In case you’re coping with a clogged or slow-draining tub, it may be an actual ache. Not solely is it inconvenient, nevertheless it can be unsanitary. The excellent news is that repairing a bathtub drain is a comparatively easy process that you are able to do your self with a couple of primary instruments. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the steps on the way to restore a bathtub drain so you will get your tub again up and working very quickly.
Earlier than you begin, it is essential to collect the entire instruments and supplies you may want. You will want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a bucket, a plunger, and a drain snake. You may additionally want a pair of gloves and a masks to guard your self from any chemical compounds or particles. After getting your entire instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the restore course of.
Step one is to take away the drain cowl. That is normally finished by unscrewing the screws that maintain it in place. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you can see the drainpipe. The subsequent step is to take away the drainpipe. That is normally finished by loosening the nuts that maintain it in place. As soon as the drainpipe is eliminated, you’ll be able to start cleansing the drain. You are able to do this through the use of a plunger or a drain snake. In case you’re utilizing a plunger, make sure to fill the bathtub with water first. As soon as the drain is clear, you’ll be able to reassemble the drainpipe and the drain cowl. Remember to tighten the nuts and screws securely. As soon as you’ve got reassembled the drain, you’ll be able to take a look at it by working water into the bathtub. If the water drains correctly, then you definitely’ve efficiently repaired the drain.
Figuring out the Supply of the Leak
Earlier than initiating repairs, it’s essential to pinpoint the precise location of the leak to make sure focused and efficient interventions. Listed here are some widespread sources to contemplate:
Drain Stopper: Examine the drain stopper for any cracks, free seals, or broken O-rings. A compromised stopper can permit water to seep previous the seal, inflicting a leak.
Drain Gasket: The drain gasket, situated beneath the drain flange, kinds a watertight seal between the drain and the bathtub. A worn or torn gasket can lead to leaks.
P-Lure: The P-shaped pipe beneath the drain collects wastewater whereas stopping sewer gases from getting into the house. Unfastened connections or cracks within the P-trap can result in leaks.
Waste Arm: This curved pipe connects the P-trap to the drain. Examine for any leaks alongside the waste arm, particularly across the joints.
Tub Drain Meeting: The drain meeting consists of a raise rod, linkage, and drain physique. If the raise rod is just not correctly related to the drain plug or the linkage is broken, leaks can happen.
Caulk Seal: The caulk seal across the base of the bathtub and the drain flange helps stop water from leaking between the bathtub and the drain. A damaged or broken caulk seal can permit water to seep by.
Gathering the Mandatory Instruments
Earlier than embarking on the restore, it’s essential to assemble the important instruments and supplies. Having these things available will streamline the method and forestall pointless delays.
Primary Instruments:
- Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
- Plunger or drain snake
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Putty knife or flathead screwdriver
- Bucket or giant container
Extra Instruments for Extra Advanced Repairs:
| Instrument | Goal |
|---|---|
| Pipe wrench | Loosening or tightening giant pipes |
| Pliers | Holding or twisting small elements |
| Hacksaw | Chopping steel drainpipes |
| Soldering iron | Becoming a member of copper drainpipes |
Supplies:
- Rubber washers and gaskets
- Tub and tile cleaner
- Plumber’s putty
- Substitute drain stopper or strainer
By gathering these things upfront, you may be well-equipped to sort out the duty effectively and successfully.
Eradicating the Drain Cowl
Earlier than you’ll be able to entry the drain, it’s essential take away the drain cowl. That is normally a easy process, however it may possibly fluctuate relying on the kind of drain cowl you might have.
Most drain covers are held in place by a couple of screws. To take away these covers, merely use a screwdriver to loosen the screws after which raise the quilt off. In case your drain cowl is just not held in place by screws, it could be a snap-on cowl. To take away these covers, merely pry them off utilizing a flathead screwdriver.
After getting eliminated the drain cowl, it is possible for you to to see the drain meeting. The drain meeting is the a part of the drain that enables water to move out of the bathtub. It’s normally made up of a drain stopper, a drainpipe, and a flange. The drain stopper is the a part of the drain which you can see and transfer. The drainpipe is the a part of the drain that carries water away from the bathtub. The flange is the a part of the drain that connects the drainpipe to the bathtub.
If the drain is clogged, you’ll need to take away the drain stopper to wash it. To take away the drain stopper, merely pull it up on the tab. After getting eliminated the drain stopper, you’ll be able to clear it with a brush or a material.
| Kind of Drain Cowl | Easy methods to Take away |
|---|---|
| Screw-on cowl | Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws after which raise the quilt off. |
| Snap-on cowl | Pry the quilt off utilizing a flathead screwdriver. |
| Toe-touch drain | Push down on the highest of the drain cowl to open it. |
| Pop-up drain | Pull up on the tab to open the drain. |
Inspecting the Drain Meeting
Earlier than you start any repairs, it is essential to completely examine the drain meeting to find out the extent of the problem. This is a step-by-step information to inspecting your tub drain:
1. Take away the Drain Cowl
Utilizing a flat-head screwdriver, gently pry the drain cowl off. Watch out to not injury the quilt or surrounding tiles.
2. Examine the Stopper
Examine the rubber stopper for any tears, cracks, or blockages. A broken stopper can stop the drain from sealing correctly and permit water to leak out.
3. Look at the Drain Gasket
Take away the stopper and find the drain gasket, which is a rubber ring situated across the base of the drain. Examine the gasket for any indicators of harm or deterioration. A broken gasket can even result in leaks.
4. Examine the Drainpipe
Utilizing a flashlight, peer into the drainpipe to search for any seen clogs or obstructions. In case you see any particles or buildup, use a drain snake or auger to take away it gently. Keep away from utilizing extreme pressure or harsh chemical compounds, as these can injury the pipe.
| Frequent Drainpipe Clogs | Elimination Technique |
|---|---|
| Hair | Use a drain snake or tweezers to drag out hair |
| Cleaning soap Scum | Pour a cup of baking soda adopted by a cup of vinegar into the drain. Wait quarter-hour, then flush with scorching water |
| Mineral Deposits | Use a industrial drain cleaner specifically formulated for mineral deposits. Observe the directions fastidiously |
Reassembling the Drain
To reassemble the drain, observe these steps:
- Place the washer over the drain gap.
- Screw the drain flange onto the drain gap, tightening it by hand.
- Place the stopper within the drain gap.
- Screw the stopper nut onto the stopper, tightening it by hand.
- Set up the overflow plate over the overflow gap, securing it with screws.
- Set up the drain lever on the stopper, connecting it to the linkage.
- Examine for leaks by working water into the bathtub and observing the drain for any drips.
- If there aren’t any leaks, the drain is efficiently repaired.
Extra Suggestions for Stopping Future Drain Points:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a drain strainer | To catch hair and particles that may clog the drain |
| Clear the drain usually | Take away any buildup to stop blockages |
| Keep away from pouring harsh chemical compounds down the drain | These can injury the drain parts |
| Have the drain inspected periodically | To establish potential points earlier than they grow to be main issues |
Testing the Restore
Checking for Leaks
As soon as you’ve got reassembled the drain, activate the water and let it run for a couple of minutes. Examine below the bathtub and across the drain for any leaks. In case you see water dripping, you may must tighten the connections or substitute the washers.
Checking the Drain Move
Plug the bathtub and fill it with water. As soon as the bathtub is full, take away the plug and watch the water drain. The water ought to drain rapidly and easily with none gurgling or backing up. If the water drains slowly or would not drain in any respect, you might want to wash the drainpipe utilizing a drain snake or chemical cleaner.
Testing the Drain Stopper
Shut the drain stopper and fill the bathtub with water. As soon as the bathtub is full, open the stopper and watch the water drain. The water ought to cease draining while you shut the stopper. If the water continues to empty, you may want to exchange the stopper or the raise rod that connects it to the drain.
Extra Troubleshooting Suggestions
In case you’re nonetheless having issues along with your tub drain, listed here are some extra troubleshooting suggestions:
- Examine the overflow holes. If the overflow holes are clogged, water can again up into the bathtub and trigger the drain to overflow.
- Examine the vent pipe. A clogged vent pipe can stop air from escaping from the drain, which might trigger the water to empty slowly.
- Name a plumber. In case you’re unable to restore the bathtub drain your self, you might must name a plumber for help.
How To Restore Tub Drain
A leaky tub drain is usually a main annoyance, nevertheless it’s additionally a comparatively straightforward downside to repair. With a couple of easy instruments and a little bit little bit of time, you’ll be able to have your tub drain working like new once more very quickly.
This is what you may want:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s putty
- New drain stopper
- Bucket
- Rags
After getting your supplies gathered, observe these steps:
- Flip off the water provide to the bathtub.
- Open the drain stopper to permit the water to empty out of the bathtub.
- Place a bucket below the drain to catch any remaining water.
- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the drain stopper.
- Take away the drain stopper and examine the gasket. If the gasket is broken, substitute it with a brand new one.
- Apply a bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the drain stopper.
- Insert the drain stopper again into the drain and tighten it with the adjustable wrench.
- Activate the water provide to the bathtub and examine for leaks.
In case you discover any leaks, tighten the drain stopper additional or add extra plumber’s putty.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Restore Tub Drain
How do I do know if my tub drain is leaking?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out your tub drain is leaking. These embrace:
- Water leaking from across the base of the drain stopper
- Water leaking from the overflow drain
- A musty scent coming from the drain
- Mould or mildew rising across the drain
How can I stop my tub drain from leaking?
There are some things you are able to do to stop your tub drain from leaking:
- Clear the drain stopper and gasket usually.
- Tighten the drain stopper periodically.
- Change the gasket if it turns into broken.
- Apply a bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the drain stopper while you set up it.
How a lot does it price to restore a bathtub drain?
The price to restore a bathtub drain will fluctuate relying on the severity of the leak and the price of the elements wanted. Nevertheless, typically, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $200 for elements and labor.
