If you’re unsure what kind of tub drain you have, there are several ways to tell. First, you can take off the drain cover or strainer to check. There should be a letter or a number somewhere on the strainer to denote the size and/or style of tub drain.
Additionally, you can also take a look at the shape and size of the pipe below the tub. Generally, it will be round or oval, though there are also other shapes that could indicate the type of tub drain.
Lastly, if you’re still unsure, you can consult with a plumbing supply store for help in identifying your tub drain.
Are there different types of bathtub drains?
Yes, there are different types of bathtub drains available on the market. The most common types of bathtub drains are lift and turn, press and seal, trip lever, and toe-tap.
Lift and turn bathtub drains are the most basic type of bathtub drain, consisting of a rod or lever that is lifted and then turned to open or close the drain. This type of drain is easy to install and use, making it a popular choice among homeowners.
Press and seal bathtub drains are similar to lift and turn drains, in that they use a rod or lever to operate the drain. However, instead of lifting and turning, the rod must be pressed down to open the drain, and then pressed again to close it.
This type of drain is particularly easy to install and is also popular with homeowners.
Trip lever drains are perhaps the most common style of bathtub drain. This type of drain has a lever at one end that is used to open or close the drain by pressing the lever up to open and down to close.
This type of drain is ideal for installations where the installation space is limited, such as corner tubs or showers.
Toe-tap drains are a type of bathtub drain that opens and closes with the press of a foot. This type of drain is popular for its easy installation and operation. Additionally, since it does not require any type of handle or lever, it can be used in applications where a handle or lever would not fit.
What type of drain stopper do I have?
It can be difficult to identify which type of drain stopper you have without actually seeing it. Generally, drain stoppers come in three main types—toe-touch, lift-and-turn, and flip-it. Toe-touch stoppers are usually rounded on the end, and are operated by pressing down on them with your toe.
Lift-and-turn stoppers have a raised knob in the middle and require you to lift the knob and turn it to open or close the drain. Lastly, flip-it stoppers are round and have a slotted lower edge; you simply flip them up or down to open or close the drain.
Without actually seeing your drain stopper, it is impossible to be certain what type you have.
Are bathroom tub drains universal?
No, bathroom tub drains are not universal. While all plumbing fixtures have similar components, the construction and installation of tub drains vary depending on the type and style of the tub. There are two main types of tub drains: regular drains, which are simple and typically come standard with many common tubs, and trip lever drains, which are sometimes referred to as “clicker” drains.
Regular drains tend to have fewer parts and are more straightforward to install. Trip lever drains, on the other hand, are more complex and often require more tools, as well as professional installation.
Additionally, tub drains are also often specific to certain manufacturers, meaning that tub drains from one company may not be compatible with another company’s tub products. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the type of tub drain that you require for your tub before making a purchase.
What is the standard bathtub drain?
The standard bathtub drain is a steel or PVC pipe connected to the underlying plumbing pipes and typically located at the bottom of the bathtub. It is responsible for carrying out water used during a shower or bath.
In most modern homes, the bathtub drain is equipped with a stopper or plunger that is used to control the water level in the tub. Generally speaking, the tub drain is connected to the waste water pipe by means of a trap, which is designed to prevent any unpleasant odors from the sewer from entering your home.
For safety, the bathtub drain usually comes with a separate overflow pipe, located just above the drain, so that it will not fill with water beyond the overflow level.
What are the two sizes of tub drains?
There are two standard sizes of tub drains – 1 1/2 inch (DSI) and 2 inch (0DSI). The 1 1/2 inch size is typically found in residential homes for sinks and tubs. It has an outside diameter of 1 11/16 inches, which is the industry standard for tub and sink drains.
The 2 inch size is typically found in commercial applications such as condominiums, apartments, and hotels. It has an outside diameter of 2 1/16 inches and is used to accommodate larger volumes of water.
Can you replace drain in tub?
Yes, you can replace a drain in a tub. Depending on the style of tub and drain, replacing the drain can be a relatively easy job. If you have a traditional style tub with a tub shoe drain, replacing the drain is a simple process.
First, unscrew the nut that connects the overflow pipe to the drain shoe, and then disconnect the overflow pipe from the drain shoe. Remove the screw that connects the drain shoe to the tub. You should then be able to remove the tub shoe drain.
To install a new one, insert the tub shoe into the drain hole and fasten it to the tub with the screws. Connect the overflow pipe to the tub shoe and replace the nut to secure the pipe to the tub shoe.
The next step is to attach the drain stopper using the drain linkage and securing the linkage to the lever arm. Once complete, test the drain to ensure it works properly. If you have a more complicated style of tub drain, such as a pop-up drain, it is best to consult a professional plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.
Are all bathtub drain threads the same?
No, not all bathtub drain threads are the same. Different bathtubs can have different thread types, depending on the design and make of the particular bathtub. For instance, traditional bathtubs are usually made with slip-on shower drains which have a standard 1-1/2” Threaded Outlet while some modern tubs may have a “Tip-Toe” style drain with a smaller 3” drain outlet.
This is why it’s important to take the measurements of your bathtub’s drain before you purchase a new drain plug or any drain accessories, as using the wrong thread type can cause damage to the tub and lead to leaks.
How do you measure for a tub drain replacement?
Measuring for a tub drain replacement is quite straightforward. Depending on what kind of tub drain replacement you’re looking for, there are a few simple steps that you need to take.
If you’re looking for a new tub drain flange, the first step is to measure the total depth of the drain area, including the distance from the bottom of the bathtub to the finished wall surface. This will ensure that you select the proper length for the drain flange.
Next, measure the distance between the two drain holes that are inside the tub. This will determine the proper size for the connection ring.
If you’re looking for a complete drain assembly, you’ll need to measure the distance between the two overflow drain holes, as well as the distance from the finished wall surface to the center of the overflow hole.
Finally, measure the distance from the ground to the center of the drain hole. This last measurement will help you select the correct one-piece drain assembly that fits within the confines of the drain area.
Once you’ve taken all of these measurements, you’ll be ready to select the proper sized tub drain replacement for your needs.
Can you use 1 1 2 pipe for shower drain?
No, 1 1 2 pipe is not suitable for a shower drain. Drain pipes used for showers should always be much larger, typically between 2 and 4 inches in diameter. Showers generate a large volume of water, so the pipe must be large enough to accommodate this flow.
1 1 2 pipe simply cannot handle this. Moreover, if the shower does not have good drainage, it could lead to plumbing problems like clogs and backups. Therefore, it is advisable to use the correct pipe size for this application.
Are all bath wastes standard size?
No, not all bath wastes are standard size. There is a great variety in sizes, depending on the type of bathtub and the size of the drain opening you have. If you are replacing your bath waste, be sure to measure the size of your drain opening and the bathtub model before you purchase a replacement to ensure you choose the correct size.
Most bath wastes come in oval, round, and square shapes, with sizes ranging from 1 1/4 inch to 2 inch. To accommodate for different bathtub designs, there are also special models, such as angled wastes, available for some bathtubs that may require a non-standard size.
Does a bath waste need sealant?
Yes, a bath waste needs sealant. Sealant prevents water and moisture from entering the drain pipe and will ensure the bath is watertight. Sealant is applied around the edge of the waste pipe to secure it in place and to make the pipe watertight.
Before applying the sealant, it is important to ensure the surface is smooth and free of debris. Additionally, you may want to apply some lubricant to the thread of the waste pipe before putting it in place to make it easier to tighten the nuts.
Once the waste pipe is in place, apply the sealant around the edges that might not be fully secure to ensure that water won’t leak. Finally, let the sealant dry before using the bath.
Can a sink and a bath share a waste pipe?
Yes, a sink and a bath can share a waste pipe. This is a common setup in many homes and the process is quite straightforward. The main thing to consider is the total amount of water waste being produced.
The waste pipe should be able to handle the total amount of water from both the sink and the bath. If the size of the waste pipe is inadequate, it could result in backups and plumbing issues. Additionally, you will also need to consider the exit point for the waste pipe as well as the elevation of the drain, since these factors can also affect the ability of the waste pipe to handle the total waste generated.
When installing both a sink and a bath, it is important to plan the drainage systems carefully and make sure that the total water waste capacity is correctly determined and sized correctly to ensure that both fixtures work correctly.
Can you change a tub drain stopper?
Yes, you can change a tub drain stopper. In general, the process involves removing the existing stopper and replacing it with a new one. The exact process will depend on the type of drain and stopper you have in your tub.
For example, you may need specific tools, like an allen key, or you might have to disconnect the drain linkage. In any case, one of the first steps would be to remove the existing stopper. To do this, you will likely need to loosen the trip lever located at the side of the tub, unscrew the drain cover, and then unscrew the stopper from the inside of the drain.
Once the stopper is unscrewed, you can go ahead and install the new one. Make sure to pay attention to the instructions that come with the new stopper, as some may require additional steps like greasing the rubber gasket.
After you are done, you usually have to make sure that the drain cover is reconnected and tightened properly. If the stopper is not perforated, you will also have to remember to turn the water supply back on.
Can you replace just the tub drain?
Yes, it is possible to replace just the tub drain. The process starts by removing the existing drain and cleaning any existing caulk or putty away from the area. To do this carefully take a putty knife or razor blade and insert it into the gap between the drain flange and the tub to loosen any adhesives that are holding the drain together.
Make sure to be cautious since you can cause damage to the components of the tub.
Once the drain is removed, you can measure the drain and buy the exact same one to replace it. If there is no concrete in the way, the process will be easier because all you have to do is pop the new drain in.
However, if there is concrete, you will need to use a rotary hammer to break it up before replacing the drain.
After purchasing a new drain, you need to apply silicone sealant or plumber’s putty around the drain flange before installing the new one. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the connection and make sure the drain is secure before testing it.
Lastly, fill the tub with water to check for any leaks or issues.