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How To Install Tub Drain

Do I need plumbers putty for bathtub drain?

For the drain itself, plumber’s putty is the best solution. The material makes waterproof seals with wet surfaces. If you need to seal the drain pipe, though, you’ll want to use silicone. Caulk is important to sealing pipes because it creates watertight seals that don’t wash away.

Is there a gasket between tub and drain?

A bathtub drain flange is the finished drain part that’s visible in the tub. 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 rubber gasket underneath the tub seals the drain elbow to the tub.

Are tub drains standard?

According to Bonnets Stems and Accessories, Inc., a standard modern bathtub drain is 1 1/2 inches in diameter – the width straight across the middle. Antique bathtubs, such as historic clawfoot tubs, sometimes have slightly smaller drain openings, often 1 3/8 inches in diameter.

Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty?

Every household toolbox should contain plumber’s putty and silicone to fix plumbing issues like leaks in the tub, toilet, shower, sink, and other drains. The main difference between a plumber’s putty vs. silicone is that putty is easy to manipulate and remove while silicone hardens for better waterproofing.

Should I use plumbers putty with a rubber gasket for bathtub drain?

No. Plumbers putty is old school. Many plumbers use only the rubber gasket included with faucets, pop-ups and tub wastes. Plumbers putty is cheap but it will dry out and crack quicker than rubber gaskets.

Do you caulk around tub drain?

In case you find it challenging to reach the underside area of the tub drainage pipe, then your best option will be silicone caulking. Use the caulk to seal the exposed drain area. Silicone caulking forms a strong, tight seal that doesn’t wash away easily.

Does a tub drain need AP Trap?

P-traps are S-shaped pipe components that keep toxic sewer gases from escaping into your residence. They are required on all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs and showers. A bathtub trap begins at the end of the tub drain assembly, where it is glued onto a fitting screwed to the drain outlet.

Are tub drains universal?

Bathtub drains are 1 1/2 inches wide and fit all standard bathtubs ranging from 14 to 26 inches deep. They are this size because they must fit the opening of the P-trap — also 1 1/2 inches wide — which is a special pipe that has a sharp bend in it.

Do I need to seal shower drain?

Properly sealing a shower drain is important to ensure your shower doesn’t leak around the fixture and into the cavity below when the water drains out of it.

Do shower drains need to be caulked?

Caulk around a shower drain keeps the drain working properly. It stops water from leaking beyond the drain and keeps your shower free of mold and mildew. This project is easy to complete and you only need a few supplies such as screwdrivers, caulk, an application gun, and a utility knife.

How tight should tub drain flange be?

Do not press down on the flange. Allow the threads to pull the flange down into the drain shoe. Step 8: Use the drain-removal tool or plier handles to tighten the flange into the drain. The flange should be tight enough to prevent water leaks, but not tight enough to damage the tub.

Do I need teflon tape on tub drain?

You don’t need tape for the seal (those drain to shoe threads are not where the water seal takes place in those parts) but since you are using metal drain parts teflon tape or pipe dope does greatly increase the odds that you or the next person will be able to get them apart, rather than finding them irrevocably Nov 24, 2020.

What is a tub shoe?

The tub drain shoe is an elbow that channels water down the drain pipe, it is the first fitting attached to the bottom of the tub’s drain basket. If the tub is on the second floor or if the house has been built on a cement slab, gain access through an access hole in a wall directly behind the tub plumbing.

How do you anchor a freestanding tub?

Place tub in intended position on floor. Use pencil to trace around tub on floor. Place tub in intended position on floor. Once the tub is turned upside down remove washers and nuts from the threaded studs. Once the tub is turned upside down slide a dovetail bolt into each mounting pod.

How do I stop my freestanding tub from moving?

Carefully set the tub in position and adjust the tub feet as necessary until level. Once level, apply a generous bead of silicone on the bottom of the feet. This will prevent the tub from shifting after installation.

How much space do you need between freestanding tub and wall?

How far should the distance be between freestanding tub and wall? The distance between your tub and wall should be between 15-18 inches or at least 1 foot.

Are all bathtub drains in the same spot?

All bathtubs drain in basically the same way, with a drain assembly located on the bottom of the tub linked to an overflow that may or may not have a toggle switch. When the plunger or stopper is opened, water drains out of the bathtub, through the drain assembly, down a tailpiece and into the trap.

What size bathtub drain do I need?

What Is The Standard Bathroom Drain Size? With a bathtub, the drain will be 1.5 inches in diameter. The drains for sinks can vary slightly, but the most common measurement for those is 1.25 inches. You might also find sinks with a drain diameter of 1.625 inches.

Does bathtub drain need vent?

Bathtubs should have a vent to help drain wastewater properly. All drains in your bathroom, from your bathtub to your toilet, need a plumbing vent stack. Without a proper vent, you may hear gurgling pipes, smell a putrid odor, or notice slow-draining water.