Repairing Guides

how to repair shower drain

by Toby Shanahan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Wash Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Boiling Water Down the Drain. Baking soda and vinegar have long been used in DIY methods for unclogging your shower. ...
  • Purchase a Shower Snake. A shower snake is a device that is fed into your shower drain to push apart blocking debris. ...
  • Use a Shower Plunger for Unclogging Drains. A shower plunger is similar to a toilet plunger but it is used in the shower. ...
  • Schedule Professional Plumbing Services. Sometimes it’s easy to fix a clogged sink drain or shower blockage. ...

Full Answer

What are the best ways to unclog a shower drain?

What are the Best Ways to Unclog a Shower Drain?

  • Remove the Blockage by Hand. Washing hands with soap If you can see the blockage right inside your drains, you can have more success in pulling out the clog.
  • Try Using a Plunger. ...
  • Boiling Water. ...
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar. ...
  • Coat Hanger. ...
  • Natural Ingredients. ...
  • Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum. ...

How to clean and unclog a shower or tub drain?

Unclog a Shower Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar in a heat-resistant measuring cup.
  • As soon as it starts to fizz (which will be immediately), pour the solution down your clogged drain.
  • If you can, let it sit for at least one hour.
  • Then turn on the bathtub faucet and run hot water down the drain to help flush the mixture through the pipes.

How to unplug your shower drain?

How to Unclog Your Shower Drain Using a Plunger

  • Try adding petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad to get a better seal.
  • Add water to the shower so that the end of the plunger is submerged.
  • Plunge vigorously.

How do you unclog a drain?

Top 11 Ways On How To Unclog A Drain Naturally At Home

  1. Boiling Water. If your drain isn’t jammed with years of grime and dirt, the simple boiling water can also open your clogged drain.
  2. Baking Soda, Vinegar, And Hot Water. This drain cleaning method uses the baking soda and common vinegar lying in the kitchen shelves. ...
  3. Salt, Hot Water, And Baking Soda. ...
  4. Vinegar And Ice Cubes. ...
  5. Dish Detergent And Hot Water. ...

More items...

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How do you repair a shower drain?

Fixing a Leaking Shower Drain Without Taking Out the PanRemove the drain cover.Discard the compression gasket.Remove the shower drain body.Clean the rim of the drain.Install the new gasket.Screw in the new shower drain body and seal it with putty.Remove any excess putty from around the drain.

Why does my shower drain keep leaking?

Common reasons for a leaking shower drain include a worn or damaged rubber gasket, a cracked flange, plumbers' putty that has become dry or brittle or not enough plumbers' putty or silicone.

How do you remove an old shower drain flange?

2:545:46How to Remove a Stuck Shower Drain A Quick and Easy SolutionYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPipe you can pull up the entire unit you could try to wiggle. At that gasket out with a needle noseMorePipe you can pull up the entire unit you could try to wiggle. At that gasket out with a needle nose pliers. And a flat head screwdriver.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking shower drain?

The national cost average for shower repairs is between $100 and $600, with most homeowners paying $300 to fix a leaky shower....Shower Repair Cost by Type of Repair.Type of RepairAverage Repair Costs (Labor Included)Drain Pipe$100 - $400Door$100 - $500Pipe$100 - $600Pan$150 - $5009 more rows•Jul 6, 2021

Can you replace a shower drain?

Use a special drain assembly to quickly and easily install a new drain from the top. Replace a shower drain without tearing open the ceiling below. Use a special drain assembly and install it from the top.

How do you replace a shower flange?

0:225:32Shower extension arm, flange, and head replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing I need to do is take a utility knife and make a cut on the silicone caulk that isMoreThe first thing I need to do is take a utility knife and make a cut on the silicone caulk that is attaching the flange to the shower wall.

What are the different types of shower drains?

There are more shower drains available than you can count, but they all really fall into two types – point drains and linear drains. Point drains are most common and are what we are used to seeing in showers.

How do you disassemble a shower drain?

0:382:05How To Easily Remove Shower Drain Cover & UNCLOG ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne get yourself some wd-40 spray it around the rim of the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes orMoreOne get yourself some wd-40 spray it around the rim of the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes or so and then get yourself some pliers that fit into these holes in the drain.

Can a backed up shower drain cause a leak?

The answer is YES, as clogs or blockages occur in drain pipes water backs up inside behind the blockage and can cause a pipe to burst, or slowly leak through seals and joints.

How do you fix a leaky shower trap?

7:2411:10How to fix a leaking shower waste (90mm) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then put sealant usually clear on top in place of that but make sure it's continuous all the wayMoreAnd then put sealant usually clear on top in place of that but make sure it's continuous all the way around screw it back together.

Can hair in shower drain cause leaks?

A clogged tub drain is one of the most common causes of bathtub leaks. There are several possible culprits, and often it's a combination of things that causes a bathtub drain to clog. Some of the most common issues include: Hair, which can collect in the drain and eventually clog it up.

How do you dissolve hair in a shower drain?

Use Baking Soda & Vinegar Before Plunging It Out: Baking soda and vinegar can be an extremely effective way of dispatching many clogs, and hair clogs are no exception. For best results, start by squirting a little dish soap into your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda.

Step 1 - Ensure The Leak Is from The Drain

To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not from a compromised seal between the bathtub and the floor, use a funnel and pour qui...

Step 2 - Create An Access Panel to The Shower Drain

Go to where your shower is located and find where the pipes are that lead to the shower. They should be under the flooring or above the ceiling in...

Step 3 - Remove The Leaky Part of The Drain

Find the source of where the water is leaking. You'll usually notice a discoloration or dripping where the leak is coming from. Use pliers to remov...

Step 4 - Patch Or Replace The Shower Drain

When you purchase a shower drain repair kit, there should be instructions that will help you to dismantle and reassemble your shower drain. You onl...

Step 5 - Test The Drain and Replace The Drywall

Test your leaking shower drain by having turning on the water in a small stream. Check the pipe downstairs to see if any leaks develop. If there ar...

What are the different types of drains?

There are two main types of drains. The options include those with a trip lever, including foot lock, roller ball, and lift and turn drains. Those with trip levers include pop-up and plunger drains. While each may have its own installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer, we’ll continue with the general process of replacing your shower drain.

Can you access the shower drain through the wall?

Ideally, you’ll have access to the drain parts through the shower wall. In some cases, the only option is to make an access point through a closet or bedroom.

Can a leaky shower drain be repaired?

At the risk of serious damage to your home, leaky shower drain should be repaired as soon as possible. While we offer these services with expert precision, many a DIYer has successfully repair their drains. To do so, you’ll need some household tools and—of course, a new drain. These steps to drain repair will restore your shower and make it less messy.

How to remove a drain body from a drain pipe?

Gently press the drain body, located below the removed strainer body, to the side of the opening to reveal its rim. This drain body connects directly to your drain pipe. The rim has a flat black gasket. Pull the gasket from the opening and discard. If it is difficult to see into the opening, use a flashlight to illuminate the area.

How to putty a drain?

Center it on the drain body's rim. Coat the outside of the strainer body with plumber's putty by spreading it around with your fingers. Press the majority of the putty up against the underside of the strainer's rim. Confirm that the entire outside diameter has a generous amount of plumber's putty before installation.

How to remove old plumber's putty from strainer?

It may come off as hardened chunks, depending on the age of the installation. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove any putty that is stuck in the strainer's threads. The strainer body must be clean when reinstalled.

How to reload a drain strainer?

Click here to reload. Place a pair of tongue and groove pliers into the center of the drain strainer. Hold the pliers so that they press against each side of the opening. Turn the pliers in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the strainer body . Remove the strainer body from the opening and place aside.

How to remove extra putty from shower?

Remove the extra putty from the edges with a putty knife. Allow the putty to adhere overnight to the drain threads before using the shower.

How to clean a rim gasket?

If it is difficult to see into the opening, use a flashlight to illuminate the area. Hand rock the drain body within the opening to remove any debris from the rim. The rim must be clean so the new gasket adheres to the surface. Use a rag, if necessary, to wipe the rim clean.

How to tighten a strainer?

Place the strainer body into the opening . Hand turn the strainer body in a clockwise direction to tighten it down. Verify that it is fully tightened by observing the putty – some of the putty should press outward from the strainer body's edges. Remove the extra putty from the edges with a putty knife.

Use a special drain assembly to quickly and easily install a new drain from the top

Replace a shower drain without tearing open the ceiling below. Use a special drain assembly and install it from the top.

Shower Drain Installation: How to replace a shower drain from the top

An old drain might leak from bad gaskets or cracked joints. Stains will show up on any finished ceiling below.

Remove Shower Drain Cover

The toughest part is removing the old drain flange. You’ll probably have to cut it with a hacksaw blade and pry it loose in sections from the shower pan. Leave the existing drainpipe intact. The WingTite Drain simply slips over the drainpipe and an O-ring seals it.

Required Tools for this shower drain installation Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY shower drain installation project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

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