Removing a bathtub drain can be done in a few simple steps. First, make sure the water is off, and remove the stopper from the drain. Next, locate the retaining nut below the sink, or underneath the bathtubs.
It usually screws off counter-clockwise. After removing the nut, use a needle nose pliers to pull out the drain body itself from the hole in the bathtub. If it is stuck, use some WD-40 and work the tool in between the drain and the bathtub.
Once you feel the drain move freely, use the pliers to pull it out. Make sure to keep the gasket in place as it will be needed when you replace the drain. Once the drain is out, clean out any clogs or build up, using a wire hanger, pieces of cloth, a vacuum, and/or a drain cleaner.
Re-install the drain by putting some plumbing compound around the threads of the drain and tighten the retaining nut. Finally, replace the stopper, and check the drain for proper flow. Should the drain leak, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut some more.
How do you remove a bathtub drain that won’t come out?
Removing a bathtub drain that won’t come out can be a tricky task, depending on the age and type of drain. The most important first step is to identify what type of drain you are dealing with so you can determine the best approach to removing it.
If the drain you are removing is from a modern, acrylic tub, you likely have a toe-touch drain with a push-and-seal stopper. In this case, you can unscrew the faceplate and pull out the stopper, allowing you to disengage the lift and turn rod from the linkage and unlock the drain assembly.
If the tub is an older model and the drain is corroded, you will need to prepared to use a hacksaw to cut the drain out. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the center of the drain assembly, but be careful not to damage the tub itself.
Once the drain is cut out, you may need to use a chisel and hammer to break through any remaining sections. Finally, use a multipurpose tool with a blade to scrape off any caulk or sealant. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the plumbing for damage and never force a stuck drain out – you might end up doing more harm than good.
Is there a tool to take out a tub drain?
Yes, there is a tool that can be used to remove a tub drain. This tool is known as a drain key, which is specifically designed to help unlock and remove tub drains. It is composed of a long, thin handle with a hook or hook-like shape at the bottom.
To use the key, insert the hook end into the drain hole and rotate it back and forth until it catches onto the crossbar inside. Once it has caught onto the crossbar, keep rotating it until the drain is able to be unscrewed.
After the drain has been unscrewed, you can then lift it out of the tub. Make sure to clear any debris or hair that is stuck around the opening of the tub so that it does not become an issue when reinstalling the drain.
Are bathtub drains reverse threaded?
No, bathtub drains are not reverse threaded. Most bathtub drains are actually the same as the threads found on a stainless steel screw or bolt. In most cases, bathtub drains use a strainer that contains a large nut which is threaded for tightening.
This nut can be unscrewed counter-clockwise to remove the drain strainer. If you are looking to keep your bathtub drain functioning properly, you should make sure to use the appropriate tool when tightening or loosening the nut.
Over-tightening can damage the threads, making it difficult to unscrew the nut.
Do all tub drains have threads?
No, not all tub drains have threads. Tub drains may have a threaded or smooth interior, depending on the type of tub. Threaded tub drains have either a female or male thread to help connect them to the pipes.
If a tub does not have threads, it is referred to as a smooth wall tub drain. These types of tub drains typically have either a round or squared outlet that is sized to fit a particular drain fitting.
With most smooth wall tub drains, you need to purchase a special adapter or fitting in order to connect the tub drain to the pipe.
How do you unscrew a lift and turn a bathtub drain?
Unscrewing a lift and turn bathtub drain requires a few simple tools and some knowledge of basic plumbing techniques. To begin, you will need a flathead screwdriver, adjustable wrench, drain plug and drain cap.
First, use the flathead screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the drain cover in place. Removing this cover will reveal the lift and turn assembly beneath. Use the adjustable wrench to unscrew each of the four screws that connect the lift and turn mechanism to the bathtub.
Once the screws are loosened and the lift and turn assembly is free, lift the entire assembly out. Place the drain plug into the drain hole and secure it with the included drain cap. Tighten the drain cap by hand and, if needed, use an adjustable wrench to fully secure it.
Lastly, test that the drain plug is secure by running some water down the drain. If the plug is securely fastened, the water should not escape.
What is the bathtub drain lever called?
The bathtub drain lever is often referred to as a trip lever or trip lever assembly, as it trips the drain plug open and closed. Generally, the lever is located on the front part of the tub, near the overflow plate and can be lifted or pushed down to release water from the bathtub.
The lever is usually made from durable materials such as plastic or metal and is used to help control the water level while you are taking a bath. Some drain levers also come with an additional feature of a stopper which further helps to control the water level.
What can you use instead of a tub wrench?
If you do not have a tub wrench handy, there are several options of tools you may consider using as alternatives, depending on the type of job. A basin wrench is a great tool to use if you are in a tight spot, as it allows you to reach around corners and into tight fittings.
Slip joint pliers can also be used in cases where a tub wrench may have been used, as they have jaws that can securely grip nuts and bolts. Adjustable wrenches and crescent wrenches can also work as a useful substitute.
In some cases, a ratcheting wrench may come in handy. Lastly, an adjustable socket wrench is also an effective tool for nuts and bolts and can be a feasible option to use in place of a tub wrench.
How do you lift a shower drain cover without tool?
Lifting a shower drain cover without a tool can be a bit tricky, depending on the design of the drain and the materials used to construct it. Generally, if a shower drain has a flat surface with a few small slots or a small lip around the edges, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to get a good grip.
To do this, insert the tips of the pliers into the slots or behind the lip, then carefully use a twisting motion to try to lever up the cover.
If the drain is stuck or has a rounded dome shape, you may need to resort to using more creative methods. Try using a flathead screwdriver and tapping it gently but firmly around the edges of the drain to see if that helps release it.
You can also try wedging a butter knife under the edge of the drain or using a suction cup to try to lift the drain. If there are no tools available, you may have to resort to using your fingernails to grasp the edge of the cover.
Can drain covers be removed?
Yes, drain covers can be removed. Depending on the type of drain cover you have, the process can be slightly different. Generally, there is a lever or another tool that needs to be used to lift the cover up slightly.
Once this is done, the cover can then be completely removed. It’s important to be careful when taking the cover off because it may be brittle or wear and tear over time. If it is difficult to remove the cover yourself, it’s best to call a professional plumber to help.
It’s also important to remember to replace the cover after the drain has been serviced.
Can you remove tub drain cover?
Yes, you can remove the tub drain cover. To remove the cover safely and easily there are a few tools that you will need. First, you will need a screwdriver or an allen key to remove the screws or bolts from the cover.
If the screws are not visible, use a putty knife to carefully remove the caulk or adhesive from around the cover. If the cover is sealed with silicone, use a small amount of mineral oil to loosen the seal.
You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to carefully remove the cover and lift it up. Once you have the cover removed, you can inspect the drain and make sure that there is no debris blocking the drain that could be causing a clog.
If there is, you can use a drain snake to help remove it.
How does a tub drain extractor work?
A tub drain extractor works by creating suction to extract foreign objects that may be stuck in the tub’s drain. It does this by using a rubber pad that attaches to the top of the drain. This pad forms an air-tight seal, and when you manually turn the knob on the extractor, it will create a vacuum that pulls the object out of the drain.
A few models may even feature a powered suction system, which will increase the suction. In some cases, you may need to hamper the extracted object out of the drain with a plunger. Depending on the size of the object, you may need a plumber snake to remove it from the drain.
Why won’t my pop up drain pop up?
The most common cause is that the rod connecting the handle lever to the drain has come loose or become disconnected. To properly investigate the issue, you will need to gain access to the underneath of the sink.
Once there, carefully inspect the drain and look at the linkage between the handle lever and the drain to confirm whether or not it is properly connected. You may need to adjust the link or reconnect it if it has become disconnected.
If you have verified that the linkage is connected and still not having any success, the next step is to examine the linkage itself. If it is too tight, it can cause the popup drain to not be able to pop up properly.
Additionally, if the linkage has become corroded, the two pieces may be stuck together. In this case, the linkage will need to be lubed or replaced.
Lastly, the drain itself may be blocked. To check, gently remove the drain stopper and check for any debris or build up that may be blocking the opening. If there is debris, carefully remove it and then reattach the drain stopper.
This should help the popup drain to pop up properly.
In conclusion, there are a few potential reasons why your pop up drain might not be popping up, such as the linkage becoming disconnected, the linkage being too tight, the linkage being corroded, or the drain being blocked.
To properly diagnose and fix the issue, you will need to carefully inspect the linkages and clear out any debris from the drain itself.
Do pop up drains need plumbers putty?
Pop-up drains generally need some type of plumber putty in order to form a water-tight seal around the drain. This helps prevent water from escaping around the drain, which can damage the sink and the surrounding counter surface.
Plumber putty typically comes in a soft clay-like consistency that is applied directly to the drain before it is secured. Some newer pop-up drains may come with rubber gaskets that can be used instead of plumber putty.
It is important to check the installation instructions for your particular sink and pop-up drain before using either of these sealing components. Be sure to allow the putty or gasket to fully cure before turning on the water to your sink.
Are bathtub drain stoppers universal?
The short answer to this question is generally no, bathtub drain stoppers are not universal. Different bathtub models will usually require particular type of drain plugs for best performance. Although some drainage plugs are designed with universal appeal, there are also a variety of sizes, materials and designs that can make compatibility a challenge.
Before selecting a bathtub plug, it is important to understand the type of drain you have, as different drains use different systems, and not all plugs are compatible with each type. It is also important to know the dimensions of the drain to ensure that the plug is the right size, as well as considering the material used in the drain.
If a universal drain plug is not compatible with your bathtub’s drain, then you can check which model of plug your bathtub requires specifically.