Bathtub Drain Replacement

You might not have given much thought on bathtub drains in your normal days, but when your bathtub does not allow you to enjoy a warm bath, you have to wonder whether all is well with the drain or not. When a bathtub is not able to hold water for more than a few seconds, the obvious reason is a defective drain.

Whatever be the cause of a leaky drain, you can easily repair it in just a couple of hours. The main requirements for replacing the drain of a bathtub are basic plumbing skills.

You will need to take the help of some items, like a drain wrench, some plumber's putty, and a new drain. If you fulfill the requirements and have a couple of hours free, you need not to call a professional to carry out the repair.

Following is the step by step description of the method of replacing a defective bathtub drain with a new one:

• Hold the plug tightly with pliers, and twist it in an anti-clockwise direction. Continue twisting the plug until it comes out of the hole.

• Unscrew the drain rim. You can do it with the tub drain wrench. Place it into the hole and move it in an anticlockwise direction.
• Pull the drain rim upward and outward so as to take it out. If you find it tight and difficult to remove, make use of penetrating oils, like WD-40. Spray the oil on the drain rim. It will reduce friction and make the task easier.

• The drain rim is often covered with hair and debris. It will be good if you place a bucket to place the discarded substances.
• Prepare the drain flange for installation of a new one by blotting plumber's putty beneath the rim. This step will ensure a water-tight seal. Therefore, perform it nicely to keep the bathtub drain well secured for long.

• Everything is now prepared for installation of a new drain in the bathtub. Install it with the help of the tub wrench.
• Hold the drain with the tub wrench, and bend it into the hole by moving it continuously in a clockwise direction.

• Take the stopper of the new drain and screw it inside the drain. Moving it continuously in clockwise direction will help in its insertion inside the drain.

• While performing the repair, make sure that you do not break the bathtub or its parts.
• Place a rubber bathmat on the bottom of your bathtub. This will prevent breakage in case you accidentally drop any of the tools.

• If possible, place a rubber mat over the drain. This will protect anything set on the bathtub from rolling down the drain.

You should check the working of the newly-replaced drain. Put on the water supply to fill the bathtub. Turn off the supply of water and wait for a few seconds. If the bathtub is now able to hold the water well, you have successfully replaced the drain. In case it does not, then you should follow the above instructions one more time.

Make sure that you do everything well and in a proper manner the second time. All such activities will take some of your valuable time, but believe me, the satisfaction that you will get after doing something for your home, will be beyond comparison.