Clogged or slow-draining bathtubs generally is a nightmare, particularly once you’re attempting to chill out and unwind after an extended day. When you’re going through this difficulty, do not despair! Chances are you’ll not have to name a plumber simply but. Many bathtub drain issues are comparatively simple to repair with just a few easy instruments and a bit little bit of know-how. On this complete information, we’ll information you thru the steps on find out how to restore a bath drain successfully, whether or not it is a easy clog or a extra complicated difficulty. From figuring out the issue to implementing the repair, we have got you coated.
Earlier than delving into the restore course of, it is essential to determine the reason for the clogged drain. Hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles can accumulate over time, forming a blockage that forestalls water from flowing freely. Moreover, faulty drain stoppers or damaged drain assemblies can even contribute to drainage points. As soon as you have pinpointed the perpetrator, you possibly can tailor your restore technique accordingly. If it is a easy clog brought on by hair or cleaning soap scum, you might be able to resolve it with a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. Nonetheless, if the issue lies with a defective drain stopper or meeting, it’s possible you’ll want to exchange these parts.
To start the restore course of, collect the mandatory instruments. You may seemingly want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a drain snake, and probably a substitute drain stopper or meeting. It is all the time advisable to have a bucket or bowl readily available to catch any water that will spill throughout the restore course of. With the instruments and supplies prepared, comply with the detailed directions within the subsequent sections to successfully restore your bathtub drain and restore its correct performance. We’ll present step-by-step steering on find out how to take away the drain stopper, clear the drain, and change any defective parts, making certain that your bathtub drains easily as soon as once more.
Figuring out the Drain Drawback
A clogged bathtub drain generally is a irritating drawback that results in standing water and a gradual drainage price. Figuring out the supply of the issue is crucial for selecting the simplest resolution.
The next steps will make it easier to pinpoint the reason for your bathtub drain difficulty:
1. Test the Drain Stopper
In case your bathtub has a drain stopper, it will possibly simply turn into clogged with hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles. To test the drain stopper, merely take away it and examine it for particles buildup. When you discover any clogs, use a small brush or wire to clear them away.
2. Study the Drain Cowl
The drain cowl is one other widespread supply of tub drain issues. If the drain cowl is just not securely in place, it will possibly enable particles to enter the drain and trigger a clog. To test the drain cowl, merely take away it and examine it for any injury or particles. If the drain cowl is broken, it’s possible you’ll want to exchange it with a brand new one.
3. Search for Hair Clogs
Hair is a typical perpetrator of tub drain clogs. You probably have lengthy hair, it is seemingly that a few of it has made its approach into your drain over time. To test for hair clogs, use a drain snake or a pair of needle-nose pliers to take away any seen hair from the drain.
4. Test for Cleaning soap Scum Buildup
Cleaning soap scum can construct up on the within of your bathtub drain over time. This buildup can create a barrier that forestalls water from draining correctly. To test for cleaning soap scum buildup, run a moist finger alongside the within of the drain. When you really feel a slimy or greasy buildup, it’s possible you’ll want to scrub the drain with a business drain cleaner or a pure resolution like baking soda and vinegar.
Gathering the Obligatory Instruments and Supplies
Earlier than embarking on the bathtub drain restore, it’s important to assemble the mandatory instruments and supplies. This preparation will guarantee a clean and environment friendly restore course of.
Important Instruments
- Adjustable wrench: To tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
- Plumber’s putty knife: To use and clean plumber’s putty.
- Flashlight or headlamp: To light up the drain space for higher visibility.
- Pliers (non-obligatory): To take away previous or broken components, such because the drain stopper.
Supplies
| Materials | Function |
|---|---|
| Drain strainer | Catches hair and particles |
| Drain stopper | Plugs the drain |
| Plumber’s putty | Seals the drain connection |
| Rubber washer | Prevents leaks between the drain and strainer |
| Wrench washer | Protects the end of the drain towards scratches |
Troubleshooting the Clogged Drain
Examine the Drain Stopper
Study the drain stopper for any seen particles, similar to hair, cleaning soap scum, or different small objects. Take away any overseas materials by hand or utilizing a pair of pliers. If the stopper is especially soiled, soak it in an answer of equal components white vinegar and heat water.
Test the Overflow Plate
Find the overflow plate, a small, round opening close to the highest of the bathtub or bathe. Use a toothpick or a straightened paperclip to softly probe the opening and take away any blockages. If vital particles has gathered, it’s possible you’ll have to take away the overflow plate utilizing a screwdriver or pliers.
Use a Plunger or Drain Snake
Fill the bathtub with sufficient water to cowl the drain opening. Place a plunger over the drain and pump vigorously a number of occasions. If that does not work, insert a drain snake into the drain and gently twist and push it down to interrupt up any clogs. Repeat this till the water drains freely.
Strive Industrial Drain Cleaners
As a final resort, you need to use business drain cleaners that comprise harsh chemical compounds to dissolve the clog. Comply with the producer’s directions fastidiously and train warning, as these merchandise could be corrosive to pipes if used incorrectly.
Name a Plumber
If the entire above strategies fail, it could be essential to name a plumber. A licensed plumber has the mandatory instruments and experience to diagnose and clear even essentially the most cussed clogs.
Further Suggestions
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Set up a hair catcher | To stop hair from clogging the drain |
| Clear the drain frequently | With a combination of baking soda and vinegar |
| Keep away from pouring grease or oil down the drain | As it will possibly solidify and trigger clogs |
Changing the Drain Stopper
When the drain stopper turns into worn or broken, it will possibly trigger water to leak from the bathtub. Changing the drain stopper is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
To exchange the drain stopper, you will have the next supplies:
- New drain stopper
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
Upon getting gathered your supplies, comply with these steps:
- Flip off the water provide to the bathtub.
- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the drain stopper in place.
- Take away the nut and the previous drain stopper.
- Insert the brand new drain stopper into the drain gap.
- Apply a small quantity of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the stopper.
- Insert the stopper into the drain gap and tighten the nut by hand.
- Use the adjustable wrench to additional tighten the nut, however don’t overtighten.
- Activate the water provide to the bathtub and test for leaks.
- If the nut is troublesome to loosen, use a pair of pliers to grip it.
- If the brand new drain stopper doesn’t match snugly within the drain gap, it’s possible you’ll want to use extra plumber’s putty.
- When you proceed to expertise leaks, it’s possible you’ll want to exchange the washer that’s situated on the underside of the drain stopper.
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Find the journey lever. It’s often situated on the facet of the bathtub, close to the drain.
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Take away the journey lever. There may be often a small screw that holds the lever in place. Take away the screw and pull the lever off.
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Examine the journey lever. Search for any injury or put on. If the lever is bent or damaged, it would should be changed.
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Clear the journey lever. If the lever is just not broken, it could simply should be cleaned. Use a light detergent and water to scrub the lever, then dry it completely.
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Reinstall the journey lever. If the lever was broken, you will have to exchange it. To do that, insert the brand new lever into the outlet within the facet of the bathtub. Screw the lever into place.
- Use a wrench that’s the appropriate dimension for the nuts.
- Tighten the nuts till they’re cosy, however don’t overtighten them.
- If the nuts are too tight, they will injury the drain meeting.
- If you’re unsure find out how to tighten the drain meeting, it’s best to name a plumber.
- The washer across the drain.
- The gasket across the overflow plate.
- The connections between the drain and the overflow.
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by just a few screws. Take away the screws and raise off the quilt.
- Clear the drain. Use a drain cleaner to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles that could be clogging the drain. It’s also possible to use a wire brush to wash the drain clear.
- Examine the drain gasket. The drain gasket is a rubber seal that matches across the drainpipe. If the gasket is broken or worn, it will possibly leak water. Examine the gasket for any injury and change it if mandatory.
- Tighten the drainpipe. The drainpipe is held in place by just a few nuts. Tighten the nuts till the drainpipe is cosy.
- Reinstall the drain cowl. Exchange the drain cowl and tighten the screws.
- Water pooling across the base of the bathtub
- A musty odor coming from the drain
- Water dripping from the drainpipe
- A broken or worn drain gasket
- A free drainpipe
- Clogged drain
Troubleshooting Suggestions
When you encounter any issues whereas changing the drain stopper, listed here are just a few troubleshooting ideas:
Repairing the Journey Lever
The journey lever is a small lever that raises and lowers the drain plug. It might probably turn into broken or worn over time, inflicting the drain to not shut correctly.
| Kind of Journey Lever | Restore |
|---|---|
| Elevate Arm Lever | Exchange the raise arm meeting. |
| Push Button Lever | Exchange the push button meeting. |
| Pull Chain Lever | Exchange the pull chain meeting. |
Tightening the Drain Meeting
Tightening the drain meeting is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, you will need to word that this activity ought to solely be tried if you’re comfy working with plumbing. If you’re not comfy working with plumbing, it’s best to name a plumber.
Step one to tightening the drain meeting is to take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is usually held in place by just a few screws. As soon as the screws are eliminated, the drain cowl could be lifted off.
As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you will note the drain meeting. The drain meeting is usually made up of some totally different components, together with the drain stopper, the drain physique, and the drain pipe.
To tighten the drain meeting, you will have to make use of a wrench to tighten the nuts that maintain the drain meeting collectively. The nuts are usually situated on the underside of the drain meeting.
As soon as the nuts are tightened, the drain meeting might be safe. Now you can change the drain cowl and take a look at the drain to ensure it’s working correctly.
Listed here are some extra ideas for tightening the drain meeting:
| Kind of Drain | Instruments Required | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pop-up Drain | Adjustable wrench, Phillips screwdriver | 15-Half-hour |
| Elevate-and-Flip Drain | Adjustable wrench, Allen wrench | 20-Half-hour |
| Toe-Contact Drain | Adjustable wrench, pliers | 25-Half-hour |
Inspecting the Drain Joint
Earlier than making an attempt any repairs, it is essential to examine the drain joint completely. Comply with these steps:
1. Take away the Drain Strainer: Unscrew the drain strainer utilizing a pair of pliers or a wrench. Clear off any particles or hair that could be trapped inside.
2. Test the Joint: Study the rubber gasket or O-ring that seals the drain joint. Search for any cracks, tears, or disfigurement.
3. Tighten the Joint: If the joint is free, strive tightening it utilizing a wrench or a screwdriver. Apply mild however agency strain to keep away from overtightening.
4. Examine the Overflow Plate: Test the overflow plate for any indicators of harm or cracks. If there are any points, the plate will should be changed.
5. Test for Leaks: Fill the bathtub with water and test for any leaks across the drain joint. When you discover any leaks, proceed to the following step.
6. Take away the Drain Pipe: If there are any leaks, you will have to take away the drain pipe. Use a wrench to loosen the slip nut that connects the pipe to the drain.
7. Examine the Drainpipe and Gasket: Completely study the drainpipe and the rubber gasket contained in the slip nut. Search for any cracks, injury, or particles that could be inflicting the leak.
| Challenge | Potential Trigger |
|---|---|
| Cracked or broken gasket | Exchange the gasket |
| Unfastened slip nut | Tighten the slip nut |
| Clogged drainpipe | Clear the obstruction |
Sealing Leaks with Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a flexible and cheap materials that can be utilized to seal leaks in varied plumbing fixtures, together with tub drains. It’s a pliable, non-hardening compound that conforms to irregular surfaces and creates a watertight seal. This is a step-by-step information to repairing tub drain leaks with plumber’s putty:
Supplies Required:
| Supplies | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Plumber’s putty |
| 2. | New tub drain flange (if mandatory) |
| 3. | Screwdriver |
| 4. | Putty knife or spatula |
| 5. | Clear rags or paper towels |
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Flip Off Water Provide:
Find the water provide valve below the sink or behind the bath and switch it off to stop water from flowing into the drain whereas repairing.
2. Take away Drain Stopper and Drain Cowl:
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the drain stopper and take away it. Then, raise the drain cowl out of the bathtub.
3. Examine Drain Flange:
Study the bathtub drain flange for any cracks, injury, or free screws. If the flange must be changed, unscrew the previous flange and set up a brand new one.
4. Clear and Dry Surfaces:
Completely clear the mating surfaces of the bathtub drain flange and the drain physique utilizing a clear rag or paper towel. Take away any previous putty or particles to make sure a clear and dry floor for the brand new putty to stick to.
5. Type a Putty Ring:
Roll a small ring of plumber’s putty between your fingers. The ring needs to be barely bigger than the diameter of the drain flange.
6. Apply Putty Ring:
Place the putty ring on the underside of the drain flange, aligning it with the drain physique. Press down on the putty to flatten it and create a seal.
7. Set up Drain Flange:
Align the drain flange with the drain physique and insert it into place. Tighten the screws to safe the flange.
8. Apply Extra Putty:
As soon as the drain flange is safe, apply a small quantity of extra putty across the fringe of the flange the place it meets the bathtub floor. Use your finger or a putty knife to clean out the surplus putty and create a watertight seal.
9. Wipe Away Extra Putty:
Use a clear rag or paper towel to wipe away any extra putty that has squeezed out throughout set up.
10. Flip On Water Provide:
Slowly activate the water provide valve to fill the bathtub and test for leaks. If any leaks happen, tighten the screws or apply extra putty as wanted.
Reassembling the Drain Parts
As soon as all of the parts have been cleaned, it is time to reassemble the drain. This is how:
1. Insert the Overflow Plate
Match the overflow plate again into the overflow gap on the bath. Safe it in place with the screws.
2. Place the Gasket
Place the rubber gasket over the drain opening on the underside of the bathtub. This gasket will create a watertight seal.
3. Insert the Drain Physique
Slide the drain physique up into the drain opening from beneath the bathtub. Align the tabs on the drain physique with the slots within the gasket.
4. Safe the Drain Physique
Tighten the locknut on the drain physique from beneath the bathtub. This can safe the drain physique in place.
5. Apply Plumber’s Putty
Roll out a small quantity of plumber’s putty and kind it right into a rope. Press the putty into the groove across the drain flange on the drain physique.
6. Set up the Drain Strainer
Place the drain strainer over the drain flange. Press down on the strainer to safe it in place.
7. Join the Overflow Tube
Align the overflow tube with the outlet within the overflow plate. Insert the tube and safe it with the screws.
8. Set up the Drain Lever
Slide the drain lever onto the drain physique. Align the tabs on the lever with the slots within the drain physique and snap it into place.
9. Reinstall the Bathroom
Rigorously raise the bathroom again into place and align the bolts with the holes within the flange. Tighten the bolts to safe the bathroom.
| Bolt Dimension | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| 1/2-inch bolts | 30-50 ft-lbs |
| 3/8-inch bolts | 20-30 ft-lbs |
As soon as the bathroom is safe, reconnect the water provide line and the fill valve.
Testing the Repaired Drain
1. Fill the bathtub with sufficient water to cowl the drain. If the water drains slowly or in no way, there should be an issue with the drain.
2. If the water drains shortly, plug the drain to fill the bathtub to the specified degree.
3. Activate the bathe and let it run for a couple of minutes to test for leaks. If there aren’t any leaks, the drain is probably going repaired.
4. If there’s nonetheless a leak, test the next areas:
5. When you discover any leaks, tighten the corresponding connections or change the washer or gasket.
6. Upon getting checked the entire potential leak factors, activate the bathe once more and let it run for just a few extra minutes to ensure the leak has been fastened.
7. If the leak persists, it’s possible you’ll have to name a plumber for additional help.
The best way to Restore a Tub Drain
A leaking tub drain generally is a main nuisance, and it will possibly additionally result in water injury if it is not fastened shortly. Happily, repairing a bath drain is a comparatively easy activity that most individuals can do themselves. This is find out how to do it:
Individuals Additionally Ask About The best way to Restore Tub Drain
How do I do know if my tub drain is leaking?
There are just a few indicators that will point out that your tub drain is leaking, together with:
What are the most typical causes of tub drain leaks?
The most typical causes of tub drain leaks embrace:
Can I restore a bath drain myself?
Sure, repairing a bath drain is a comparatively easy activity that most individuals can do themselves. Nonetheless, if you’re not comfy working with plumbing, it’s best to name a plumber.
