Fixing a leaky tub drain could be a daunting job, nevertheless it’s truly a comparatively easy plumbing restore that you are able to do your self with just a few primary instruments and supplies. The bottom line is to have a transparent understanding of how a bath drain works and the steps concerned in eradicating and changing the drain meeting. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the method of easy methods to plumb a bath drain, from begin to end. We’ll additionally present detailed directions, suggestions, and troubleshooting recommendation that can assist you get the job executed proper.
First, it’s worthwhile to 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 just 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 could possibly trigger water to leak from the drain.
To repair a leaky tub drain, you will must take away the outdated drain meeting and exchange it with a brand new one. The method is comparatively easy and may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is vital to just remember to have the precise instruments and supplies earlier than you begin. You will additionally must be ready to get a bit of moist, as there could also be some water that leaks out if you take away the outdated drain meeting. After getting every part you want, observe the steps on this article to get the job executed proper.
Selecting the Proper Drain
Deciding on the suitable drain to your bathtub is essential for each environment friendly drainage and a cohesive aesthetic enchantment. Think about the next elements when making your alternative:
Drain Sort
| Sort | Description |
|---|---|
| Pop-Up Drain | A traditional 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 evenly urgent on it together with your toe. |
| Waste-and-Overflow Drain | A mix drain that features an overflow gap to stop water from spilling over the tub’s edge. |
Materials
Drains are sometimes produced from 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 toilet fixtures. Standard finishes embody chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Dimension and Model
Select a drain that matches the diameter of your bathtub’s drain gap. Drains are available in varied kinds, from conventional to modern, to match the general design of your toilet.
Further Options
Some drains supply further options, reminiscent of built-in hair strainers to stop clogs and ornamental trim to reinforce the drain’s look.
Eradicating the Previous Drain
Earlier than you possibly can set up a brand new tub drain, you have to take away the outdated one. It is a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to observe the steps fastidiously to keep away from damaging the bathtub or drainpipes. Listed below are the steps on easy methods to take away an outdated tub drain:
1. Collect your instruments.
You have to just a few instruments to take away the outdated tub drain, together with a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. It is going to be useful to put a bucket below the drain to catch any water that will leak out if you take away the drain.
2. Take away the overflow plate.
The overflow plate is the small, spherical plate situated 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 situated 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 situated below the bathtub. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds the drain physique in place. As soon as the nut is unfastened, you possibly can pull the drain physique out of the bathtub.
5. Clear the drainpipes.
As soon as the outdated drain is eliminated, you will need to clear the drain pipes. It will assist to stop clogs and different issues. Use a drain cleaner or a plumber’s snake to scrub the pipes. Utilizing a moist/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water or particles within the pipe can be beneficial.
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 backwards and forwards to interrupt up the clog. As soon as the clog is damaged up, flush the drain with sizzling water to take away the particles.
You too can 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 remains to be clogged, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber to have it professionally cleaned.
Listed below are some suggestions for stopping a clogged drain gap:
| Tip | Clarification |
|---|---|
| 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 commonly. | Scorching water may also 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 outdated drain. Inside, you will discover a locknut holding the drain in place. Rigorously loosen and take away the locknut and pull out the outdated 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 stop cracking the bathtub or drain.
4. Set up the Overflow Plate:
4.1 Collect Supplies: You will 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. You should definitely keep away from stripping the screws.
5. Examine 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 mandatory.
6. Clear Up: Use a humid fabric to wipe away any extra plumber’s putty or water.
Attaching the Overflow Plate
The overflow plate is a metallic or plastic plate that matches over the drain gap and prevents water from overflowing the bathtub. The overflow plate is often 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 just isn’t put in accurately, it might leak water. Make certain the overflow plate is stage and the screws are tight.
Further Suggestions
Listed below are some further suggestions for attaching the overflow plate:
- Use a stage to ensure the overflow plate is stage.
- Use a screwdriver that’s the right measurement for the screws.
- Don’t overtighten the screws.
- In case you are having issue attaching the overflow plate, you possibly can seek the advice of a plumber.
| Instrument | Objective |
|---|---|
| Stage | To ensure the overflow plate is stage |
| Screwdriver | To tighten the screws |
| Plumber | To seek the advice of in case you are having issue 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 elevate rod, and a drain meeting. Putting in the pop-up meeting is a comparatively easy course of, however you will need to observe the directions fastidiously to make sure that it’s put in accurately.
To put in the pop-up meeting, you will have the next supplies:
- Pop-up stopper
- Carry rod
- Drain meeting
- Plumber’s putty
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
After getting gathered your supplies, you possibly can observe these steps to put in the pop-up meeting:
Step 1: Take away the outdated 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 elevate rod from the drain meeting.
Step 2: Apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the rim of the drain meeting. It will 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. You should definitely align the drain meeting in order that the overflow gap is on the prime.
Step 4: Hand-tighten the drain meeting till it’s cosy. Don’t overtighten the drain meeting, as this might harm the bathtub.
Step 5: Set up the elevate rod into the drain meeting. To do that, insert the top of the elevate 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. You should definitely align the pop-up stopper in order that the deal with is dealing with the entrance of the bathtub.
| Mistake | How one can 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 | You should definitely 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. It will 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 your complete 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 clean it out together with your finger or a putty knife. It will guarantee a watertight seal and stop water from seeping out and inflicting harm.
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 might not be sufficient to stop leaks. |
| Easy out the sealant totally. | Any gaps or air pockets within the sealant can permit water to penetrate. |
| Permit the sealant to treatment fully. | Earlier than utilizing the bathtub, permit the sealant to treatment based on 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’s 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. For those who see any leaks, tighten the nuts on the drainpipe connections. If the leaks persist, it’s possible you’ll want to interchange the washers or the drainpipe itself.
As soon as the drain has been examined and is leak-free, you possibly can 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 possibly can attempt utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies do not work, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber.
Sluggish Drain
A sluggish drain may be brought on by a partial blockage or an issue with the plumbing system. To repair a sluggish drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a plunger. If these strategies do not work, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber.
Leaking Drain
A leaking drain may be brought on by a cracked pipe, a unfastened connection, or a worn-out washer. To repair a leaking drain, you possibly can attempt tightening the connection or changing the washer. If these strategies do not work, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber.
Gurgling Drain
A gurgling drain is brought on by air being trapped within the plumbing system. This may be brought on by a clogged vent pipe or an issue with the sewer line. To repair a gurgling drain, you possibly can attempt pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain adopted by a cup of vinegar. It will assist to clear the clog and take away the trapped air.
Overflowing Drain
An overflowing drain is brought on by a blockage within the drainpipe. To repair an overflowing drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies do not work, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber.
Drain Flies
Drain flies are small, black flies that breed in moist areas, reminiscent of drains. To eliminate drain flies, you possibly can attempt pouring a cup of boiling water down the drain adopted by a cup of bleach. It will assist to kill the flies and their eggs.
Tub Drain Stopper Not Working
A bathtub drain stopper can turn out to be clogged or damaged over time. To repair a bath drain stopper, you possibly can attempt eradicating the stopper and cleansing it. If this doesn’t work, it’s possible you’ll want to interchange the stopper.
Tub Drain Making Noise
A bathtub drain could make noise resulting from a unfastened connection or a worn-out washer. To repair a loud tub drain, you possibly can attempt tightening the connection or changing the washer. If this doesn’t work, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber.
Tub Drain Sluggish To Drain
A bathtub drain can turn out to be sluggish to empty resulting from a clog or an issue with the plumbing system. To repair a slow-draining tub drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a plunger. If these strategies don’t work, it’s possible 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 exchange 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 exchange it |
| Tub drain making noise | Tighten the connection or exchange the washer |
| Tub drain sluggish to empty | Use a drain cleaner or a plunger |
Sustaining Your Tub Drain
Maintaining your tub drain clear and well-maintained is important to stop clogs, leaks, and different plumbing points. Listed below are some suggestions for sustaining your tub drain:
1. Take away Hair and Particles Repeatedly
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 gather hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles, which may trigger clogs. To wash the drain stopper, take away it from the drain and rinse it totally below working water. You too can use a toothbrush or different smooth brush to wash away any cussed particles.
3. Use a Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaners may also 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 based on the producer’s directions. Some drain cleaners may 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 possibly can attempt utilizing a plunger to clear it. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge up and down vigorously a number of occasions. It will assist to create suction and dislodge the clog.
5. Take away the Drain Lure
If the clog is situated additional down the drain, it’s possible you’ll must take away the drain lure. The drain lure is a U-shaped pipe that collects particles and prevents sewer gases from coming into the lavatory. To take away the drain lure, loosen the nuts that maintain it in place and pull it off the drainpipe.
6. Unclog the Drainpipe
If the clog is situated within the drainpipe, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a drain snake. A drain snake is an extended, 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, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber. A plumber can use professional-grade instruments and strategies to clear even probably the most cussed clogs.
8. Preventative Upkeep
To forestall clogs, you will need to maintain your tub drain clear and well-maintained. Listed below are some preventative upkeep suggestions:
9. Flush the Drain Repeatedly
To forestall cleaning soap scum and different particles from increase within the drain, flush it commonly with sizzling water. You too can 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 Objects Down the Drain
Sure gadgets, reminiscent of hair, cleaning soap scum, and meals scraps, can clog the drain. To forestall clogs, keep away from placing this stuff down the drain. As a substitute, get rid of them within the trash.
| Objects to Keep away from | Cause |
|---|---|
| Hair | Hair can tangle and type clogs. |
| Cleaning soap scum | Cleaning soap scum can construct up on the drain and trigger clogs. |
| Meals scraps | Meals scraps can appeal to pests and micro organism, and may also clog the drain. |
How one can Plumb a Tub Drain
Plumbing a bath drain might look like a frightening job, nevertheless it’s truly fairly simple. With just a few primary instruments and supplies, you possibly can simply do it your self. Here is a step-by-step information on easy methods to plumb a bath drain.
- Collect your supplies. You have to 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 outdated drain meeting. Clear the realm across the drain gap with a humid fabric 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 following step is to attach the P-trap to the drain meeting. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that helps to stop sewer gases from coming into the lavatory.
- 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.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Plumb A Tub Drain
What measurement is a regular tub drain?
The usual measurement for a bath drain is 1-1/2 inches. Nonetheless, some tubs might have a 2-inch drain.
How do you take away a bath drain?
To take away a bath 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, observe the steps outlined within the information above. Begin by making 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.
