Repairing Guides

how to repair tub drain

by Yoshiko Schmitt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain

  1. Remove the Drain Components. Take out the screws on the cover plate and pull it away from the tub wall. ...
  2. Clean the Drain Components
  3. Lubricate the Drain Components
  4. Adjust the Flow Rate

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Bathtub Drain Stopper | This Old House - YouTube
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And now by loosening or tightening we affect how far that plunger travels okay so it starts for usMoreAnd now by loosening or tightening we affect how far that plunger travels okay so it starts for us by removing your trip lever plate.

Full Answer

How to unclog a bathtub drain the right way?

Unclog Tub with a Plunger

  • Prepare a rag.
  • Stick it tightly to the overflow vent to keep air from going out.
  • Position the bottom of the plunger over the tub drain until there is a tight seal between the cup and tub surface.
  • Enhance the suction when the plunger is in action.
  • Press the plunger up and down vigorously.

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How do I unclog my tub drain?

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Clearing Clogs with a Plunger and Hook Download Article

  1. Remove and clean the drain cover if your bathtub has one. ...
  2. Cover the drain hole with a plunger. Get a plunger with a bell-shaped rubber cup on the end. ...
  3. Plunge the drain quickly for up to 20 seconds. ...
  4. Bend a wire coat hanger into a hook if the drain is still clogged. ...
  5. Insert the hook into the drain to pull out any debris. ...

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How much does it cost to replace a bathtub drain?

  • Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour for labor to install a bathtub, modify pipes, and install new fixtures. ...
  • Repairs – Fixing and preparing the surface and small plumbing repairs costs $200 to $600.
  • Electricians charge $250 to $750 to wire a jetted tub’s motor into the home’s electrical system, depending on if existing connections are in place.

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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.

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How do you fix a broken tub drain?

1:423:06Replacing Tub Drain with BROKEN T! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you're ready to put your new tub drain. In. Make sure that you put plumber's putty on your newMoreNow you're ready to put your new tub drain. In. Make sure that you put plumber's putty on your new tub drain or toshu assembly.

Can you replace just the drain in a bathtub?

Bathtub drain removal and replacement can be an easy task, regardless of the type of bathtub you own. Once you know the appropriate steps for how to remove a tub drain, you can even replace the bathtub drain with a different style of drain that better suits your needs.

How do you replace the bottom drain in a bathtub?

1:038:50How to Replace a Tub Drain | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now i'm going to pull this apart what you don't see inside of any bath waste is the thing calledMoreAnd now i'm going to pull this apart what you don't see inside of any bath waste is the thing called this trip lever. Right here let me just pull this. Back.

How do you seal a hole in a bathtub drain?

0:363:11Should I Caulk or Seal the Bathtub Drain? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most ideal solution to seal this area is using plumber's putty. Using plumber's putty works bestMoreThe most ideal solution to seal this area is using plumber's putty. Using plumber's putty works best for it creates a waterproof seal when used on wet surfaces.

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 replace a old bathtub drain flange?

0:004:00Remove a Stuck Bathtub Drain Flange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis copper tub strainer with a steel version and in order to do that first we need to remove. ThisMoreThis copper tub strainer with a steel version and in order to do that first we need to remove. This pop-up stopper and already kind of loosened this one already. So I can easily take it off.

Can you use plumbers putty on a bathtub drain?

Conclusion. Plumber's putty and silicone can both be used to seal a bathtub drain.

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.

What is better plumbers putty or silicone?

Silicone and plumber's putty are pretty equally matched in terms of bathroom fittings and drain pipes. But you can typically expect putty to outperform and outlast silicone used in these areas. The elasticity of plumber's putty makes it stand up better against long-term exposure to water.

How do you remove a plastic bathtub drain?

0:453:46How to remove and replace a bath drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn my drain assembly and that will remove it from the waste tissue which is below the tub. And. IMoreTurn my drain assembly and that will remove it from the waste tissue which is below the tub. And. I can put a screwdriver in the hole in the drain. Tool as well. Once. I get it loose.

What is a tub drain assembly?

A bathtub drain assembly is a series of plumbing parts that transport the waste water from a bathtub, feeding the water into a large drainpipe. The bathtub drain assembly is made up of its own series of pipes that are interconnected, and also connect to the large drainpipe.

What is a drain wrench?

A bathtub drain wrench or sometimes called a drain key. The new bathtub drain. A long screwdriver, plumbers pliers (channel locks), a properly sized wrench to fit the body of the drain key, or really big channel locks (vice grips). Ask Question.

Is plumber's putty easy to remove?

The plumbers putty is easy to remove as seen in the video.

How to get rust off a bathtub?

1. Dissolve surface rust with salt and lime juice. Drain all the water from the tub, then sprinkle salt on the drain. Cover the salt with enough lime juice to moisten it, but not enough to wash it away. Let the mixture sit for several hours, then scrub off the rust with a toothbrush-size wire brush.

How to get rid of rust on a drain?

Pour it on the drain, let it sit for an hour or two, then wash it off with water. Scrub off any rust that remains with the wire brush.

What to do if rust eats through drain?

If the rust has eaten through the tines of the drain, replace it with a new one to prevent hair from accumulating in the drain pipes and blocking them. If the screw holding a drain cover is too rusted to turn, cut off the head with a rotary tool and a grinding accessory and replace the cover. Writer Bio.

Can rust prevent a tub drain from draining?

Tub drains are designed to last, but water and humidity contribute to the formation of rust on metal ones, and rust can eventually prevent water from draining or destroy the drain itself.

How to Replace a Tub Drain: Step-by-Step Instructions

Using a screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the overflow plate.

Resources

Richard replaced the old bath waste and overflow with an Everbilt Trip Lever Brass Pipe Bath Waste and Overflow in Chrome, though most bath waste and overflow kits would also work.

How to keep water in tub when it drains out?

Close the stopper, run some water into the tub, and see if it stays. If the water drains out, repeat the process above and lower the plunger a little bit more until you get the bathwater to stay in.

What is a tub drain?

Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. The first step is to unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever.

How to lower a stopper on a tub?

To lower the stopper, thread the bottom lock nut down. Next, spin the adaptor that the plunger hangs from down until it reaches the bottom lock nut, and then tighten the upper locknut to the adaptor. Place the plunger, threaded rod, and trip lever back into the hole in the tub and screw the plate back into place.

How long does it take for a bathtub to drain?

10 to 20 minutes. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when it’s wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over. When a tub won’t hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired.

Who is the master plumber of the old house?

In this video, This Old House master plumber Richard Trethewey shows how bathtub drains work, and how to fix them when they don’t.

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