5 Steps to Repair a Tub Drain

Tub Drain Repair

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When you’re coping with a clogged tub drain, do not despair. Repairing a bathtub drain is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. On this article, we’ll offer you a step-by-step information on how one can restore a bathtub drain. We’ll additionally present some suggestions for stopping future clogs.

To start, you may want to collect a couple of instruments. These embody a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a drain snake, and a bucket. Upon getting your instruments, you possibly can observe these steps:

1. Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. As soon as you’ve got eliminated the screws, you possibly can raise the drain cowl off.
2. Clear the drain opening. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may want to scrub the drain opening. You are able to do this with a drain snake or a pair of pliers. Take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles which may be clogging the drain.
3. Reinstall the drain cowl. As soon as the drain opening is clear, you possibly can reinstall the drain cowl. Safe the drain cowl with the screws.

Change the Drain Stopper or Gasket

If the stopper or gasket is worn or broken, it could possibly enable water to leak by means of the drain. To interchange the stopper or gasket:

  1. Find the set screw that secures the stopper to the drain. The set screw is normally positioned on the underside of the stopper.

  2. Use a screwdriver to loosen the set screw. Don’t take away the set screw utterly.

  3. Pull the stopper out of the drain.

  4. Examine the stopper and gasket for injury. If both the stopper or gasket is broken, substitute it with a brand new one.

  5. Apply a skinny bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the brand new gasket.

  6. Insert the brand new gasket into the drain.

  7. Push the stopper into the drain.

  8. Tighten the set screw to safe the stopper in place.

Change the Drain Meeting

If the drain meeting is leaking, you might want to switch it. It is a extra concerned restore, however it’s nonetheless potential to do it your self with a couple of instruments and provides.

Step 1: Take away the Previous Drain Meeting

  1. Flip off the water provide to the bathtub.
  2. Place a bucket or bowl below the drain to catch any water which will leak out.
  3. Use a screwdriver or wrench to take away the screws that maintain the drain meeting in place.
  4. Rigorously pull the drain meeting out of the bathtub.

Step 2: Clear the Drain Gap

As soon as the drain meeting is eliminated, you possibly can clear the drain gap. Use a sponge, brush, or fabric to take away any particles or gunk. You may also use a drain cleaner to assist dissolve any buildup.

Step 3: Set up the New Drain Meeting

As soon as the drain gap is clear, you possibly can set up the brand new drain meeting.

  1. Place the drain meeting within the drain gap.
  2. Tighten the screws that maintain the drain meeting in place.
  3. Activate the water provide and test for leaks.
Materials Price
Brass $20-$50
Plastic $10-$25

Seal the Drain Connections

To make sure a watertight seal across the drain, it is essential to handle any potential leaks on the drain connections. Here is a step-by-step information to sealing drain connections and stopping water from seeping by means of:

1. Examine Connections

Begin by inspecting the drain connections for any indicators of injury or unfastened fittings. Verify for cracks, gaps, or lacking parts.

2. Clear Surfaces

Totally clear the surfaces across the drain connections utilizing a degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Take away any grime, grime, or residue to create a clear and dry floor for sealing.

3. Apply Plumber’s Putty

Apply a beneficiant quantity of plumber’s putty to the threads of the drain connection. This putty will assist seal any gaps and stop leaks.

4. Tighten Drain Gasket

Insert the drain gasket into the drain connection and tighten it securely. Be sure that the gasket is correctly seated and varieties a watertight seal.

5. Apply Washer

If required, apply a washer over the drain gasket to supply extra sealing. Tighten the washer snugly to create a safe connection.

6. Use Thread Sealant

For added safety, apply a thread sealant to the threads of the drain connection. This sealant will assist additional stop leaks by filling any small gaps.

7. Tighten Drain Meeting

Rigorously tighten the drain meeting by hand or with a wrench. Keep away from overtightening, as this will injury the connections.

8. Check for Leaks

As soon as the drain meeting is tightened, check for leaks by working water into the bathtub and observing the drain connections. If any leaks are detected, repeat the sealing course of till the drain is totally watertight.

Supplies Wanted for Sealing Drain Connections
Plumber’s putty
Drain gasket
Washer (if required)
Thread sealant

Preventive Upkeep

Common cleansing and inspection of your tub drain might help stop issues from creating. Listed below are some suggestions for preventive upkeep:

  • Clear the drain recurrently: Take away hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles from the drain utilizing a drain cleaner or a selfmade answer of baking soda and vinegar.
  • Examine the drain for leaks: Verify the drain for any indicators of leaks, corresponding to dripping water or moist spots.
  • Tighten unfastened screws: Ensure all of the screws holding the drain in place are tight.
  • Change the drain cowl: If the drain cowl is broken or lacking, substitute it with a brand new one.

Troubleshooting

When you’re experiencing issues along with your tub drain, listed here are some troubleshooting suggestions:

1. Gradual drainage

  • Clear the drain of hair and cleaning soap scum.
  • Verify for a clog within the P-trap.
  • Use a drain snake to clear a clog within the drain line.

2. Leaking drain

  • Tighten the screws holding the drain in place.
  • Change the washer or gasket across the drain.
  • Name a plumber if the leak persists.

3. Clogged drain

  • Use a drain cleaner or a selfmade answer of baking soda and vinegar.
  • Use a drain snake to clear a clog within the drain line.
  • Name a plumber if you cannot clear the clog your self.

4. Damaged drain

  • Change the damaged drain.
  • Name a plumber in case you’re not comfy changing the drain your self.

5. Noisy drain

  • Lubricate the drain stopper.
  • Change the drain stopper if it is broken.

6. Free drain

  • Tighten the screws holding the drain in place.
  • Name a plumber if the drain remains to be unfastened.

7. Cracked drain

  • Change the cracked drain.
  • Name a plumber in case you’re not comfy changing the drain your self.

8. Rusting drain

  • Clear the rust off the drain.
  • Apply a rust-resistant coating to the drain.

9. Discolored drain

  • Clear the drain with a drain cleaner or a selfmade answer of baking soda and vinegar.
  • Name a plumber if the discoloration persists.

10. Drain not draining in any respect

  • Verify for a clog within the drain cowl, P-trap, or drain line.
  • Use a drain cleaner or a selfmade answer of baking soda and vinegar to clear the clog.
  • Name a plumber if you cannot clear the clog your self.

How To Restore Tub Drain

Supplies:

  • Drain stopper and meeting
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Rags
  • Flashlight

Directions:

  1. Take away the drain stopper: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and take away the drain stopper.
  2. Take away the previous drain meeting: As soon as the stopper is eliminated, use the wrench to loosen and take away the drain meeting.
  3. Clear the drain gap: Use a rag to scrub the drain gap of any particles or previous plumber’s putty.
  4. Apply plumber’s putty: Roll a small quantity of plumber’s putty right into a snake-like form and press it across the base of the brand new drain meeting.
  5. Insert the brand new drain meeting: Insert the brand new drain meeting into the drain gap and hand-tighten it.
  6. Tighten the drain meeting: Use the wrench to additional tighten the drain meeting, making certain it’s securely in place.
  7. Reinstall the drain stopper: Insert the drain stopper into the drain meeting and tighten it utilizing the wrench.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Restore Tub Drain

What are the frequent causes of a leaking tub drain?

  • Worn or broken drain stopper
  • Free drain meeting
  • Cracked or broken drainpipe

How do I do know if my tub drain must be repaired?

  • Water leaking from the drain gap
  • Gradual draining tub
  • Seen injury to the drain meeting

Can I restore the bathtub drain myself?

  • Sure, you possibly can restore the bathtub drain your self with primary instruments and supplies. Nevertheless, if the injury is in depth or entails the principle drainpipe, it is best to name a plumber.