Drain Replacement of The Bathtub

Over time, your bathtub drain will break down and will no longer work as it did when it was first installed. If you have a drain with a built-in plug, you may notice that this occurs quicker than in the drains with separate plugs elsewhere in your home.

How do I know when it's time to replace my bathtub drain?

As time passes, you may notice that:

Dirty water is very slow to drain from the tub when the drain is open;

It is very difficult to open and close the stopper; and

The water drains out of the tub slowly, even though the stopper is closed.

If you notice any or all of the above issues with your bathtub plug, you will have to purchase drain replacement parts for your drain and replace it yourself, or have someone do it for you. In reality, replacing a drain is not a difficult task. The materials required include:

A Phillips head screwdriver;

Plumbers' putty;

Clean shop rags; and

Channel locks.

What steps are involved when replacing a drain?

First, remove the old drain plug by:

1. Remove the cover plate on the tub by removing the two screws and taking off the cover plate.

2. Remove the inner workings of the drain through the hole in the bottom of the tub.

Note: If you cannot remove some pieces because they have broken off, check to see if there is a wall panel behind the bathtub that may allow you to access the broken pieces. If not, bend a piece of wire, and attempt to fish the remnants of your broken drain out of the hole.

3. Examine the pieces of the drain and replace any broken or damaged portions of your drain with your replacement pieces, and reassemble the unit.

Note: It may be the case that you only have to clean your drain and that nothing is actually broken or damaged. If this is the case, clean all of the pieces of your drain thoroughly and reassemble the unit.

4. If you do have to replace some pieces of the drain assembly, ensure that the drain replacement pieces are identical to the pieces being replaced, and if they are, install them and return the drain to its rightful position.

Note: If the pieces are not the same, they may not fit properly, and could cause a flood in your home.

5. Test the drain: make sure all pieces fit together properly, and that it plugs the hole the way it is supposed to.

6. Use plumbers’ putty to seal the joints.

7. If all pieces fit together properly, screw down the overflow plate, and wipe away any excess putty with your shop rags.

Once the steps discussed above have been completed, your drain should be as good - or better than - brand new.

Whatever your plumbing and drain cleaning needs, please contact us at www.DrainCom.com for a free estimate. We are also available for any emergencies you have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 416-989-5757.