For any DIYer, removing a bathtub drain is often a very straightforward process. Finding out what kind of bathtub drain stopper is in the tub is the most crucial step. Before attempting removal, it’s essential to understand the fundamental physics of your tub’s drain stopper to avoid harming the bathtub drain or tub. The only other step that is genuinely challenging is having the stomach to remove any hairballs or other debris that may have gotten stuck below the drain. Basic tools that are present in any toolbox may be used to remove bathtub feet.
When to dispose of a tub drain
Bathtub drains may be taken out if the homeowner needs to thoroughly clean, repair, or remove the bathtub. Over time, drain baskets have a tendency to rust, which can require drain removal. To clear blockages like hairballs and other junk frequently lodged in these constricting plumbing stops, a drain may also need to be removed. Another indication that it’s time to remove and replace the bathtub feet is visible leakage.
Considerations for safety
Sometimes it takes a little elbow work to remove and clean a badkarsavlopp. When twisting the drain basket out of its position, try to be patient because they frequently have lengthy threads that might take a few minutes to entirely remove. When using a wrench or pliers, be careful not to pinch fingers. Additional safety measures, including masks, may be needed when working with older, dirtier drains where mold may be present. No matter what, most people will prefer to wear gloves.
Tools
- the Phillips screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver
- pliers that lock
- a flexible wrench
- Hasp key
- Sticky knife
- Materials
- Sponge
- universal cleaner
- Rag
- Instructions
Determine the drain stopper
To correctly remove a drain stopper from the drain basket, first determine the type of stopper you have. The drain’s stopper opens and shuts to allow water to drain from or fill the tub. Toe-touch, push-pull, lift-and-turn, trip-lever, and screen are the primary categories of stoppers.
Remove the bathtub drain stopper
- Determine the type of bathtub drain stopper to remove:
- Toe-touch
- Keep the drain open and in the open position.
- Holding the shaft cylinder, which fits into the drain, remove it from the drain basket by unscrewing it.
- If required, remove the toe-touch stopper using a screwdriver.
- Push-pull
- Keep the drain open and in the open position.
- By its knob, raise the bathtub drain stopper, then unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise.
- Lift-and-turn
- Keep the drain open and in the open position.
- Remove the knob from the stopper’s top by unscrewing it.
- Check to see whether there is a set screw behind the knob after unscrewing it. If that’s the case, loosen the set screw with a screwdriver or a hex key.
- To remove the stopper from its mounting post, turn the stopper counterclockwise.
- Utilizing pliers, raise the mounting post by pushing up
Trip-lever
- Keep the bathtub drain open and in the open position.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the faceplate that is connected to the overflow drain.
- After removing the faceplate, gently remove the overflow drain’s hardware to avoid breaking it.
Screen
- Gently remove the screen by slipping a flathead screwdriver under the lip of the screen.
Scrub the hardware
When cleaning the bathtub drain stopper, screws, or mounting posts before reinstalling them, use an all-purpose cleaner and a rag or sponge. If you’re worried about mold, look for alternative environmentally friendly cleaning options before using bleach. Clear any muck or dirt from the drain basket’s edge before setting the hardware aside.
Removing the bathtub drain basket
The majority of bathtub drain baskets contain a crossbar made of metal or plastic to stop big particles from going down the bathtub drain. Use tiny, sturdy needle-nose locking pliers to remove the Badkarsfötter basket. Place the pliers in the middle of the crossbar and lock them there. To open the basket, twist counterclockwise. If this is too challenging, hold the bottom end of the locking pliers with a second pair of pliers at a perpendicular angle and twist counterclockwise. More torque should be beneficial.
The drain basket may also be removed with a specialist drain wrench. Drain wrenches, which are made to smoothly glide into the crossbars, help lower the possibility of fracturing the drain basket when removing it. To remove the basket, place the drain wrench into the crossbars and turn counterclockwise. These can be a good investment if you’re concerned about scratching expensive devices.
Use a drain extractor if the bathtub feet basket is missing its crossbars. Drain extractors successfully remove the basket by grabbing the metal walls there.
Scrub the drain opening
- Plumber’s putty is frequently used to plug drains. After trying the aforementioned methods, if the drain basket still won’t come out, apply heat from a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the putty.
- Using a putty knife and a cloth, remove any putty or other debris that is still inside or close to the drain. Putty won’t decompose in the drain and might block it, so don’t let it fall down the drain.
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