Each house owner will ultimately encounter the necessity to substitute a bath drain stopper. Whether or not it is as a consequence of a worn-out seal, a damaged stopper, or just a want for a brand new look, the duty is comparatively easy. Fortuitously, with the appropriate instruments and some easy steps, you possibly can have your tub drain functioning correctly very quickly. So, in the event you’re able to deal with this plumbing challenge, seize your instruments and observe alongside as we information you thru the method of changing your tub drain stopper.
Earlier than you start, it is important to assemble the mandatory instruments and supplies. For this challenge, you may want a brand new drain stopper, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and probably a putty knife or utility knife. In case your current stopper has a linkage connected to the overflow drain, you may additionally must take away that linkage earlier than continuing. After you have all the pieces you want, you possibly can proceed with the next steps to interchange your tub drain stopper.
First, take away the previous drain stopper by unscrewing it from the drainpipe. If the stopper is caught, you should utilize a pair of pliers to softly loosen it. As soon as the stopper is unfastened, pull it straight as much as take away it fully. Subsequent, clear the drainpipe and the floor round it completely. Take away any previous sealant or particles which will have gathered. As soon as the drainpipe is clear, apply a skinny bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the brand new drain stopper. Press the brand new stopper into place and tighten it by hand as a lot as potential. Lastly, use a screwdriver to completely tighten the stopper, making certain a safe match. If you happen to encounter any resistance, do not power it; merely modify the place of the stopper and take a look at once more.
Figuring out the Drain Stopper Kind
Understanding the kind of drain stopper you will have is essential for correct substitute. Here is a step-by-step information to establish the stopper sort:
1. Decide the Drain Opening Form
The drain opening form dictates the stopper sort appropriate along with your tub.
a. Carry-and-Flip Stopper: This sort encompasses a domed cap with a slot. When the cap is lifted, it rotates to plug or unplug the drain.
b. Push-and-Pull Stopper: A button-shaped cap characterizes this stopper. Pushing down seals the drain, whereas pulling up unplugs it.
c. Cross-Slot Stopper: A straight, cross-shaped opening signifies a drain plug that matches into the cross-shaped slot.
d. Toe-Contact Stopper: A small lever positioned on the facet or finish of the bathtub controls this stopper. Urgent the lever opens or closes the drain.
2. Verify for a Stopper Rod
Some drain stoppers function utilizing a rod that connects to the lever. If you happen to discover a rod working up via the bathtub, your stopper is probably going a lift-and-turn or cross-slot sort.
3. Look at the Drain Gap Dimension
The dimensions of the drain opening determines the diameter of the stopper required. Measure the diameter of the drain gap to make sure you buy the proper substitute stopper.
Gathering Needed Instruments and Supplies
Changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in a brief period of time with the appropriate instruments and supplies. Earlier than you start, it is important to assemble all the pieces it’s essential keep away from interruptions through the course of.
Instruments:
| Software | Goal |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | To loosen and tighten the drain meeting |
| Phillips screwdriver | To take away the previous stopper |
| Flathead screwdriver | To pry out the previous stopper |
| Needle-nose pliers | To take away small components |
| Flashlight | To see contained in the drain meeting |
Supplies:
- New tub drain stopper
- Plumber’s putty
- O-ring
- Washer
Eradicating the Previous Drain Stopper
Eradicating the previous drain stopper is usually a comparatively easy course of, however it could range relying on the kind of stopper you will have. Here is an in depth information for eradicating the commonest forms of drain stoppers:
Carry-and-Flip Stoppers
These stoppers are usually manufactured from rubber or silicone and have a small tab or deal with on the highest. To take away them, merely elevate the tab or deal with and switch the stopper counterclockwise. As soon as it is unfastened, pull it as much as take away it fully.
Push-and-Pull Stoppers
These stoppers have a small button or lever on the highest. To take away them, press down on the button or lever and pull up on the stopper concurrently. Some push-and-pull stoppers might also have a small screw on the facet that must be loosened earlier than you possibly can pull the stopper out.
Flip-It Stoppers
Flip-it stoppers are manufactured from two items: a metallic body and a rubber or silicone stopper. To take away them, merely flip the metallic body up and out of the drain. The rubber or silicone stopper will then come out simply.
Toe-Contact Stoppers
Toe-touch stoppers are opened and closed by urgent down on the highest of the stopper along with your toe. To take away them, you may want to make use of a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pry the stopper up and out of the drain.
Desk of Drain Stopper Elimination Instruments
| Kind of Drain Stopper | Elimination Software |
|---|---|
| Carry-and-Flip | None |
| Push-and-Pull | Flathead screwdriver or pliers (non-compulsory) |
| Flip-It | None |
| Toe-Contact | Flathead screwdriver or pliers |
Sealing the Stopper
Earlier than putting in the brand new drain stopper, it is very important seal it correctly to forestall water from leaking out across the edges.
To do that, you will have to make use of a plumber’s putty or silicone sealant.
Listed here are the steps on easy methods to seal the stopper utilizing plumber’s putty:
- Apply a bead of putty to the stopper’s flange. Make certain to use it evenly across the whole circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the putty kinds a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra putty from the floor of the stopper. You should utilize a moist material or your finger to do that.
- Permit the putty to treatment for the required time. This may range relying on the kind of putty you might be utilizing.
- Take a look at the seal by filling the bathtub with water and letting it drain. If there may be any leaking, it’s possible you’ll want to use extra putty or modify the stopper’s place.
Listed here are the steps on easy methods to seal the stopper utilizing silicone sealant:
- Clear the floor of the stopper’s flange with rubbing alcohol. This may assist the sealant to stick correctly.
- Apply a bead of sealant to the stopper’s flange. Make certain to use it evenly across the whole circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the sealant kinds a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra sealant from the floor of the stopper. You should utilize a moist material or your finger to do that.
- Permit the sealant to treatment for the required time. This may range relying on the kind of sealant you might be utilizing.
- Take a look at the seal by filling the bathtub with water and letting it drain. If there may be any leaking, it’s possible you’ll want to use extra sealant or modify the stopper’s place.
| Plumber’s Putty | Silicone Sealant |
|---|---|
| Simple to use | Extra sturdy |
| May be messy | May be troublesome to take away |
| Cheaper | Dearer |
Methods to Exchange a Tub Drain Stopper
Changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively easy plumbing process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Listed here are the steps on easy methods to do it:
- Take away the previous drain stopper. To do that, use a pair of pliers to know the stopper and pull it straight up. If the stopper is caught, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a screwdriver to pry it unfastened.
- Clear the drain gap. As soon as the stopper is eliminated, use a sponge or a brush to wash the drain gap of any hair or particles.
- Insert the brand new drain stopper. To do that, merely push the stopper into the drain gap till it’s comfortable. Guarantee that the stopper is correctly seated within the gap, or it could leak.
- Take a look at the stopper. To check the stopper, fill the bathtub with water after which plug the stopper. The stopper ought to create a watertight seal and forestall the water from draining out of the bathtub.
Folks Additionally Ask About Methods to Exchange a Tub Drain Stopper
Can I substitute a bath drain stopper myself?
Sure, changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively easy plumbing process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. You don’t want any particular instruments or expertise to do it.
What sort of drain stopper do I want?
There are two essential forms of drain stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers. Pop-up stoppers are the commonest sort, and they’re merely pushed down to shut the drain and pulled as much as open it. Carry-and-turn stoppers are much less frequent, and they’re opened and closed by turning a knob or lever.
The place can I purchase a brand new drain stopper?
You should purchase a brand new drain stopper at any ironmongery store or residence enchancment middle. You may as well discover them on-line.
