Fixing a leaky tub drain generally is a daunting process, nevertheless it’s really a comparatively easy plumbing restore that you are able to do your self with just a few fundamental instruments and supplies. The secret’s to have a transparent understanding of how a bathtub drain works and the steps concerned in eradicating and changing the drain meeting. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the method of the right way to plumb a bathtub drain, from begin to end. We’ll additionally present detailed directions, ideas, and troubleshooting recommendation that will help you get the job accomplished proper.
First, it’s essential perceive {that a} tub drain meeting consists of a number of elements, together with a drain stopper, a drain physique, a drain shoe, and a drainpipe. The drain stopper is the half that you simply use to plug the drain, whereas the drain physique is the cylindrical half that connects the drain stopper to the drainpipe. The drain shoe is a rubber gasket that helps to create a watertight seal between the drain physique and the bathtub. Lastly, the drainpipe is the pipe that carries wastewater from the bathtub to the principle drain line. When any of those elements turns into broken or worn, it may well trigger water to leak from the drain.
To repair a leaky tub drain, you will must take away the previous drain meeting and substitute it with a brand new one. The method is comparatively easy and will be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is essential to just remember to have the proper instruments and supplies earlier than you begin. You may additionally should be ready to get somewhat moist, as there could also be some water that leaks out while you take away the previous drain meeting. After you have every part you want, comply with the steps on this article to get the job accomplished proper.
Selecting the Proper Drain
Choosing the suitable drain on your bathtub is essential for each environment friendly drainage and a cohesive aesthetic enchantment. Take into account the next components when making your selection:
Drain Kind
| Kind | Description |
|---|---|
| Pop-Up Drain | A basic drain that operates by urgent down on a stopper to open or shut the drain. |
| Toe-Contact Drain | A handy drain that opens and closes by calmly urgent on it along with your toe. |
| Waste-and-Overflow Drain | A mixture drain that features an overflow gap to forestall water from spilling over the tub’s edge. |
Materials
Drains are sometimes comprised of sturdy supplies like brass, stainless-steel, or plastic. Brass and stainless-steel are extra proof against corrosion and tarnishing, whereas plastic drains are extra budget-friendly.
End
The end of the drain ought to complement the tub and different lavatory fixtures. Widespread finishes embody chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Dimension and Fashion
Select a drain that matches the diameter of your bathtub’s drain gap. Drains are available numerous kinds, from conventional to up to date, to match the general design of your lavatory.
Further Options
Some drains supply extra options, corresponding to built-in hair strainers to forestall clogs and ornamental trim to reinforce the drain’s look.
Eradicating the Previous Drain
Earlier than you may set up a brand new tub drain, you could take away the previous one. This can be a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to comply with the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging the bathtub or drainpipes. Listed here are the steps on the right way to take away an previous tub drain:
1. Collect your instruments.
You will want just a few instruments to take away the previous tub drain, together with a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. It will likely be useful to put a bucket beneath the drain to catch any water which will leak out while you take away the drain.
2. Take away the overflow plate.
The overflow plate is the small, spherical plate positioned close to the highest of the bathtub. It’s held in place by just a few screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws, after which pull the overflow plate off. Make certain the drain stopper is open earlier than eradicating the overflow plate.
3. Take away the drain stopper.
The drain stopper is positioned within the heart of the bathtub. It’s held in place by a small screw. Use a screwdriver to take away the screw, after which pull the drain stopper out. Now take away the washer beneath the stopper, in addition to the bathtub drain flange.
4. Take away the drain physique.
The drain physique is the principle a part of the drain meeting. It’s positioned beneath the bathtub. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds the drain physique in place. As soon as the nut is free, you may pull the drain physique out of the bathtub.
5. Clear the drainpipes.
As soon as the previous drain is eliminated, you will need to clear the drain pipes. This may assist to forestall clogs and different issues. Use a drain cleaner or a plumber’s snake to wash the pipes. Utilizing a moist/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water or particles within the pipe can also be really helpful.
Cleansing the Drain Gap
If the drain gap is clogged, you should use a drain snake to clear it. Insert the drain snake into the drain gap and push it down till it reaches the clog. Rotate the drain snake forwards and backwards to interrupt up the clog. As soon as the clog is damaged up, flush the drain with sizzling water to take away the particles.
It’s also possible to use a chemical drain cleaner to clear a clogged drain gap. Pour the drain cleaner into the drain gap and let it sit for the period of time specified on the product label. Flush the drain with sizzling water to take away the drain cleaner and particles.
If the drain gap continues to be clogged, chances are you’ll must name a plumber to have it professionally cleaned.
Listed here are some ideas for stopping a clogged drain gap:
| Tip | Rationalization |
|---|---|
| Do not pour grease or meals down the drain. | Grease and meals can construct up within the drain and trigger a clog. |
| Use a drain strainer to catch hair and different particles. | Hair and particles can construct up within the drain and trigger a clog. |
| Flush the drain with sizzling water usually. | Scorching water might help to dissolve grease and cleaning soap scum that may construct up within the drain. |
Putting in the New Drain
1. Take away the Previous Drain: Utilizing a screwdriver, take away the faceplate of the previous drain. Inside, you will discover a locknut holding the drain in place. Fastidiously loosen and take away the locknut and pull out the previous drain.
2. Put together the New Drain: Apply plumber’s putty to the flange of the brand new drain and insert it into the drainpipe. Make sure that the washer is correctly aligned.
3. Safe the Drain with a Locknut: Thread the locknut onto the drainpipe and tighten it clockwise utilizing a wrench. Keep away from overtightening to forestall cracking the bathtub or drain.
4. Set up the Overflow Plate:
4.1 Collect Supplies: You may want the overflow plate, overflow tube, and a screwdriver.
4.2 Insert the Overflow Tube: Push the overflow tube into the overflow gap within the tub encompass. Use pliers to softly tighten the tube.
4.3 Place the Overflow Plate: Place the overflow plate over the overflow tube and align it with the bathtub’s overflow opening.
4.4 Safe the Overflow Plate: Utilizing the screwdriver, fastidiously tighten the screws that maintain the overflow plate in place. Make sure you keep away from stripping the screws.
5. Test for Leaks: Fill the bathtub with water and verify for leaks across the drain and overflow plate. If any leaks happen, tighten the locknut or screws as crucial.
6. Clear Up: Use a humid material to wipe away any extra plumber’s putty or water.
Attaching the Overflow Plate
The overflow plate is a steel or plastic plate that matches over the drain gap and prevents water from overflowing the bathtub. The overflow plate is normally secured by two or three screws. To connect the overflow plate:
- Find the screw holes on the overflow plate.
- Place the overflow plate over the drain gap and align the screw holes with the holes within the tub.
- Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them till the overflow plate is safe.
If the overflow plate shouldn’t be put in appropriately, it might leak water. Make certain the overflow plate is stage and the screws are tight.
Further Suggestions
Listed here are some extra ideas for attaching the overflow plate:
- Use a stage to ensure the overflow plate is stage.
- Use a screwdriver that’s the appropriate dimension for the screws.
- Don’t overtighten the screws.
- In case you are having problem attaching the overflow plate, you may seek the advice of a plumber.
| Instrument | Function |
|---|---|
| Degree | To verify the overflow plate is stage |
| Screwdriver | To tighten the screws |
| Plumber | To seek the advice of if you’re having problem attaching the overflow plate |
Putting in the Pop-Up Meeting
The pop-up meeting is the mechanism that permits you to open and shut the drain of your tub. It consists of a pop-up stopper, a raise rod, and a drain meeting. Putting in the pop-up meeting is a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to comply with the directions fastidiously to make sure that it’s put in appropriately.
To put in the pop-up meeting, you have to the next supplies:
- Pop-up stopper
- Raise rod
- Drain meeting
- Plumber’s putty
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
After you have gathered your supplies, you may comply with these steps to put in the pop-up meeting:
Step 1: Take away the previous pop-up meeting. To do that, take away the screws that maintain the pop-up stopper in place and pull the stopper out of the drain meeting. Then, take away the raise rod from the drain meeting.
Step 2: Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the rim of the drain meeting. This may assist to create a watertight seal between the drain meeting and the bathtub.
Step 3: Insert the drain meeting into the drain gap within the tub. Make sure you align the drain meeting in order that the overflow gap is on the high.
Step 4: Hand-tighten the drain meeting till it’s cosy. Don’t overtighten the drain meeting, as this might injury the bathtub.
Step 5: Set up the raise rod into the drain meeting. To do that, insert the tip of the raise rod into the outlet within the drain meeting and push it down till it clicks into place.
Step 6: Set up the pop-up stopper. To do that, insert the pop-up stopper into the drain meeting and push it down till it clicks into place. Make sure you align the pop-up stopper in order that the deal with is dealing with the entrance of the bathtub.
| Mistake | Easy methods to Keep away from |
|---|---|
| Overtightening the drain meeting | Hand-tighten the drain meeting till it’s cosy. Don’t use a wrench to tighten the drain meeting. |
| Putting in the pop-up stopper incorrectly | Make sure you align the pop-up stopper in order that the deal with is dealing with the entrance of the bathtub. |
| Not making use of plumber’s putty to the rim of the drain meeting | Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the rim of the drain meeting. This may assist to create a watertight seal between the drain meeting and the bathtub. |
Connecting the Drainpipe
Step 7: Examine and Seal the Drain
As soon as the drainpipe is related, examine all the meeting fastidiously for any leaks or gaps. Use plumbers putty or silicone sealant to fill any small gaps across the drainpipe or drain flange. Apply a beneficiant quantity of sealant across the base of the drain flange, the place it meets the bathtub and the drainpipe, and easy it out along with your finger or a putty knife. This may guarantee a watertight seal and forestall water from seeping out and inflicting injury.
Suggestions for Sealing the Drain:
| Tip | Cause |
|---|---|
| Use non-hardening plumbers putty or silicone sealant. | Hardening sealants can crack over time, permitting water to leak. |
| Apply a beneficiant quantity of sealant. | A skinny seal will not be sufficient to forestall leaks. |
| Easy out the sealant totally. | Any gaps or air pockets within the sealant can permit water to penetrate. |
| Permit the sealant to remedy utterly. | Earlier than utilizing the bathtub, permit the sealant to remedy in accordance with the producer’s directions. |
Testing the Drain
After assembling the drain, you will need to check it for leaks. To do that, plug the overflow drain (if there may be one) and fill the bathtub with water till it reaches the overflow gap. Let the water run for a couple of minutes, then verify for any leaks across the drain meeting. In case you see any leaks, tighten the nuts on the drainpipe connections. If the leaks persist, chances are you’ll want to switch the washers or the drainpipe itself.
As soon as the drain has been examined and is leak-free, you may set up the drain cowl and the bathtub stopper. To put in the drain cowl, merely place it over the drain opening and press down till it snaps into place. To put in the bathtub stopper, insert the stopper into the drain opening and switch it clockwise till it’s safe.
Troubleshooting Widespread Drain Issues
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is the most typical plumbing drawback. Hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles can construct up over time and create a blockage. To unclog a drain, you may attempt utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies do not work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
Sluggish Drain
A sluggish drain will be attributable to a partial blockage or an issue with the plumbing system. To repair a sluggish drain, you may attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a plunger. If these strategies do not work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
Leaking Drain
A leaking drain will be attributable to a cracked pipe, a free connection, or a worn-out washer. To repair a leaking drain, you may attempt tightening the connection or changing the washer. If these strategies do not work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
Gurgling Drain
A gurgling drain is attributable to air being trapped within the plumbing system. This may be attributable to a clogged vent pipe or an issue with the sewer line. To repair a gurgling drain, you may attempt pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain adopted by a cup of vinegar. This may assist to clear the clog and take away the trapped air.
Overflowing Drain
An overflowing drain is attributable to a blockage within the drainpipe. To repair an overflowing drain, you may attempt utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies do not work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
Drain Flies
Drain flies are small, black flies that breed in moist areas, corresponding to drains. To do away with drain flies, you may attempt pouring a cup of boiling water down the drain adopted by a cup of bleach. This may assist to kill the flies and their eggs.
Tub Drain Stopper Not Working
A bathtub drain stopper can develop into clogged or damaged over time. To repair a bathtub drain stopper, you may attempt eradicating the stopper and cleansing it. If this doesn’t work, chances are you’ll want to switch the stopper.
Tub Drain Making Noise
A bathtub drain could make noise as a consequence of a free connection or a worn-out washer. To repair a loud tub drain, you may attempt tightening the connection or changing the washer. If this doesn’t work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
Tub Drain Sluggish To Drain
A bathtub drain can develop into sluggish to empty as a consequence of a clog or an issue with the plumbing system. To repair a slow-draining tub drain, you may attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a plunger. If these strategies don’t work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
| Downside | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Clogged drain | Use a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner |
| Sluggish drain | Use a drain cleaner or a plunger |
| Leaking drain | Tighten the connection or substitute the washer |
| Gurgling drain | Pour a cup of baking soda adopted by a cup of vinegar down the drain |
| Overflowing drain | Use a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner |
| Drain flies | Pour a cup of boiling water adopted by a cup of bleach down the drain |
| Tub drain stopper not working | Take away the stopper and clear it or substitute it |
| Tub drain making noise | Tighten the connection or substitute the washer |
| Tub drain sluggish to empty | Use a drain cleaner or a plunger |
Sustaining Your Tub Drain
Holding your tub drain clear and well-maintained is crucial to forestall clogs, leaks, and different plumbing points. Listed here are some ideas for sustaining your tub drain:
1. Take away Hair and Particles Usually
Hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles can accumulate within the tub drain, resulting in clogs. To forestall this, take away any hair and particles from the drain after every use through the use of a drain stopper or hair catcher.
2. Clear the Tub Drain Stopper
The bathtub drain stopper can accumulate hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles, which might trigger clogs. To scrub the drain stopper, take away it from the drain and rinse it totally beneath working water. It’s also possible to use a toothbrush or different tender brush to wash away any cussed particles.
3. Use a Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaners might help to dissolve hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles that may clog the drain. Nonetheless, you will need to use drain cleaners sparingly and in accordance with the producer’s directions. Some drain cleaners will be corrosive, so you will need to put on gloves and eye safety when utilizing them.
4. Use a Plunger
In case your tub drain is clogged, you may attempt utilizing a plunger to clear it. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge up and down vigorously a number of occasions. This may assist to create suction and dislodge the clog.
5. Take away the Drain Lure
If the clog is positioned additional down the drain, chances are you’ll must take away the drain entice. The drain entice is a U-shaped pipe that collects particles and prevents sewer gases from getting into the toilet. To take away the drain entice, loosen the nuts that maintain it in place and pull it off the drainpipe.
6. Unclog the Drainpipe
If the clog is positioned within the drainpipe, chances are you’ll want to make use of a drain snake. A drain snake is a protracted, versatile instrument that may be inserted into the drainpipe to interrupt up and take away clogs.
7. Name a Plumber
In case you are unable to clear the clog your self, chances are you’ll must name a plumber. A plumber can use professional-grade instruments and strategies to clear even essentially the most cussed clogs.
8. Preventative Upkeep
To forestall clogs, you will need to preserve your tub drain clear and well-maintained. Listed here are some preventative upkeep ideas:
9. Flush the Drain Usually
To forestall cleaning soap scum and different particles from increase within the drain, flush it usually with sizzling water. It’s also possible to add a cup of baking soda to the drain and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than flushing with sizzling water.
10. Keep away from Placing Sure Gadgets Down the Drain
Sure gadgets, corresponding to hair, cleaning soap scum, and meals scraps, can clog the drain. To forestall clogs, keep away from placing these things down the drain. As a substitute, eliminate them within the trash.
| Gadgets to Keep away from | Cause |
|---|---|
| Hair | Hair can tangle and kind clogs. |
| Cleaning soap scum | Cleaning soap scum can construct up on the drain and trigger clogs. |
| Meals scraps | Meals scraps can entice pests and micro organism, and also can clog the drain. |
Easy methods to Plumb a Tub Drain
Plumbing a bathtub drain could look like a frightening process, nevertheless it’s really fairly easy. With just a few fundamental instruments and supplies, you may simply do it your self. This is a step-by-step information on the right way to plumb a bathtub drain.
- Collect your supplies. You will want the next supplies:
- Tub drain meeting
- Plumber’s putty
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Hacksaw
- Measuring tape
- Put together the drain gap. Step one is to organize the drain gap. Begin by eradicating any previous drain meeting. Clear the realm across the drain gap with a humid material and apply a bead of plumber’s putty across the fringe of the drain gap.
- Set up the drain meeting. Subsequent, insert the drain meeting into the drain gap. Tighten the locknut on the underside of the drain meeting utilizing an adjustable wrench.
- Join the P-trap. The subsequent step is to attach the P-trap to the drain meeting. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that helps to forestall sewer gases from getting into the toilet.
- Join the drainpipe. Lastly, join the drainpipe to the P-trap. The drainpipe is a vertical pipe that carries wastewater from the bathtub to the sewer line.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Plumb A Tub Drain
What dimension is an ordinary tub drain?
The usual dimension for a bathtub drain is 1-1/2 inches. Nonetheless, some tubs could have a 2-inch drain.
How do you take away a bathtub drain?
To take away a bathtub drain, first, take away the drain cowl. Then, loosen the locknut on the underside of the drain meeting utilizing an adjustable wrench. Lastly, pull the drain meeting out of the drain gap.
How do you put in a brand new tub drain?
To put in a brand new tub drain, comply with the steps outlined within the information above. Begin by getting ready the drain gap. Subsequent, insert the drain meeting into the drain gap. Tighten the locknut on the underside of the drain meeting utilizing an adjustable wrench. Lastly, join the P-trap and the drainpipe.
