Whether you’re replacing an old drain or just need to clean it out, knowing how to remove bathtub drain is something that can be done with a little bit of know-how.
There are a few different methods you can use to remove a bathtub drain, depending on the type of drain you have.
Some drains can be removed with a simple drain wrench, while others may require a drain extractor or even an old chisel to get the job done.
It’s important to know which method is best for your particular situation before you get started, as using the wrong tools or techniques can cause damage to your bathtub or drain.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to remove a bathtub drain safely and efficiently.
We’ll cover the different types of drains you might encounter, the tools you’ll need, and the techniques you can use to get the job done right.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to save some money on plumbing repairs, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to tackle this common household task.
How To Remove Bathtub Drain
If you’re looking to deep-clean your drain, replace it entirely, or remove the bathtub, you’ll need to know how to remove the bathtub drain.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Unscrewing The Drain
The first step is to unscrew the drain.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the overflow plate in place.
Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the plate away from the wall.
Next, use pliers to unscrew the drain from the bathtub.
Turn the pliers counterclockwise to loosen the drain.
If it’s difficult to turn, try using a hairdryer to heat the drain.
This will help to loosen any adhesive or sealant that may be holding the drain in place.
Lifting The Drain
Once the drain is unscrewed, you can lift it out of the bathtub.
Use a pair of pliers to grip the top of the drain and pull it straight up.
If the drain is stuck, try using a drain removal tool.
This tool is designed to grip the drain and make it easier to remove.
Cleaning The Drain Area
After you’ve removed the drain, clean the area around the drain.
Use a wire brush to scrub away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated around the drain.
If there is any rust or corrosion on the drain, use a rust remover to clean it.
Once you’ve cleaned the area, you can replace the drain or install a new one.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Removing a bathtub drain may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, it’s a straightforward task that you can easily accomplish.
Identifying The Type Of Bathtub Drain
Before you can remove a bathtub drain, you need to identify the type of drain stopper you have.
There are different types of bathtub drain stoppers, and each requires a different approach to remove it.
Here are some common types of bathtub drain stoppers:
Push-and-Pull Drains
Push-and-pull drains are the most common type of bathtub drain stopper.
They have a knob on top that you push down to close the drain and pull up to open it.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to unscrew the knob and lift the stopper out of the drain.
Lift-and-Turn Drains
Lift-and-turn drains have a knob on top that you lift and turn to close and open the drain.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to unscrew the knob and lift the stopper out of the drain.
Toe-Touch Drains
Toe-touch drains have a stopper that you push down with your toe to close and open the drain.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to twist the stopper counterclockwise and lift it out of the drain.
Flip-It Drains
Flip-it drains have a lever on the overflow plate that you flip up to close and down to open the drain.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to unscrew the overflow plate and pull the stopper out of the drain.
Pop-Up Drains
Pop-up drains have a lever on the overflow plate that you pull up to close and push down to open the drain.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to unscrew the overflow plate and lift the stopper out of the drain.
Trip Lever Drains
Trip lever drains have a lever on the overflow plate that you push down to close and up to open the drain.
To remove this type of drain stopper, you need to unscrew the overflow plate and pull the stopper out of the drain.
Identifying the type of bathtub drain stopper you have is the first step in removing it.
Once you know what type of stopper you have, you can follow the appropriate steps to remove it.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before you can remove a bathtub drain, you will need to gather the necessary tools.
Here are the tools you will need:
Screwdriver
You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the overflow plate in place.
This is usually a Phillips head screwdriver, but it can vary depending on the type of screws used.
Plunger
A plunger can be used to help loosen the drain if it is stuck.
Simply place the plunger over the drain and push down and up repeatedly to create suction.
Drain Wrench
A drain wrench is a special tool designed to remove bathtub drains.
It has a long handle and a set of teeth that grip onto the drain.
This tool is essential if the drain is stuck or difficult to remove.
Pliers
Pliers can be used to remove the mounting post that holds the stopper in place.
They can also be used to grip onto the drain if it is too difficult to remove with a drain wrench.
By gathering these tools beforehand, you will be prepared to remove the bathtub drain with ease.
Safety Precautions
When removing a bathtub drain, it is important to take safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to your bathroom.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Wearing Gloves
Before starting any work, it is recommended that you wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges or debris.
Gloves will also help prevent any chemicals or bacteria from coming into contact with your skin.
Ventilating the Area
When removing a bathtub drain, there is a chance that you may be exposed to harmful chemicals or fumes.
It is important to ventilate the area by opening windows or using a fan to circulate the air.
If you are using any chemicals, make sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
Using Tools Safely
When using tools to remove a bathtub drain, it is important to use them safely.
Make sure to read the instructions and use the appropriate tool for the job.
When using a chisel, for example, make sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
If you are unsure how to use a tool, ask for help or consult a professional.
By following these safety precautions, you can remove a bathtub drain safely and effectively.
Final Steps
Congratulations! You have successfully removed your bathtub drain.
Before you install the new drain, there are a few final steps you should take.
Inspecting For Damage
Inspect the exposed drainpipe and plumbing for any signs of damage or corrosion.
If you notice any issues, it’s best to call a professional plumber to fix them before installing the new drain.
Preparing For New Drain Installation
Before installing the new drain, clean the area around the drain hole and remove any debris or old putty.
You can use a mild cleanser or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the area.
Dry the area thoroughly before installing the new drain.
If you are installing a new drain with a different size or configuration, you may need to make adjustments to the plumbing.
It’s best to consult a professional plumber if you are unsure about how to make these changes.
Once you have inspected the plumbing and prepared the area, you can install the new drain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
With these final steps, your bathtub drain replacement is complete!
Key Takeaways
Removing a bathtub drain may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with the right tools and techniques.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when removing a bathtub drain:
- Identify the type of drain stopper you have before attempting to remove the drain.
- Common types include toe-touch, push-pull, lift-and-turn, and trip-lever stoppers.
- Use a drain wrench or extractor to remove the drain.
- If the drain is old or corroded, you may need to use a chisel to loosen it first.
- Clean the drain opening thoroughly before reinstalling or installing a new drain.
- This will help ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
- Consider replacing the drain if it is damaged or worn.
- A new drain can improve the look and functionality of your bathtub.
Remember to take your time and be patient when removing a bathtub drain.
With the right tools and techniques, you can successfully complete this DIY project and improve your bathroom’s functionality and appearance.
