QA

Question: How To Repair Bathtub Drain

Is it possible to replace a bathtub drain?

Bathtub drain removal and replacement can be an easy task, regardless of the type of bathtub you own. Once you know the appropriate steps for how to remove a tub drain, you can even replace the bathtub drain with a different style of drain that better suits your needs.

How do you replace a bathtub drain assembly?

Replacing Bath Tub Drain Step 1: Choose Your Tools. Step 2: Remove the Old Drain. Step 3: Clean the Seating Area and Apply Fresh Plumbers Putty. Step 4: Insert the New Drain. Step 5: Remove Excess Putty and Install the Drain Plug. Step 6: Test Out Your Finished Repair. 3 Comments.

Are tub drains universal?

Bathtub drains are 1 1/2 inches wide and fit all standard bathtubs ranging from 14 to 26 inches deep.

Are all bathtub drain threads the same?

One of the most confusing and annoying plumbing problems is replacing the bathtub drain (called a plug) that screws into the base (called a shoe). There are two common thread types (16 and 11 1/2 Threads Per Inch), and one uncommon one (14 TPI).

Can I use silicone on tub drain?

Conclusion. Plumber’s putty and silicone can both be used to seal a bathtub drain.

Are all bathtub drains the same size?

Thanks to the standardization, any bathtub drain can fit any standard bathtub between 14 and 26 inches in depth. The size of the drain is standardized because it needs to fit to the P-trap, which is the next component of the drain.

Does a bathtub drain need a trap?

Does a bathtub need a P-Trap? Yes, you should always install a P-Trap as part of the plumbing of a bathtub or any other wastewater drain system. Failure to include a P-Trap could result in foul smells, harmful gases, and small animals entering through your tub’s drain.

Can you snake a drum trap?

Instead, you’ll have to snake “upstream” from the drum trap toward the tub, and then “downstream” toward the main stack. To snake a line with a drum trap, you’ll first need to remove the cover of the trap. There are several different designs; some require a special tool to remove.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

Combining baking soda and vinegar is a natural way to dissolve hair clogs, without resorting to harsh chemicals. Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain first, and then after a few minutes add a cup of vinegar.

Can a drain snake break a pipe?

Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.

Can’t get the snake down the drain?

Too much force – When you’re trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast. If you force it, sometimes the cable can bend back on itself or kink. Instead of forcing the cable, extend the snake cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.

How long do bathtub drains last?

Plumbing drain pipes such as cast iron, ABS, and PVC can last 50 to 80 years. Plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, sink, and faucets can last 10 to 30 years or more. The lifespan of plumbing components will vary based on materials, usage, and installation quality.

Does tub drain come with tub?

Most bathtubs do not come with pre-installed drains, but that’s okay because drains themselves are very affordable. You may have reason to replace your drain for some immediate improvements to your bathtub.

What is a tub drain kit?

A bathtub drain assembly is a series of plumbing parts that transport the waste water from a bathtub, feeding the water into a large drainpipe. The tub drain stopper is also part of the bathtub drain assembly, which controls when the water can flow out of the bathtub through the main drain.

What does a tub drain screw into?

A tailpiece is threaded into the bottom of the sanitary tee and is attached to the tub’s P-trap and drain with a nut, ferrule and trap adapter. The water from the tub drain and the overflow drain flows through here and into the drain pipes.

Are bathtub drains reverse threaded?

Drain keys or drain extractors come with reverse-thread systems or expanding wings that grip the flange firmly from the inside. Once the tool grips the flange, you can use a wrench to turn it.

Is it better to use plumbers putty or silicone?

Plumber’s putty and silicone are two types of plumbing compounds that you can use to prevent leaks and create watertight seals for plumbing fixtures. Putty offers more flexibility and easier removal, but silicone caulking creates a stronger waterproof and weatherproof seal.

Does bathtub drain need plumbers putty?

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.

Can you caulk a 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.