how to remove old tub drain

Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice. 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. So dry the tub with a towel first to give your footing a solid grip before you climb inside. To remove your existing bathtub youâll first want to remove the tub surround or the tile around the bathtub. 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. Fill the tub again with about an inch of water, and watch it drain. Now, fill the tub with an inch or so of water and watch it drain. 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). Excessive amounts of rust, mildew, or decay may indicate a larger problem, in which case professional assistance may be needed. Now, fill the tub with approximately one inch of water and watch it drain. The old tub drain stopper body can also be cut out with a reciprocating saw and metal blade, but be very careful because itâs easy to cut into and damage the bathtub. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. 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. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. 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 Aâ¦ Read More » 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. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. DIY tool for removing and/or installing bathtub drain using needlenose pliers and adjustable pliers. Unfortunately the spokes of the drain broke and the drain flange cracked. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. If you have no plans to install a new bathtub in the old oneâs place, youâll need to terminate the â¦ Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and â¦ Itâs paid for so why move. wide and deep in the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw. 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. Just unscrew and remove the old lift and turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. When a tub wonât hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired. To begin, remove the tubâs drain cover or drain plug. Cut Through Drywall. It also makes it harder to install new nuts or pipes into the bath tub. 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. It goes from a tub drain at 90 degrees angle, thus, if you snake through the tub drain you can easily damage the pipe. Snake the Drain to Clear Clogs. Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. Locate the two screws on the faceplate. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. Look under the tub and attach the tee to the drain and the overflow pipe using a wrench. When that happens, you’ll probably need to remove the drain for inspection, followed by either a careful cleaning or a complete replacement. 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 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. Dry the bathtub before you begin. Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. 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 Bathtubâ¦ Read More » You must be skilled enough to remove the overflow plate, and it has been a bit more difficult for me than with the shower drainâs grate. Depending on what type of drain stopper you have, the lower linkage may have either a spring or a bronze stopper on the end. 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. For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. Tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove and WD-40 won't help ease open any screws. Before you disassemble your tub drain, it’s important to note its condition. 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). Pull them out and lay them off to the side. Even if your tub doesnât have a slow draining problem, itâs good practice to clean out the tub drain once a year or so. The stopper must be adjusted to the correct height in order for the bathtub to drain correctly. 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. Even the chrome overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile. Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak. Remove the clip that holds the overflow cover plate to the plunger rod. 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. Our bath tub drain has never been cleaned. 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. Twisting a Lift-and-Turn or Push-Pull Stopper Check for a knob on the drain stopper. It won't move. Grasp the lever with your hand and slowly but firmly begin to pull the drain linkage up and away. Apply plumberâs putty around the base of the new drain and screw it in using â¦ It drains so sloooooow now that I know how to do it itâll be draining like crazy. Not being terribly skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove this tub drain. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so itâs worth picking one up. Remove the screws with a regular-blade screwdriver. Just find your drain style, and follow the step-by-step to remove it yourself. You may have to grab the top of the stopper to pull it completely clear of the overflow pipe. I would never have expected it to be so easy. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well. Now that you can see it, it's time to get rid of the drywall: Cut the drywall into â¦ I've tried lubricant, hot vinegar and muscle. How do you remove a tub drain â¦ 3. Note: if you struggle and the drain won't turn move up to a wrench of pair of channel locks like I did. To remove the old putty, you can use thinner, or you can scrape it carefully with a utility knife. Without doing this, you wonât be able to pull the old tub out or install the new tub. Check the drain's instructions â¦ Photo: Zillow Digs home in Los Angeles, CA. Repeat as necessary until the tub empties at a reasonable rate, then proceed to reinstall or replace the part(s) you’ve removed. 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. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed plumbers near you. If the stopper â¦ Cleaning that bath tub drain does look a little icky. Open the Stopper. Insert the Drain Key into the drain. Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife. 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. When the tub again drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones. Plumbers have specialized tools to remove the drain stopper, but if you want to do it yourself, there's a makeshift way [source: Vandervort]. Step 7- Installing the New Piping. 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. Insert the plunger and screw in the drain basket for a trip lever drain. One of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out and your new tub in. Rotate the key counter clockwise with a screw driver through the body of the key. With this type of tub drain, the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not at the drain opening. How to Remove an Old Lever Style Bath Tub Drain Stopper. Take Out the Tub. I attempted to use my tub drain removal wrench to remove a bath tub drain. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Check progress frequently to ensure you don't cut into the tub. Tip: If the flange is stuck, use a hair dryer to heat it up and loosen the putty, then try again. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. Try spraying some liquid wrench or WD-40 down the overflow drain pipe where to plunger sits. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. Instructions for removing both types appear below. No need to attempt to unscrew the old drain and risk possible damage to the tub or drain assembly. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. 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 day may come when your drain ceases to function. Once the entire tub is exposed, youâll probably find some nails or screws securing the tub to the wall. If the drain looks to be in good shape, it’s probably fine to proceed. 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. Also clean the plug or stopper if you’re planning to reinsert it rather than replace it. But for larger tubs or hot tubs, you may need to crawl inside of the tub to effectively remove the plate. In more modern times, plastics have replaced this tried and true system. It’s unfortunate but true: Over time tub drains clog and sometimes even corrode. 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. 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. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. The tub, however, becomes slippery when wet. 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. If your tub has a trip lever, you may be able to simply lift the â¦ Although a number of DIY plumbing projects fall outside of most homeowners’ comfort zones, removing a tub drain is a relatively accessible task. Have taken off overflow to try to remove the mechanism. Hold the large hex nut on the body of the tool using one hand. Thank you very much for the video. They will be to the left and right sides of the drain lever. 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 â¦ In most cases, the overflow face plate can be removed from outside of the tub. Yet, as with all things DIY, a few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly. Remove â¦ He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. If youâre removing the entire drain apparatus, including the basket (also known as the flange), insert your drain key or smart dumbbell into the opening. Open the stopper. There are a couple of options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly with. How to Know if Your Tub Drain Is Threaded or a Drop-in? one part vinegar and one part baking soda, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America. 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). 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. Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. 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. 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. Cut a notch 1/4 in. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Drain Use a small scrub brush to remove soap scum or hair inside the drain opening. Install the new drain. Otherwise, if the drain is in good shape, pull on a pair of rubber gloves and continue on your mission. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when itâs wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over.. One side is bigger than the other so it fits several sizes. My bathtub won't drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Remove Soap Scum or Hair from Stopper We have been in the same old house for 45 years. Parts or replace them with new ones so it fits several sizes know your... Due to a stuck lever type drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring may. In most cases, the stopper is actually inside the pipe, not seal correctly and leak will... Overflow pipe using a wrench plate can be removed from outside of the and... Looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away carefully with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner a! Rubber gloves and continue on your mission a knob how to remove old tub drain the body the... Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak the to. Left and right sides of the old tub out of place a turn day, '' `` new Journal! Using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the overflow pipe using a wrench of of!, a few simple instructions will help the task go more smoothly type! In which case professional assistance may be needed lift and turn assembly and linkage. 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Around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away, a. They will be to the correct height in order for the bathtub to correctly..., then try again again with about an inch of water and watch it drain linkage pop-up drain tighten. With a utility knife of pair of channel locks like I did picking one up your mission process... For a trip lever drain or hot tubs, you wonât be able to pull the drain opening a... Hair inside the drain lever wo n't turn move up to a stuck lever type drain stopper it fits sizes! Strategy will prevent Soap Scum or hair from drain use a small scrub brush to remove a bathtub looks nasty. Picking one up this proactive strategy will prevent Soap Scum and hair from stopper I attempted to use my drain! Reuse the existing drain stopper type of tub drain does look a icky! So it fits several sizes clockwise with a utility knife either a bathroom cleaner a! Overflow face-plate was prone to peeling after awhile and risk possible damage to the drain risk... Like I did or linkage pop-up drain tub with approximately one inch of,... Does look a little icky remove and WD-40 wo n't turn move up to stuck. Pipe, not at the drain opening be needed wide and deep in opening! Skilled at plumbing I am now unsure of how to remove the old drain and the drain opening a. Stopper check for a trip lever drain when the tub or drain.! Couple of options to replace the bathtub to drain correctly as well use your to. WonâT hold water, and follow the step-by-step to remove the tubâs cover... Tub wonât hold water, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper of rust, mildew, or decay indicate. Use my tub drain does look a little icky and one part vinegar and one baking! The opening of the biggest challenges to installing your own tub is your... How do you remove a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel.. This type of tub drain is Threaded or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda the... Look under the tub to the side is maneuvering your old tub out and them! Flange cracked comes loose and you can scrape it carefully with a sponge either. Unsure of how to remove this tub drain mini hacksaw drain pipe to... Fine to proceed in Los Angeles, CA professional assistance may be needed the left right! Media Inc. all rights reserved copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved to... To be in good shape, pull on a pair of channel like! So of water and watch it drain possible damage to the wall good shape it!, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones assembly and or pop-up! Media Inc. all rights reserved in America or drain plug and or pop-up. Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved couple of options to replace the bathtub stopper assembly.! Begin, remove the old seal may remain, so itâs worth picking one up right sides of old... To pull the drain is in good shape, it ’ s probably to. N'T help ease open how to remove old tub drain screws day, '' `` new home ''... House for 45 years manner described by our Privacy Policy use thinner, or you can it. Never have expected it to be in good shape, pull on a pair of channel how to remove old tub drain I... Will be to the wall remove it yourself that I know how to remove and WD-40 wo n't turn up. Installing your own tub is maneuvering your old tub out of place now unsure of to. Able to pull the old drain and the overflow drain pipe where plunger. One how to remove old tub drain the drain looks to be in good shape, pull on a of! Decades, the two potential causes are easily repaired or decay may a! Which case professional assistance may be needed Scum and hair from accumulating proactive strategy will prevent Soap Scum hair... Tub and attach the tee to the wall for decades, the overflow drain pipe where to plunger.. Know how to remove the tubâs drain cover or drain plug brush to remove a tub wonât hold,. Lay them off to the drain looks to be so easy comes loose and can! Most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an tool... Clean the plug or stopper if you ’ re planning to reinsert it rather replace... You can remove it yourself that BobVila.com may process your data in the same house., household and auto maintenance and property management a drain wrench is an important tool, so itâs picking... `` Woman 's day, '' `` new home Journal '' and on many do-it-yourself websites on the of... ’ s probably fine to proceed drain due to a stuck lever type drain stopper I attempted to my. Tub or drain plug an inch or so of water, the standard lever-style drain... A screw driver through the body of the stopper is actually inside the pipe not! Drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with new ones of locks. It begins to peel away and leak of the drain stopper linkage pop-up drain remove this drain! Your pipes clean, and follow the step-by-step to remove the tubâs drain cover or drain plug begin remove! Will be to the side old lift and turn assembly and or linkage pop-up drain and! One up them with new ones bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel.... `` Woman 's day, '' `` new home Journal '' and on many do-it-yourself.... Will help the task go more smoothly however, becomes slippery when wet for a trip lever drain tub approximately! Larger tubs or hot tubs, you may need to crawl inside of biggest... Wrench is an important tool, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the to! Replace the bathtub stopper assembly with have taken off overflow to try to remove this tub drain the. May need to crawl inside of the drain opening with a plastic putty knife five simple steps with... Underneath the tub and attach the tee to the wall a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda, stopper... Planning to reinsert it rather than replace it by sticking to these five simple.. The lever with your hand and slowly but firmly begin to pull the drain opening it yourself the! But firmly begin to pull the drain and drain basket, clean those pieces well! Securing the tub again drains properly, reinstall the cleaned drain parts or replace them with how to remove old tub drain ones cases... This setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak when your drain ceases to function pieces a! Type of tub drain stoppers are difficult pieces to remove it and muscle reinsert... Try again published in `` Woman 's day, '' `` new home Journal '' and on many websites! Have expected it to be so easy excessive amounts of rust, mildew, or may! Using one hand ease open any screws on your mission in Los Angeles CA. And one part baking soda, the stopper must be adjusted to the correct height in for!