If you want to, you may easily replace an outdated bathtub drain on your own. To discover more, read these actions.
A bathtub drain replacement is a relatively easy task that almost anybody can complete with the help of a few simple tools. You will require the following supplies to get started:
Screwdriver
Pliers
Disposal tool
drain assembly (the basket-shaped piece that sits just under the stopper)
How to Remove a Bathtub Drain in Steps
Step 1 is to locate the stopper.
Bathtub stoppers come in a variety of styles. The toe-touch, the push-pull, and the lift-and-turn are three popular versions that don’t rely on a trip lever mechanism. When you press on the toe-touch stopper, it opens and closes.
The push-pull has a central knob that you can pull out to open or push in to close. The lift-and-turn method is similar to the push-pull method but needs you to lift and rotate the stopper (clockwise to close, counterclockwise to open).
Your stopper is either a pop-up model or a plunger-style stopper if it is attached to a trip lever mechanism (also known as a bucket stopper). In those configurations, the drain is often covered by a screen or strainer. The pop-up frequently has a visible stopper that is raised or lowered by the trip lever, while the plunger relies on an internal stopper to block the water when the lever is triggered.
Remove the stopper in step two.
Toe-touch stoppers can be easily removed by simply popping open the stopper and twisting the shaft cylinder counterclockwise.
Set a push-pull stopper in the open position, then crank the knob counterclockwise while holding the stopper’s body with the other hand. Holding onto the body with a towel can give you more leverage as you spin the knob with a set of pliers.
Set the drain to open for the lift-and-turn. Holding the stopper’s body, turn the knob to check for a set screw. If there is, use a screwdriver or hex key to remove it.
With pliers, remove the mounting post once the stopper has been turned counterclockwise until it is free.
A pop-up stopper is pulled straight up along with the metal (“rocker”) arm that extends into the drainpipe by flipping the lever to open the drain. If it is difficult to remove, gently shake it as you pull up.
The plunger-style setup’s stopper is located inside the drainpipe, not close to the drain hole.
Remove the trip lever’s faceplate’s screws, then carefully peel the faceplate away to remove it. Follow with the remaining components, jiggling as necessary to free up the entire structure and pull it out.
Use a flathead screwdriver to pull any screens or strainers out of the bathtub if there are any (removing any screws first).
Third step: squish the plumber’s putty.
Most drains were likely installed using plumber’s putty, which has since hardened.
Apply hot air into the drain for a few minutes using a hairdryer or heat gun to soften it. The putty ought to release from the drain fitting, removing its hold on it.
Remove the drain fitting in step four.
A metal “X” is typically present in drain fittings to prevent things from falling in. If your drain fitting is equipped with these crossbars, screw it open by inserting a drain wrench into the cross shape and turning counterclockwise. Use the end of the wrench that offers the best fit (it has two ends).
You might also try grasping the X with a pair of needle-nose pliers and removing the drain fitting that way. After a few turns, it ought to be loose enough to be unscrewed the remaining distance by hand. Then simply take it out.
If your drain fitting doesn’t have metal crossbars, you’ll need to use a tub drain extractor that is made to grab the drain fitting’s inside walls in order to remove it.
