Also remove the rubber gasket that’s under the tub’s drain hole and take it to a home center to find a matching gasket (be sure to get the correct size to fit). Drain-removal tool or pliers and screwdriver. To plumb the drain for the tub, dry-fit a 2-inch trap onto a length of 2-inch pipe that is longer than it needs to be. Remove a chunk of plumber's putty from the container. Unscrew the bathtub drain. Hiring a plumber can be a costly and time-consuming task, but repairing the leak yourself is generally an easy fix. If running water in the tub causes no leaking, run the shower water instead. If you leave the leak alone, you run the disk of damaging your home. If you use a metal putty knife, you may scratch the finish in your tub. The photo on the right (Fig. Clogged pipes. Step 2: Use Channellock Pliers. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Aim the hot air at the old plumber's putty until it softens enough to remove. Study the directions for the tub to determine precisely where the trap should … Insert a drain-removal tool into the drain, locking the teeth of the tool between the cross-sections of metal at the base of the drain. A leaky bathtub faucet can lead to excess water usage and the deterioration of your spout’s interior parts. Have a helper remove the stopper while you shine a flashlight on the drain. Depending on the type of stopper you have, you can do this by twisting it off by hand or using a screwdriver. Leaking Shower Drain. Remove the drain cover. Step 2: Clean the Drain Components. "MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION"benefits when you subscribe today. Some drain plugs will simply lift out while others need to be unscrewed from the cross-hair piece. Inspect the drain for signs of cracks or other damage. And it leaks onto the ceiling of the bathroom directly below it in the basement. If the issue is a leaking joint, tighten the joint and test it for leaks. Once the drain is removed, reapplying a layer of plumber's putty usually seals the connection and stops the leak. How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain Step 1: Remove the Drain Components. For the job you will need; 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers, water-based silicon, Channellock pliers, replacement rubber gasket washer, and friction washer. Sometimes drains need to be replaced due to rust or because the rubber gasket erodes over time. Most of the time, bathtub clogs are caused by a build up of hair and other debris in the drain. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. Unscrew the drain until it pulls free from the drain pipe underneath. If you do not have a drain-removal tool, insert the head of a small pair of pliers into the cross sections and place a screwdriver between the handle. Stopper Adjustment. Once the drain is as tight as you can get it by hand, use the drain-removal tool to tighten it further until putty begins to ooze around the edges of the drain lip. Scrape off all the old plumber's putty from the edges of the pipe threads on the sides of the drain using a putty knife and a stiff brush. If you find leaking pipes, get the plumber as soon as possible. How to Fix Pop-Up Tub Stopper Leaks. If that is the case, then you need a drain key. In some cases, a rusted pivot rod end can cause the pop-up stopper to stick in the drain. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies. But if the leak is caused by a failing seal at the drain assembly, fixing the leaking bathtub drain typically is a simple task that almost anyone can master. Most bathtubs leaks can be categorized as one of three types: Drain leaks. If the putty has turned hard and crumbly, scrape it away using a plastic putty knife. Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtub drains, are common sources of water leaks. Just a note about shower or bathtub leaks over a garage. The drain fitting in the bottom of the tub, or the surrounding drain and drain-trap piping, may loosen,... Faucet leaks. Drain-removal tools are the best option for working on a drain. 5 – The drain pipe is cracked and water is coming through the crack. Place the drain back into the hole in the bathtub and screw it into the drain pipe below by turning it clockwise by hand. There are thousands of different faucet replacement parts available to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, so bring your old parts to the store for a proper match to fix a leaky bathtub faucet. You wouldn’t think a bathtub overflow drain would be the source of a water leak, especially if you never fill the tub to a level at which water would enter the … Tighten the drain lip back in place. Having a plumber do an … Heath Roberts has worked as a professional reporter for several Colorado newspapers. Roll the material into a rope about the size of a pencil. Then clean the flange and apply silicone caulk. Feel … A leak inside a bathtub drain can become a real disaster if it's not fixed quickly. Knowing how to remove a bathtub drain is a helpful skill for when you need to deep clean the drain, replace the drain entirely or remove the bathtub. Additional areas to watch are the grout, body of the tub and the drain. Sealing or caulking the bathtub drain helps guard against bathtub drainage problems and water damage. First, take a look for screws holding the cover in place. Steps for fixing a tub that won’t hold water: Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. Turn the pliers counterclockwise to remove the drain. A bathroom drain leak can damage the home's flooring. Scrape the putty away and reapply it as described in Step 6. , but repairing the leak alone, you run the disk of damaging home. 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