Then take a wrench and clamp it onto the key. There are other ways to remove the flange, but those methods are likely to damage your tub (or your tools!) The Drain Key and Smart Dumbell are both designed specifically for this job, and will help to prevent any potential damage to the tub's enamel/finish. Try not to disturb the drain elbow while doing this: if the drain elbow becomes misaligned, you risk having to access the underside of the tub to realign the shoe and gasket. If you’re unable to turn the flange, use a hairdryer to apply heat on the flange for some minutes. Insert a screwdriver through the holes in the sides of the key and use it as a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise. After a few minutes, the putty should be soft enough to try turning again. This is a great tool when the inside supports are still in place. If your stopper is the pres-flo type, then you’ll simply grasp the stopper knob (if any) or the stopper itself and pull it up. Put your drain key into the opening of the drain in your bath. Roll the putty between your hands until it is a long log that is about as thick as a pencil. Between the underside of the flange and the tub surface, there's a good amount of plumbers putty that seals the inside of the drain. A long screwdriver, plumbers pliers (channel locks), a properly sized wrench to fit the body of the drain … Here’s how to remove stoppers depending on their designs: To remove this stopper, grasp its head with your hand when the stopper is in the closed or open position. A bathtub drain flange is the finished drain part that's visible in the tub. A dumbbell looks like a key and fits well between the crossbars in the flange. Stop rotating the flange once the top face of the flange sits even or slightly below the tub surface. You can find any of these drain removal tools from your local plumbing or hardware store. The kind of drain stopper mechanism you have will determine the procedure you’ll follow to remove it. Turn your hair dryer on “hot” or “warm” and let it blow on the drain basket (where the stopper was) for a few minutes. Whichever the case, replacing a tub drain demands the removal of the drain flange. Step 1 - Remove the Drain Cover The drain flange is usually hidden by a cover that acts both as a strainer and ornamental concealment. In case you don’t find a setscrew, unscrew the whole stopper unit using a wrench or your fingers. Then unscrew the drain post. It’s something you can easily do from within the bathtub. You should now know how to remove a bathtub drain and drain flanges with ease. The flange is the drain’s visible part. A small drain snake or piece of wire. In case your bathtub comes with a lever at the back, then you’ll simply lift it to detach the stopper. At those times, you may need to replace it, which requires to remove the drain stopper or flange at first. Once clean, you’ll be able to see the bathtub drain opening and flange clearly. That drain elbow connects to a length of pipe that then connects to the waste and overflow pipe. You might need more effort to remove other stopper designs. Insert the handles into the drain so they are against the nubs, then turn those pliers by putting a pipe wrench, large adjustable wrench, or another set of pliers on the jaws of those pliers (which are pointing up) and turn counter-clockwise. Perhaps, the drain flange has stayed for too long and has begun to wear. Thus, the best chance you have is applying more force. Tip # 1 - Use the Right Tools. Step 3Keep turning drain counterclockwise until the old drain is released - it shouldn't take too many turns before the drain comes right out. Items needed to remove and replace a modern screw in bath tub drain (not all drains are like this). Replacing your bathtub drain. It’s held in place by a single screw, so take a screwdriver, loosen it, and lift the cover out of the way. The waste and overflow cover on the sides of the tub should be undone with a screwdriver. Pro Tip: If the drain is stubborn and won't budge (even with the proper tools), heating the flange with a hair dryer on high/hot may soften the putty that's sealing the flange to the tub. Tip # 1 - Use the Right Tools. Some plumbers can successfully use a regular hammer to remove the drain, but this is only possible with certain hammers and drains. With this type of drain stopper, you’ll need to rotate it until a setscrew becomes visible on its knob. It’s also likely that the current design of your drain is made of chrome and an update requires a drain made of brass. In case you are using a dumbbell, you’ll need to insert it through the drain. Fit the tub drain wrench over the center cross of the new drain and turn the flange clockwise. There is an expansive tool to remove them, but if the cross is missing, that often means that someone has already tried to remove it and failed, so even the new tool might not do it. The flange is typically screwed into the tailpiece of the drain. Turn your wrench anticlockwise until the wings touch the inside of the drain. The tailpiece is the piping beneath the tub and is connected to the main drain pipe within the bathroom wall. Slowly turn the drain clockwise to catch the first few threads of the drain elbow underneath the tub. However, that might not be very easy. Then use your wrench to tighten, by one quarter of a turn. You’ll simply turn it using a screwdriver or wrench as the lever. Take a screwdriver or hex wrench and use it to loosen the stopper setscrew. Or maybe you’re planning to upgrade the drain stopper with a better one. Step 2 - Remove the Drain Flange Insert the removal tool into the drain body, also known as the flange. Remove the drain flange with a dedicated drain flange removal tool, or stick a pair of needle nose pliers in the drain flange, twist counterclockwise, and pull. Next, lift the drain stopper from the post. Doing so will make the stopper pop out. \ You can try using a strainer wrench. For instance, the drain fitting may be having a strainer that’s preventing you from accessing the drain with a plumber’s snake to clear some stubborn clogs. This may be something challenging to do, especially due to hardened putty and calcium deposits that create resistance. Finally, install the new flange. Luckily, you won’t come across many challenges when replacing a drain flange, according to our 24 hour plumber in Sydney. Step 4 Clean drain area, making sure to remove all old putty residue. Unscrew the bathtub drain flange, which is the part of the drain you see on the bottom of the tub, after first unscrewing and removing the strainer if there is one. Step 4Clean drain area, making sure to remove all old putty residue. Remove the gunk around the tub drain. You will need to replace a leaking bathtub drain flange as soon as you discover it, otherwise you risk having water damage to the floor in your bathroom.. When you remove the old stopper you may pull up hair and/or other debris, so be sure to have a container or bucket handy to place your dirty parts into since this can get messy! If it's not apparent, you can find out how to remove your stopper here. Use the putty knife to remove excess plumber’s putty. Next, take a sponge and use it to clean the interior of the flange. To start, make sure that the retaining nut is off. Squeeze the new gasket into one side of the drain, then push the other side into place. Then rotate the knob counterclockwise. As the diagram at rightabove shows, the flange is held in place with a threaded connection to the drain elbow (aka drain shoe). Insert a drain key into the bathtub drain basket. Wrap this underneath the lip of the new flange, making sure that it reaches all the way around. The head may easily pop off to expose a screw. Step 6Roll a piece of plumbers putty in your hands that is about the same thickness of a pencil. The new bathtub drain. In case it’s stuck, wrap a dry rag or piece of cloth around it. The most important thing to remember is that a drain wrench is an important tool, so it’s worth picking one up. Clean the drain opening on the tub with a rag and acetone to remove dirt, debris and old plumber's putty. How to Remove a Broken Tub Drain Basket. Do this carefully, so as not to squeeze the gasket underneath the tub out of place. Sometimes, it doesn’t come off easily. You’ll find a nut on the key and this is where you’ll clamp the wrench. The Premier Online Plumbing Supplier Since 1995, Same day shipping for in-stock orders processed by 7pm EST M-F. OR - find plumbing supplies starting with: Drain Key or Smart Dumbell tub drain removal tool, complete tutorial for using these drain tools. Once the screw is removed, you can detach the knob. Step 11Pat yourself on the back - you have now successfully installed your new drain flange! Enjoy a celebratory soak. In order to perform the removal of the flange, you will need to access the sink from the bottom. You will need to replace a leaking bathtub drain flange as soon as you discover it, otherwise you risk having water damage to the floor in your bathroom.. To replace this, the drain basket needs to be removed. From time to time, the bathroom or kitchen sink drain may stop working. Be careful not to cross thread! Note: The use of thread sealers, like PTFE tape, is not needed for this application. Pro Tip: If the drain is stubborn and won't budge (even with the proper tools), heating the flange with a hair dryer on high/hot may soften the putty that's sealing the flange to the tub. The first thing you should do before removing the flange is to detach the tub drain stopper. Get a wrench and clamp it to the nut located on the key. Remove the gunk around the tub drain. You can use a screwdriver to loosen the screw. Remove the tub spout since this will be on a portion of the wall you'll be cutting away. Once you remove the knob, use a sturdy screwdriver to unscrew the crossbar post. Next, turn it using a pair of pliers. In many cases though, it isn’t that easy. Over the years, through corrosion or wear and tear, it can leak, rust away or become broken. In case you’ll have to replace the entire bathtub drain, then you’ll need to work under the tub area. Step 7Place the flange in the drain hole. The gasket underneath the tub helps to complete the seal between the two pieces. This will make it difficult to remove your bathtub drain. Next, take a sponge and use it to clean the interior of the flange. You may be looking to replace a bathtub drain flange because it is unsightly, or maybe it is leaking. At this point, you feel it’s challenging to continue rotating it. Drain keys or drain extractors come with reverse-thread systems or expanding wings that grip the flange firmly from the inside. Use a flat type of screwdriver or putty knife to remove old putty from the drain opening. Heat the drain basket with a hair dryer. If it's not, you'll need to replace it (available below). If the tub has a screen, simply pry underneath the screen with a small flat-head screwdriver to pop it off. Make sure the drive screw is situated at the top and the expanding shoes are in the drain basket. How to remove a bathtub drain stopper bathtub drain removal when cross bathtub drain removal when cross how to remove a bathtub drain stopper how to remove broken tub drain Removing A Bathtub Drain That Has Broken Crossbars FlounderingsRemoving A Bathtub Drain That Has Broken Crossbars FlounderingsHow To Convert Bathtub Drain Lever A Lift And… Next, engage its tines with a strainer or crossbar. Following the instructions for the tool, turn counterclockwise. The tailpiece is sometimes referred to as the tub show. Continue turning the key counterclockwise until its wings touch the inner drain. In most cases, a bathtub drain basket has been screwed into place. Is there something else you are looking for? Keep your pipes clean, and your floors dry by sticking to these five simple steps. The pipe will assist in creating more leverage to unscrew the drain flange. At this stage, it gets harder to move. Next, take the drain key and insert it into the tub drain opening. To proceed, you’ll need to use a pair of pliers to remove the securing nut from the basket. This is in the sink drain basket. If the flange has crossbars, loosen it with a tool called a drain key, which hooks onto the crossbars and has holes that allow you to insert a screwdriver to use as a handle. However, they are slightly different. Hold the … Once clean, you’ll be able to see the bathtub drain opening and flange clearly. Replacing the flange is a relatively simple project, but if you haven't done it before you may have a tough time knowing where to begin. Warming it up will make it easier to remove. Step 2Insert the Drain Key or the Smart Dumbell into the drain. Use a tool designed for tub drain removal, called a tub drain wrench, to remove the drain flange. For instance, one such tool is a dumbbell. Doing so will soften the putty that may have hardened within the threads, thereby making it easier to turn the flange. If you're using a drain key, insert it in the opening of the old drain. You use the handles of the pliers, adjusted to the width of the throat of the tub drain, as spanners. In this case, simply grasp the lever and pull it upwards, then pull it backwards to release the lever rocker arm. A bathtub drain wrench or sometimes called a drain key. A rubber gasket underneath the tub seals the drain elbow to the tub. -- A caution, however: Use some WD-40 around the flange to help loosen the corrosion, and get a helper with a wrench to hold the nut on the bottom of the tub. To replace this, the drain basket needs to be removed. Step 5Underneath the tub will be a rubber gasket that creates a seal for the drain elbow. Next, rotate the head in a counterclockwise direction to detach it fully from the crossbar. In that case a hacksaw blade, or saber saw, along with a hammer and chisel may be the only way to remove it. For this stopper, you’ll need to open it by first grasping the head using one hand and grasping the shaft using a wrench or with your other hand. Some manufacturers refer to the drain flange as a "drain body" or "drain basket". Paper towles. Before attempting any DIY plumbing project in your home, know the access points to your plumbing. Have a plumber's number handy, and don't be ashamed to use it! To remove a drain flange, it‘s best to use a drain removal tool. Allow to dry before beginning installation of the new drain flange. Step 1First, remove the stopper. To do this, clean any hair and soap scum that may have accumulated on the drain. You may get lucky and the drain flange may unscrew easily. For instance, if the drain has some crossbars, then you can use a sturdy screwdriver between the crossbars and turn the screwdriver to unscrew the flange. Some bathtub drain stoppers are operated by a flip lever mounted on the overflow opening on the tub. The exterior part of the flange is usually threaded. Plumbing supply houses sell a simple tool that works very well for this purpose. Both the Drain Key and the Smart Dumbell essentially work the same; you insert them into the drain and turn counterclockwise to release the old tub drain. Next, use your household cleaner to wipe off any rust or gunk. Drain flanges come in many different finishes and have a variety of stopper options for filling the tub. If so, you’ll be unable to apply enough torque to turn it. Wrap the putty around the lip of the replacement drain basket. It’s much easier to remove the drain by using tools that are specially designed to remove drains. However, the main challenge with this method is that a screwdriver might not make a tight contact onto the crossbars. Then plug the tub and run a bit of water, checking for any leaks. The threads are threaded into the drain’s tailpiece. Some spouts have a … You’ll need the following tools for the job: To do this, clean any hair and soap scum that may have accumulated on the drain. Pres-flo stoppers are the easiest drain stoppers to remove. Hi, we recently remodeled the bathroom and decided to not replace the bathtub. Step 10Install the tub stopper, if needed. A Bathtub Drain Wrench if you cant use pliers. This even happens with a baby bathtub, especially when you decide to use the same one you used for … The connection needs to be tight to prevent leaks, but tightening it too much risks cracking the tub or breaking the seal. Keep turning until the flange comes loose and you can remove it. To remove the drain flange, use a strainer wrench or a pair of needle-nose pliers. In case your drain design doesn’t feature a crossbar, then you’ll need to use a sturdy drain extractor or drain key. We aspire that these life hack techniques will come handy for your removal of the kitchen sink or bathroom drain flange at ease and conveniently. It seats into the drain and has a solid place to put a wrench so you can turn it out. Before you dive in, it's important to familiarize yourself with a tub drain system. Turn the drain removal tool in a counterclockwise direction to unscrew the drain flange. Flip-Lever Drain Stoppers . Once the drain basket is fully exposed, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of one part vinegar and one part baking soda to wash it off. To do so, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the old gasket. Copyright 2020 Fast Plumbers | All Rights Reserved |, Tools You’ll Need To Remove The Bathtub Drain, Start with removing the tub drain stopper, Step 1: Start with cleaning the opening of the drain, Step 2: Locking the tool for removing the drain, Step 3: Turning the drain flange counterclockwise, How to Get Rid of Cockroaches from Your Home. In most cases, removing a flange is relatively easy. In case it’ll be necessary, slip a steel pipe on the wrench or screw handle to extend its length. Screw the new drain basket in by hand and tighten it with the pliers or drain wrench. Lubricating the threads would be almost impossible. Step 8Once the flange is carefully threaded into the first few threads of the drain elbow, use the Smart Dumbell to hand-tighten the flange into the drain elbow until tight. Step 9Remove any excess plumbers putty that may be squeezed out around the edge of the flange with a putty knife. You might be lucky to remove the flange using the tools you already have at home. In some tub designs, you can only access the drain by lifting the bathtub. Once the tool grips the flange, you can use a wrench to turn it. The only problem is asthetic: the drain flange polish seems to have worn off through the years. Remove the drain stopper or screen to gain access to the tub's drain fitting. You’ll find most parts making up the bathtub drain assembly under the bathtub. Before beginning please note: There are many variables to consider when it comes to your home's plumbing - this guide is intended to provide a basic understanding, and may not cover all circumstances. Keep in mind when attempting to complete a plumbing project yourself that it's easy to "open a can of worms" - you need to be prepared if your simple project suddenly gets out of hand. Use a screwdriver to disconnect and remove the tub's waste and overflow valve cover. Once done, take a screwdriver and insert it through the dumbbell to work as a simple lever for easier operation. Clean the tailpiece threads with a toothbrush. Excess putty can be put back into the container to be used another time. Many bathtubs will have an access panel behind the tub, or you may be able to access the plumbing through a crawl space in or under the home. The basket, also known as a flange, is sealed with plumber’s putty. You’ll be able to remove any hair that may be stuck within the drain upon removing the flange to access the inside. Check this gasket to make sure it is in good shape. Tubs with screens usually have a bucket, or plunger, type stopper assembly that stops the water inside the drain pipe. There are several reasons that might make you consider removing the bathtub drain. The first thing that you want to do when you are thinking about replacing your bathtub drain is inspect the popup and see if you can remove it by hand. There are several types of drain stopper, all of which can be removed very easily. When removing the flange, you’ll simply unscrew it gently from the drain’s tailpiece. Once done, use the wrench to turn the drain removal key counterclockwise. In case the drain is blocked, you can remove the hair using the zip-it drain tool. For your convenience, we offer a complete tutorial for using these drain tools. 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