If you notice signs of a leaky bathtub drain, such as water stains or bubbling drywall, it’s time to fix the problem. In addition, if you’re considering upgrading your home’s hot water system, water heater replacement Beaverton is another crucial service to address. This Old House master plumber Richard Trethewey explains how.
A functioning bathtub drain is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy home. Left unchecked, a malfunctioning bathtub drain can lead to expensive water damage and create the ideal environment for mold and mildew.
Removing the Drain Flange
It’s important to make sure that your bathtub drain is not clogged before you begin working. This will help prevent the flange from spinning while you try to loosen it. To avoid this, you should run boiling water down the drain once a week to remove any soap scum or hair build up.
You may also need to clean the area surrounding the drain before you start to work. If the flange is stuck in place, you can use a specialized drain key to turn it counter-clockwise until it is loose. If the flange is still stuck, you can try applying heat and using penetrating oil to loosen it.
Next, you will need to remove the coupling nut. This is a large ring-shaped nut that connects the flange basket to the drain pipe. Grasp the nut firmly with slip-joint pliers and twist it to the left (counterclockwise). If it is difficult to turn, you can try applying heat and using penetrating oils to loosen it.
Removing the Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a soft and pliable compound that can be molded into shape to create a seal around fixtures and joints. It has the advantage of being able to be removed and reshaped after it has dried unlike silicone sealants that are permanent.
If the putty has not completely hardened it can easily be removed by using a utility knife or razor blade. A rag or sponge soaked in mineral spirits may also be used to break down and remove hardened putty. Heat from a blow dryer can also be used to help soften the old putty so it can be removed with ease.
It is important to remember that plumbing putty should only be used on clean surfaces. It is easy to apply and is a strong waterproof seal for fixtures. Its pliable texture makes it easy to roll between your fingers creating an elongated rope-like shape similar to a fingernail. It can then be spread evenly over the surface to be sealed.
Installing a New Drain Flange
If you’ve used a plunger and hot water to clear a bathtub drain clog and it’s still not working, consider calling a licensed plumber. A professional will use a tub drain kit that includes a new drain, overflow assembly and trap.
A tub drain kit typically includes a new drain flange with a gasket and new drain stopper. Choose the type of stopper you prefer for your tub (toe touch, push-pull/lift and turn or flip it). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the flange, gasket and new drain.
Before you screw in the new drain, apply plumber’s putty to form a watertight seal. You can purchase plumber’s putty online or at your local hardware store.
Installing a New Drain Assembly
A tub drain assembly consists of the tub drain shoe, a drain elbow (a pipe design that slows down water flow), and a waste tee or trap. Some assembly designs also feature a plunger linkage or lift-and-turn stopper that allows the user to lower and raise the tub stopper, while others are operated with a knob on the side of the tub that opens or closes the tub’s trip lever.
A new bathtub drain can be installed by removing the old one, installing the drain flange using a drain key, and filling the tub with water to test for leaks. If the new drain isn’t sealed properly, it can allow water to seep behind the tub wall, causing damage and requiring more expensive repairs down the line.
Before installing the new drain, remove the ring of plumber’s putty around the opening and clean the area. Use a non-scratch scouring pad to ensure that the drain opening is free of dirt and debris. Select a new drain that fits the size of your tub, and purchase a drain converter kit that includes a tub drain with tub shoe, a new rubber gasket, and a blank cover for the overflow hole to replace the old trip-lever cover plate.