6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

In case your bathe drain is clogged, do not despair. You possibly can simply take away the drain cowl and clear it out your self. On this article, we’ll present you the way to do it in only a few easy steps.

First, it is advisable to collect your instruments. You will want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. If the drain cowl is especially cussed, you may additionally want a hammer. Upon getting your instruments, you may start the method of eradicating the drain cowl.

To take away the drain cowl, first use the pliers to loosen the screws which can be holding it in place. As soon as the screws are unfastened, you need to use the screwdriver to take away them utterly. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you may carry the drain cowl off of the drain. Watch out to not drop it, as it may be heavy. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may clear it out. Use the bucket to catch any water or particles that comes out of the drain. As soon as the drain is clear, you may change the drain cowl. To do that, merely place the drain cowl over the drain and tighten the screws. Make sure that the drain cowl is tight sufficient in order that it will not come unfastened once more.

Decide the Kind of Drain

Figuring out Frequent Drain Varieties

Earlier than trying to take away a bathe drain, it is essential to find out its kind, as completely different drains have various removing strategies. Listed below are the commonest forms of bathe drains:

Pop-up Drain

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Characterised by a raised stopper that opens and closes the drain.

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Often secured by a screw or retainer ring on the base of the stopper.

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Requires removing of the stopper earlier than accessing the drain physique.

Toe-Contact Drain

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Activated by stepping on a lever or toe-touch mechanism on the drain cowl.

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Mechanism is related to a plunger or different system that opens and closes the drain.

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Might require removing of the drain cowl to entry the mechanism.

Linear Drain

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Lengthy, slender drain sometimes put in within the ground of the bathe.

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Coated by a grate or cowl that may be eliminated for cleansing.

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Drain physique is normally secured by screws or bolts.

Collect Crucial Instruments and Supplies

Earlier than tackling the duty of eradicating a bathe drain, you will want to collect the suitable instruments and supplies. This is a complete guidelines to make sure you have the whole lot you want:

Instruments:

  • Plunger
  • Adjustable wrench or drain key
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, relying on screw kind)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Wire hanger (optionally available)
  • Store vacuum (optionally available)

Supplies:

  • Drain cleaner (chemical or enzymatic)
  • Duct tape
  • Baking soda and vinegar (for DIY drain cleansing)
  • Alternative drain (if mandatory)
  • Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
  • Fabric or towel

Selecting the Proper Drain Key:

Drain keys are available in varied styles and sizes to suit various kinds of drains. To find out which key you want, measure the diameter of your drain opening and check with the next desk:

Drain Opening Diameter Drain Key Dimension
1-1/2 inches 1/2-inch drain key
1-5/8 inches 3/4-inch drain key
2 inches 1-inch drain key

Unclog the Drain Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a versatile device that can be utilized to take away clogs from drains. To make use of a drain snake, insert the top of the snake into the drain and slowly push it down. As you push the snake down, it can bend and observe the contours of the pipe. If the snake encounters a clog, it can push by means of it and break it up. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.

Listed below are some ideas for utilizing a drain snake:

  1. Earlier than utilizing a drain snake, ensure that the water within the drain is turned off.
  2. Use a flashlight to look down the drain and find the clog.
  3. Slowly insert the top of the snake into the drain and push it down.
  4. If the snake encounters a clog, push more durable to interrupt it up.
  5. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.
  6. Run sizzling water by means of the drain to flush out any remaining particles.
Benefits of utilizing a drain snake Disadvantages of utilizing a drain snake
Can be utilized to take away clogs from any kind of drain May be troublesome to make use of if the clog is situated deep within the pipe
Comparatively cheap Can injury the drain if used improperly
Can be utilized to forestall clogs from forming Requires some ability to make use of successfully

Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners are a fast and straightforward approach to unclog a bathe drain. They’re obtainable at most {hardware} shops and residential enchancment facilities. Nevertheless, it is very important learn the directions fastidiously earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, as they are often dangerous if not used correctly.

Step 1: Put together the realm

Earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, be certain that to take away any standing water from the bathe. You are able to do this through the use of a moist/dry vacuum or a plunger. As soon as the water has been eliminated, place a towel across the drain to catch any spills.

Step 2: Learn the directions

Learn the directions on the drain cleaner fastidiously earlier than utilizing it. Comply with the instructions precisely as they’re written.

Step 3: Pour the drain cleaner into the drain

Slowly pour the drain cleaner into the drain. Don’t pour an excessive amount of drain cleaner into the drain, as this may trigger the drain to overflow.

Step 4: Let the drain cleaner work

Let the drain cleaner work for the period of time specified on the directions. Don’t depart the drain cleaner within the drain for longer than the really useful time, as this may injury the pipes.

Step 5: Flush the drain with water

As soon as the drain cleaner has labored, flush the drain with loads of water. This may assist to take away any remaining drain cleaner and particles from the drain.

Chemical Drain Cleaner Security Ideas
– By no means combine various kinds of chemical drain cleaners.
– By no means use a chemical drain cleaner if the drain is already clogged with standing water.
– All the time put on gloves and eye safety when utilizing a chemical drain cleaner.
– Hold chemical drain cleaners out of attain of youngsters.
– In case you have any questions on utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, seek the advice of an expert plumber.

Take away the Drain Lure

The drain entice is the curved part of pipe beneath the drain that collects hair and different particles to forestall it from getting into the plumbing system. To take away the drain entice, observe these steps:

  1. Place a bucket beneath the drain entice to catch any water that will spill out.
  2. Utilizing a pair of pliers or a wrench, loosen the nuts that maintain the entice in place.
  3. Fastidiously take away the entice from the drain.
  4. Examine the entice for any particles or clogs.
  5. If there may be any particles, clear it out with a wire brush or a pair of tweezers.
  6. Reassemble the entice by screwing it again into place and tightening the nuts. Make sure to not overtighten the nuts, as this might injury the entice.
Instruments Wanted
Pliers or wrench
Bucket
Wire brush or tweezers

As soon as the drain entice is eliminated, you may entry the clog and take away it. Make sure to put on gloves and eye safety when engaged on the drain, as there could also be sharp edges or micro organism within the water.

Clear the Drain Lure

The drain entice is a U-shaped part of pipe situated below the drain. Its objective is to forestall sewer gases from getting into the house. Over time, the entice can develop into clogged with hair and different particles, which might result in gradual drainage or perhaps a full blockage.

To wash the drain entice, you will want a bucket or shallow pan, a pair of pliers, and a small flashlight.

1. Place the bucket or pan below the drain entice to catch any water that will spill out.

2. Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts that maintain the entice in place.

3. As soon as the slip nuts are unfastened, you may take away the entice by pulling it down.

4. Examine the entice for any clogs. In the event you see any hair or particles, take away it by hand.

5. Rinse the entice with clear water to take away any remaining particles.

6. Reinstall the entice by inserting it again into the drain pipe and tightening the slip nuts.

Reassemble the Drain

Now that you’ve got cleaned all of the components of the drain, it is time to reassemble it. Begin by inserting the rubber washer over the drain opening. Then, screw the drain flange into place. Make sure that to tighten it securely, however not too tightly, or you can crack the flange. Subsequent, place the strainer over the drain flange and safe it with the screws. Lastly, change the drain cowl.

Ideas for Reassembling the Drain

  • Use somewhat little bit of plumber’s putty across the base of the drain flange to assist seal it.
  • Do not overtighten the screws. In the event you do, you can crack the flange or the strainer.
  • In case you have a pop-up drain, ensure that the stopper is within the up place earlier than you reassemble the drain.

Troubleshooting

In case you have reassembled the drain and it is nonetheless not working correctly, there could also be an issue with the drainpipe. To verify the drainpipe, take away the drain flange and look contained in the pipe. If there may be any particles blocking the pipe, take away it and take a look at reassembling the drain once more.

Drawback Answer
Drain is leaking Tighten the drain flange or change the rubber washer.
Drain is clogged Take away the strainer and clear out the particles.
Drain will not be draining correctly Test the drainpipe for blockages.

Take a look at the Drain

Earlier than leaping right into a deep cleansing, it is important to check the drain and decide the severity of the clog. Listed below are the steps concerned in testing the drain:

  1. Take away the Drain Cowl: Use a screwdriver or pliers to take away the drain cowl. This may present entry to the drain opening.
  2. Fill the Drain with Water: Pour a cup or two of water into the drain. If the water drains rapidly, the clog is probably going minor. Nevertheless, if the water stays stagnant or drains slowly, it signifies a extra vital blockage.
  3. Hear for Gurgling Sounds: Whereas filling the drain with water, hear for any gurgling sounds coming from the pipes. Gurgling sounds point out a partial blockage or doable concern within the plumbing system.
  4. Test for Seen Blockages: Use a flashlight to examine the drain opening for any seen blockages, similar to hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles. Eradicating these blockages might clear up the issue.
  5. Take a look at with a Plunger: If the water will not be draining correctly, strive utilizing a plunger to create a vacuum and dislodge the clog. Cowl the drain opening utterly with the plunger and vigorously plunge up and all the way down to create suction.
  6. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar: One other residence treatment to check the drain is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by half a cup of white vinegar. Let the combination sit for quarter-hour, then flush with sizzling water.
  7. Use a Drain Snake: If the plunger and baking soda methodology do not work, you may strive utilizing a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain opening and slowly feed it down the pipe whereas turning the deal with to loosen the clog.
  8. Take into account Skilled Assist: If all of the DIY strategies fail to unclog the drain, it is really useful to name an expert plumber to diagnose and clear the blockage successfully.
Clog Signs Possible Causes
Gradual drainage Partial blockage, hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles
Stagnant water Main blockage, mineral deposits, or international objects
Gurgling sounds Partial blockage, air pockets, or plumbing points
Disagreeable odors Decaying natural matter, mould, or mildew

Forestall Future Clogs

Bathe drains can get clogged for quite a lot of causes, however there are some things you are able to do to assist forestall future clogs.

1. Take away hair often. Hair is among the commonest causes of bathe clogs. To forestall hair from clogging your drain, take away it from the bathe drain cowl after every use. It’s also possible to use a drain strainer to catch hair earlier than it will get into the drain.

2. Clear your drain often. Drains must be cleaned often to take away any buildup of cleaning soap, shampoo, and different merchandise. You possibly can clear your drain utilizing a industrial drain cleaner or by pouring a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain.

3. Use a drain protector. Drain protectors are units that match over the drain and catch hair and different particles earlier than it will get into the drain. Drain protectors can be found in quite a lot of sizes and shapes, so you will discover one that matches your drain and your wants.

4. Do not pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil could cause clogs in your drain. As an alternative of pouring grease or oil down the drain, get rid of it in a container or by placing it within the trash.

5. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances in your drain. Harsh chemical substances can injury your drain and trigger clogs. As an alternative of utilizing harsh chemical substances, use a mild drain cleaner or a pure cleansing resolution.

6. Often verify the drain for buildup. Over time, cleaning soap scum, hair, and different particles can construct up in your drain. To forestall clogs, often verify the drain for buildup and take away any particles that you just discover.

7. Set up a rubbish disposal. A rubbish disposal can assist to grind up meals waste and different particles earlier than it will get into your drain. Rubbish disposals can assist to forestall clogs and preserve your drain flowing easily.

8. Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a device that can be utilized to take away clogs out of your drain. Drain snakes can be found in quite a lot of lengths and shapes, so you will discover one that matches your drain and your wants.

9. Name a plumber. In case you have a cussed clog you can’t take away by yourself, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber. Plumbers have the instruments and expertise to take away even essentially the most cussed clogs.

10. Bathe drain upkeep schedule

Activity Frequency
Take away hair from drain cowl After every use
Clear drain Month-to-month
Use drain protector As wanted
Do not pour grease or oil down the drain All the time
Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances in drain All the time
Often verify drain for buildup Month-to-month
Set up a rubbish disposal As wanted
Use a drain snake As wanted
Name a plumber As wanted

How you can Get a Bathe Drain Out

In case your bathe drain is clogged, it’s possible you’ll be questioning the way to get it out. There are just a few alternative ways to do that, relying on the severity of the clog. For minor clogs, you may strive utilizing a drain cleaner. Nevertheless, if the clog is extra extreme, it’s possible you’ll must take away the drain cowl and snake the drain.

To take away the drain cowl, you will want a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you need to use a drain snake to clear the clog. A drain snake is a protracted, versatile wire with a hook on the top. You possibly can insert the drain snake into the drain and use the hook to catch the clog. Upon getting caught the clog, you may pull it out of the drain.

If you’re unable to take away the clog utilizing a drain cleaner or a drain snake, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber. A plumber can use a hydro jet to clear the clog. A hydro jet is a high-pressure water jet that may break up even essentially the most cussed clogs.

Folks Additionally Ask About How you can Get a Bathe Drain Out

What are a number of the indicators of a clogged bathe drain?

A number of the indicators of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Water draining slowly
  • Water backing up into the bathe
  • Dangerous smells coming from the drain

What are a number of the causes of a clogged bathe drain?

A number of the causes of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Hair
  • Cleaning soap scum
  • Mineral deposits
  • International objects