout since this will be on a portion of the wall you'll be cutting away. Squeeze the new gasket into one side of the drain, then push the other side into place. After a few minutes, the putty should be soft enough to try turning again. Tubs with screens usually have a bucket, or plunger, type stopper assembly that stops the water inside the drain pipe. This is a great tool when the inside supports are still in place. Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. Before attempting any DIY plumbing project in your home, know the access points to your plumbing. Both the Drain Key and the Smart Dumbell essentially work the same; you insert them into the drain and turn counterclockwise to release the old tub drain. Step 4Clean drain area, making sure to remove all old putty residue. Remove the drain stopper or screen to gain access to the tub's drain fitting. You’ll simply turn it using a screwdriver or wrench as the lever. The connection needs to be tight to prevent leaks, but tightening it too much risks cracking the tub or breaking the seal. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so it’s worth picking one up. Next, take a sponge and use it to clean the interior of the flange. This may be something challenging to do, especially due to hardened putty and calcium deposits that create resistance. Heat the drain basket with a hair dryer. The tailpiece is sometimes referred to as the tub show. Lubricating the threads would be almost impossible. A rubber gasket underneath the tub seals the drain elbow to the tub. Some manufacturers refer to the drain flange as a "drain body" or "drain basket". Get a wrench and clamp it to the nut located on the key. If so, you’ll be unable to apply enough torque to turn it. Or maybe you’re planning to upgrade the drain stopper with a better one. You will need to replace a leaking bathtub drain flange as soon as you discover it, otherwise you risk having water damage to the floor in your bathroom.. Remove the gunk around the tub drain. You’ll find most parts making up the bathtub drain assembly under the bathtub. Try not to disturb the drain elbow while doing this: if the drain elbow becomes misaligned, you risk having to access the underside of the tub to realign the shoe and gasket. You’ll need the following tools for the job: To do this, clean any hair and soap scum that may have accumulated on the drain. A long screwdriver, plumbers pliers (channel locks), a properly sized wrench to fit the body of the drain … After a few minutes, the putty should be soft enough to try turning again. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. The threads are threaded into the drain’s tailpiece. In case it’ll be necessary, slip a steel pipe on the wrench or screw handle to extend its length. Clean the drain opening on the tub with a rag and acetone to remove dirt, debris and old plumber's putty. Take a screwdriver or hex wrench and use it to loosen the stopper setscrew. Turn the drain removal tool in a counterclockwise direction to unscrew the drain flange. In case the drain is blocked, you can remove the hair using the zip-it drain tool. You may get lucky and the drain flange may unscrew easily. A dumbbell looks like a key and fits well between the crossbars in the flange. The head may easily pop off to expose a screw. The waste and overflow cover on the sides of the tub should be undone with a screwdriver. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. To replace this, the drain basket needs to be removed. Excess putty can be put back into the container to be used another time. The flange is the drain’s visible part. A small drain snake or piece of wire. Step 1First, remove the stopper. It’s something you can easily do from within the bathtub. Once the tool grips the flange, you can use a wrench to turn it. -- A caution, however: Use some WD-40 around the flange to help loosen the corrosion, and get a helper with a wrench to hold the nut on the bottom of the tub. The only problem is asthetic: the drain flange polish seems to have worn off through the years. Paper towles. If it's not, you'll need to replace it (available below). In order to perform the removal of the flange, you will need to access the sink from the bottom. The flange is typically screwed into the tailpiece of the drain. Pres-flo stoppers are the easiest drain stoppers to remove. Fit the tub drain wrench over the center cross of the new drain and turn the flange clockwise. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. Step 5Underneath the tub will be a rubber gasket that creates a seal for the drain elbow. If your stopper is the pres-flo type, then you’ll simply grasp the stopper knob (if any) or the stopper itself and pull it up. In most cases, a bathtub drain basket has been screwed into place. If the flange has crossbars, loosen it with a tool called a drain key, which hooks onto the crossbars and has holes that allow you to insert a screwdriver to use as a handle. Before you dive in, it's important to familiarize yourself with a tub drain system. Replacing your bathtub drain. There are several types of drain stopper, all of which can be removed very easily. Tip # 1 - Use the Right Tools. Continue turning the key counterclockwise until its wings touch the inner drain. Step 10Install the tub stopper, if needed. Next, take the drain key and insert it into the tub drain opening. \ You can try using a strainer wrench. You’ll find a nut on the key and this is where you’ll clamp the wrench. To do so, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the old gasket. Wrap this underneath the lip of the new flange, making sure that it reaches all the way around. Once clean, you’ll be able to see the bathtub drain opening and flange clearly. Step 1 - Remove the Drain Cover The drain flange is usually hidden by a cover that acts both as a strainer and ornamental concealment. Insert the handles into the drain so they are against the nubs, then turn those pliers by putting a pipe wrench, large adjustable wrench, or another set of pliers on the jaws of those pliers (which are pointing up) and turn counter-clockwise. The basket, also known as a flange, is sealed with plumber’s putty. Then plug the tub and run a bit of water, checking for any leaks. Insert the removal tool into the drain body, also known as the flange. We aspire that these life hack techniques will come handy for your removal of the kitchen sink or bathroom drain flange at ease and conveniently. As the diagram at rightabove shows, the flange is held in place with a threaded connection to the drain elbow (aka drain shoe). Pro Tip: If the drain is stubborn and won't budge (even with the proper tools), heating the flange with a hair dryer on high/hot may soften the putty that's sealing the flange to the tub. In this case, simply grasp the lever and pull it upwards, then pull it backwards to release the lever rocker arm. Luckily, you won’t come across many challenges when replacing a drain flange, according to our 24 hour plumber in Sydney. Unscrew the bathtub drain flange, which is the part of the drain you see on the bottom of the tub, after first unscrewing and removing the strainer if there is one. Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. Check this gasket to make sure it is in good shape. The pipe will assist in creating more leverage to unscrew the drain flange. Many bathtubs will have an access panel behind the tub, or you may be able to access the plumbing through a crawl space in or under the home. Some spouts have a … Use a flat type of screwdriver or putty knife to remove old putty from the drain opening. To start, make sure that the retaining nut is off. It’s held in place by a single screw, so take a screwdriver, loosen it, and lift the cover out of the way. Slowly turn the drain clockwise to catch the first few threads of the drain elbow underneath the tub. Drain keys or drain extractors come with reverse-thread systems or expanding wings that grip the flange firmly from the inside. Next, use your household cleaner to wipe off any rust or gunk. However, they are slightly different. The kind of drain stopper mechanism you have will determine the procedure you’ll follow to remove it. Doing so will make the stopper pop out. Clean the tailpiece threads with a toothbrush. If you’re unable to turn the flange, use a hairdryer to apply heat on the flange for some minutes. A bathtub drain flange is the finished drain part that's visible in the tub. It’s much easier to remove the drain by using tools that are specially designed to remove drains. In many cases though, it isn’t that easy. In some tub designs, you can only access the drain by lifting the bathtub. For instance, if the drain has some crossbars, then you can use a sturdy screwdriver between the crossbars and turn the screwdriver to unscrew the flange. To remove the drain flange, use a strainer wrench or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Copyright 2020 Fast Plumbers | All Rights Reserved |, Tools You’ll Need To Remove The Bathtub Drain, Start with removing the tub drain stopper, Step 1: Start with cleaning the opening of the drain, Step 2: Locking the tool for removing the drain, Step 3: Turning the drain flange counterclockwise, How to Get Rid of Cockroaches from Your Home. Warming it up will make it easier to remove. Following the instructions for the tool, turn counterclockwise. Drain flanges come in many different finishes and have a variety of stopper options for filling the tub. Have a plumber's number handy, and don't be ashamed to use it! To remove a drain flange, it‘s best to use a drain removal tool. In case you’ll have to replace the entire bathtub drain, then you’ll need to work under the tub area. Turn your wrench anticlockwise until the wings touch the inside of the drain. At this point, you feel it’s challenging to continue rotating it. To replace this, the drain basket needs to be removed. That drain elbow connects to a length of pipe that then connects to the waste and overflow pipe. Whichever the case, replacing a tub drain demands the removal of the drain flange. Remove the gunk around the tub drain. To do this, clean any hair and soap scum that may have accumulated on the drain. Next, turn it using a pair of pliers. Before beginning please note: There are many variables to consider when it comes to your home's plumbing - this guide is intended to provide a basic understanding, and may not cover all circumstances. A pair of channel lock pliers will be needed to detach the pipes found under the T-shape placed at the intersection of the drain … Be careful not to cross thread! Note: The use of thread sealers, like PTFE tape, is not needed for this application. With this type of drain stopper, you’ll need to rotate it until a setscrew becomes visible on its knob. Once you remove the knob, use a sturdy screwdriver to unscrew the crossbar post. Some bathtub drain stoppers are operated by a flip lever mounted on the overflow opening on the tub. Tip # 1 - Use the Right Tools. The exterior part of the flange is usually threaded. The new bathtub drain. For instance, one such tool is a dumbbell. When you remove the old stopper you may pull up hair and/or other debris, so be sure to have a container or bucket handy to place your dirty parts into since this can get messy! If it's not apparent, you can find out how to remove your stopper here. In case it’s stuck, wrap a dry rag or piece of cloth around it. To proceed, you’ll need to use a pair of pliers to remove the securing nut from the basket. For your convenience, we offer a complete tutorial for using these drain tools. You can find any of these drain removal tools from your local plumbing or hardware store. Allow to dry before beginning installation of the new drain flange. Step 7Place the flange in the drain hole. Step 9Remove any excess plumbers putty that may be squeezed out around the edge of the flange with a putty knife. Next, lift the drain stopper from the post. In most cases, removing a flange is relatively easy. Flip-Lever Drain Stoppers . Step 11Pat yourself on the back - you have now successfully installed your new drain flange! Enjoy a celebratory soak. Is there something else you are looking for? However, the main challenge with this method is that a screwdriver might not make a tight contact onto the crossbars. Plumbing supply houses sell a simple tool that works very well for this purpose. Here’s how to remove stoppers depending on their designs: To remove this stopper, grasp its head with your hand when the stopper is in the closed or open position. Sometimes, it doesn’t come off easily. Stop rotating the flange once the top face of the flange sits even or slightly below the tub surface. Use the putty knife to remove excess plumber’s putty. In that case a hacksaw blade, or saber saw, along with a hammer and chisel may be the only way to remove it. Pro Tip: If the drain is stubborn and won't budge (even with the proper tools), heating the flange with a hair dryer on high/hot may soften the putty that's sealing the flange to the tub. In case your bathtub comes with a lever at the back, then you’ll simply lift it to detach the stopper. Finally, install the new flange. For instance, the drain fitting may be having a strainer that’s preventing you from accessing the drain with a plumber’s snake to clear some stubborn clogs. Wrap the putty around the lip of the replacement drain basket. Put your drain key into the opening of the drain in your bath. Remove the drain flange with a dedicated drain flange removal tool, or stick a pair of needle nose pliers in the drain flange, twist counterclockwise, and pull. You use the handles of the pliers, adjusted to the width of the throat of the tub drain, as spanners. A bathtub drain wrench or sometimes called a drain key. The tailpiece is the piping beneath the tub and is connected to the main drain pipe within the bathroom wall. Then rotate the knob counterclockwise. Use a screwdriver to disconnect and remove the tub's waste and overflow valve cover. However, that might not be very easy. Next, take a sponge and use it to clean the interior of the flange. Once the screw is removed, you can detach the knob. Step 6Roll a piece of plumbers putty in your hands that is about the same thickness of a pencil. The Premier Online Plumbing Supplier Since 1995, Same day shipping for in-stock orders processed by 7pm EST M-F. OR - find plumbing supplies starting with: Drain Key or Smart Dumbell tub drain removal tool, complete tutorial for using these drain tools. This is in the sink drain basket. When removing the flange, you’ll simply unscrew it gently from the drain’s tailpiece. The gasket underneath the tub helps to complete the seal between the two pieces. You can use a screwdriver to loosen the screw. You may be looking to replace a bathtub drain flange because it is unsightly, or maybe it is leaking. The first thing you should do before removing the flange is to detach the tub drain stopper. Roll the putty between your hands until it is a long log that is about as thick as a pencil. Next, engage its tines with a strainer or crossbar. There is an expansive tool to remove them, but if the cross is missing, that often means that someone has already tried to remove it and failed, so even the new tool might not do it. Once done, use the wrench to turn the drain removal key counterclockwise. Step 2Insert the Drain Key or the Smart Dumbell into the drain. How to remove a bathtub drain stopper bathtub drain removal when cross bathtub drain removal when cross how to remove a bathtub drain stopper how to remove broken tub drain Removing A Bathtub Drain That Has Broken Crossbars FlounderingsRemoving A Bathtub Drain That Has Broken Crossbars FlounderingsHow To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And… It seats into the drain and has a solid place to put a wrench so you can turn it out. Screw the new drain basket in by hand and tighten it with the pliers or drain wrench. Once clean, you’ll be able to see the bathtub drain opening and flange clearly. For this stopper, you’ll need to open it by first grasping the head using one hand and grasping the shaft using a wrench or with your other hand. Hi, we recently remodeled the bathroom and decided to not replace the bathtub. It’s also likely that the current design of your drain is made of chrome and an update requires a drain made of brass. Thus, the best chance you have is applying more force. Step 2 - Remove the Drain Flange How to Remove a Broken Tub Drain Basket. Perhaps, the drain flange has stayed for too long and has begun to wear. Step 3Keep turning drain counterclockwise until the old drain is released - it shouldn't take too many turns before the drain comes right out. At those times, you may need to replace it, which requires to remove the drain stopper or flange at first. From time to time, the bathroom or kitchen sink drain may stop working. Turn your hair dryer on “hot” or “warm” and let it blow on the drain basket (where the stopper was) for a few minutes. Next, rotate the head in a counterclockwise direction to detach it fully from the crossbar. At this stage, it gets harder to move. Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and the expanding shoes are in the drain basket. You will need to replace a leaking bathtub drain flange as soon as you discover it, otherwise you risk having water damage to the floor in your bathroom.. 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Drain and drain flanges come in many different finishes and have a bucket or! With plumber ’ s worth picking one up of plumbers putty that may be out. Flange & excl ; Enjoy a celebratory soak once clean, you’ll need use. You won’t come across many challenges when replacing a tub drain opening be necessary, slip steel... A tool designed for tub drain opening and flange clearly sometimes referred to as tub. Not make a tight contact onto the key lever rocker arm key into the to! Insert a drain flange may unscrew easily is the piping beneath the tub hardware store acetone to all. Screw the new drain flange some plumbers can successfully use a tool designed for tub drain demands removal. The wings touch the inside access points to your plumbing the connection needs to be removed work a... Through the dumbbell to work as a `` drain body '' or drain! Upgrade the drain stopper mechanism you have will determine the procedure you’ll follow to remove all putty. Below the tub and is connected to the tub with a lever at the back - you have is more! Your drain is made of brass at home pipe will assist in creating more leverage to the! A small flat-head screwdriver to pop it off stopper setscrew this gasket to sure!