Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaking tub drain

by Lesly Watsica Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Spot the leak in the tub drain. In the first step, you need to put the drain stopper to its place and fill the tub with around 6 ...
  2. Seal the tub. If there is a problem in the tub body, then it can be fixed with very ease. ...
  3. Remove the tub shoe ans seal it. But if the problem is in the tub shoe, then you have to remove it. ...
  4. Tight up the joints. Leakage can be caused by the weak points of the tub and the drain pipes. ...
  5. Replace the drain piping. Sometimes, the problem occurs due to the leak of the drain pipes itself. ...

Part of a video titled How To Replace a Bathtub Drain and Fix Leak - YouTube
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6:47
And this should be a Phillips screw it shouldn't be the flathead screwdriver but if it is the leadMoreAnd this should be a Phillips screw it shouldn't be the flathead screwdriver but if it is the lead one of those. So you just need to screw out and it should come out pretty easily for.

How much should I pay for bathtub drain leak repair?

  • Plumber’s wrench: $11–$13
  • Hex key set: $5–$20
  • Phillips head screwdriver: $4–$10 each
  • Slotted screwdriver: $5–$15
  • Faucet stem and cartridges: $9–$24
  • New fixtures: $24 and up
  • Old rags: $0
  • Repair kits: $3–$22
  • Caulking: around $3 per tube
  • Plumbing putty: $8

How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?

  • The first step is to remove the faucet spout. ...
  • Use a utility knife to score the sealant where the spout and bathtub wall meet for easier removal.
  • Remove the length of pipe, called a pipe nipple, with a wrench.
  • Wrap the threads of both ends of the nipple with plumber’s tape or Teflon tape.
  • Install the nipple into the 90-degree elbow pipe within the wall. ...

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How to fix a leak under my bathtub?

Materials

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Replacement overflow gasket (as needed)
  • Silicone caulk (as needed)

How to replace a broken bathtub drain?

Remove the Drain Basket

  • Once you have removed the drain stopper, you will see the drain basket (also known as a drain flange) in the drain opening. ...
  • To remove the drain basket, you will need either locking pliers or a tub drain wrench. ...
  • If you are using a drain wrench, insert the drain wrench into the drain and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the drain basket.

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What causes a bathtub drain to leak?

If you see water leaking, it is very likely you have loose connections in the drain fitting or the drain trap below the tub. Tighten or repair them as needed. If running water in the tub causes no leaking, run the shower instead.

How do you reseal a bathtub drain?

1:173:05How To Replace Bathtub Drain Shoe Gasket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo right now I'm gonna have to sneak in the gasket between the tub and the fight. So we can do isMoreSo right now I'm gonna have to sneak in the gasket between the tub and the fight. So we can do is just take your finger and gently work it in the place.

What is the best sealant for bathtub drain?

If you can access this part of the drain, the best sealant to use is plumber's putty. Plumber's putty forms a tight, waterproof seal in wet areas around bathtub plumbing.

What to do if your tub starts leaking from your drain in the bottom of the tub?

If the leak is in the drain itself, you may be able to simply unscrew the drain from the bathtub and reseal it with plumber's putty or a new gasket. If pipes show damage, however, you'll probably need to replace a portion of the plumbing and even parts of the walls or flooring.

Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty?

Plumber's putty and silicone are two types of plumbing compounds that you can use to prevent leaks and create watertight seals for plumbing fixtures. Putty offers more flexibility and easier removal, but silicone caulking creates a stronger waterproof and weatherproof seal.

Can I use silicone to seal bathtub drain?

In case you find it challenging to reach the underside area of the tub drainage pipe, then your best option will be silicone caulking. Use the caulk to seal the exposed drain area. Silicone caulking forms a strong, tight seal that doesn't wash away easily.

Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty on a shower drain?

For the drain itself, plumber's putty is the best solution. The material makes waterproof seals with wet surfaces. If you need to seal the drainpipe, you'll want to use silicone. Caulk is important to sealing pipes because it creates watertight seals that don't wash away.

Can you use plumbers putty on a bathtub drain?

The drain is secured to the tub by screwing the drain basket down from inside the tub but requires sealant. Sealing an existing or new drain basket is easily done with plumber's putty.

Where do you put silicone on a bathtub drain?

0:030:28Bathtub Stopper & Drain - Silicone Adhesive Installation - Universal NuFitYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply this applied silicone around the underside of the flange. Use. The entire tube. Then firmlyMoreApply this applied silicone around the underside of the flange. Use. The entire tube. Then firmly press the universal.

How much does it cost to replace a tub drain?

Install a Bathtub Drain: national average cost The national average materials cost to install a bathtub drain is $96.35 per drain, with a range between $86.44 to $106.26. The total price for labor and materials per drain is $345.97, coming in between $313.33 to $378.62.

How do you seal a bathtub leak?

0:292:24Most Common Leaks Around Bathtub Quick Fix & HD Review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you need for this project is a nice caulking gun a high-quality caulking sealant and your fingerMoreAll you need for this project is a nice caulking gun a high-quality caulking sealant and your finger to smooth everything out.

How much does it cost to tighten a bathtub drain?

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. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place.

Should I use silicone or plumbers putty for shower drain?

For the drain itself, plumber's putty is the best solution. The material makes waterproof seals with wet surfaces. If you need to seal the drainpipe, you'll want to use silicone. Caulk is important to sealing pipes because it creates watertight seals that don't wash away.

Do you need plumbers putty on a tub drain?

0:346:12How To Use Plumber's Putty - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you'll this is where you'll really see if your plumbing plate is getting older if it's stillMoreAnd you'll this is where you'll really see if your plumbing plate is getting older if it's still good this is very pliable it's not cracking it's not easily breaking apart.

How do you reseal a shower drain?

0:000:45How to Should you caulk around a shower drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst use a putty knife to scrape up and remove any old caulk. Then clean the drain with soapy waterMoreFirst use a putty knife to scrape up and remove any old caulk. Then clean the drain with soapy water and a cloth and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any mold dry the drain thoroughly with a towel.

Should you caulk around a shower drain?

0:021:42Should I reapply caulk to a shower drain? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you can probably improve the waterproof seal around the drain a bit with some caulk. But it'sMoreThen you can probably improve the waterproof seal around the drain a bit with some caulk. But it's really a mechanical. Process of the drain clamping to the plastic.

What happens if you leave a bathtub drain unchecked?

HomeAdvisor cautions that a leak left unchecked can rot the wood underneath it, discolor the ceiling below it and encourage mold to grow from the constant moisture. Advertisement. If the bathtub drain leak is problematic because of the plumbing that's located below the drain, ...

How to get plumber's putty out of bathtub?

Turn on a hairdryer to the heat setting , after making sure there is no water in the bathtub. Aim the hot air at the old plumber's putty until it softens enough to remove.

How to soften plumber's putty?

Roll the plumber's putty between your hands for one to two minutes to soften. Roll the material into a rope about the size of a pencil. Don't worry if you get too much. Simply remove the excess that squishes out from under the tub drain with a putty knife and put it back into the container.

How to get rid of hard plastic putty?

Clean the old putty away. If the putty has turned hard and crumbly, scrape it away using a plastic putty knife. If you use a metal putty knife, you may scratch the finish in your tub.

Do drain plugs need to be unscrewed?

Some drain plugs will simply lift out while others need to be unscrewed from the cross-hair piece. If you're not sure how to do this, check the drain manufacturer's website or consult the user manual that came with the drain. Advertisement.

Can a bathtub drain leak?

Advertisement. If the bathtub drain leak is problematic because of the plumbing that's located below the drain, such as pipes and fittings, American Leak Detection recommends calling a plumber for this type of repair. But if the leak is caused by a failing seal at the drain assembly, fixing the leaking bathtub drain typically is a simple task ...

Types of Bathtub Drains

Foot Lock: A drain that's pushed down with the foot to change the setting

How to Fix Foot Lock and Rollerball Tub Drains

Bathtub drain replacement should be an easy fix if you're fortunate enough to have one of these types of drains. To remove the plug from a foot lock or rollerball tub drain, simply rotate the plug counterclockwise until it's free of the drain. Clean the plug with a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and reinstall.

How to Fix a Pop-Up Bathtub Drain

These drains have moving parts that may need cleaning and lubrication.

How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain

Like pop-up drains, plunger tub drains have moving parts that may need attention.

Using Drain Removal

Insert a drain-removal tool into the metal cross-sections at the drain’s base and crank counterclockwise until the drain returns to its original place.

Using Handle

Twist your tool’s handle or the end of your screwdriver in the other direction. Break the seal on the present plumber’s putty that’s in place around the drain you need to remove from beneath your sink using a lot of power.

Inspecting Drain

You should also check the drain for cracks and other signs of wear and tear. Make sure that the drain is not damaged by repairing it or replacing it with a new one.

Rolling Balls

Take a 1-inch lump of plumber’s putty and roll it into a 5-inch long thread in your palm. Wrap the putty string around the center of the pipe threads and gently push it against the drain’s walls.

Placing Drain Back

Re-insert the drain into the bathtub’s hole. That is if it hasn’t broken loose from its mounting due to excessive torque or instability consult your manual for further information on this.

Wiping off

It’s critical to clean away any extra putty from the drain lip. Check for leaks around the base of your sink after 60 seconds of running water.

Is there a reason why a bathtub drain leaks?

Bathtubs that leak may be aggravating. A leak in the tub might be caused by a leak in the plumbing underneath the tub, the hot water pipes, or even adjacent to the tub, requiring costly repairs.

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