Easy Bathtub Drain Repair
Bathtub Drain Repair is an easy DIY Project...
You need your tub to hold water so you can enjoy your bath more and relax. But, if the tub won’t hold the water, there is surely a defective drain. You might need to do a simple drain repair or replacement. Not to worry, this is just a minor task. You really need not call a plumber to help you out. If it’s your first time, it will probably take you at least 3 hours to finish it. If you are already a self-confessed DIY kind of a person, it will take you no time at all.
First, you need to find out what type of drain you have installed in your bathtub. The usual kind does not feature an overflow, which is an opening between the drain and bathtub spout where water escapes when tub is full.
There are five basic types of bathtub drains: foot lock, roller ball, lift and turn, pop-up and plunger. Pop-up and Plunger tub drains have mounted levers, mounted to the tub wall, that seal and release their stoppers. Roller ball, foot lock and lift and turn tub drains do not have mounted levers.
Tub Drain Repair - Drains without mounted Levers
These are the easiest type of drains to repair. Simply unscrew by turning it counter clockwise until it is free of the drain. Then replace with the same-sized cover. Pictured below are a foot lock bathtub drain and a lift and lock bathtub drain. These drains are available at most home improvement warehouses for $5.00 - $10.00.
Tub Drain Repair - Drains with mounted Levers
To make a bathtub drain repair that involves a drain with a mounted lever, just turn the lever to the open mode. Rock the drain stopper carefully and gently until it gets loosened enough for you to remove it. Clogged or used up drains may be a bit harder to remove. Unclog the drain first with lots of water or clog remover.
Pictured below is a bathtub drain with a mounted lever..... The assembly that needs to be replaced is available at most home improvement warehouses in the $20 price range.
If this bathroom remodel task seems to be more than you want to tackle on your own, you may want to check out our Free Bathroom Remodeling Estimates for your full or partial bathroom remodel needs.
DIY Bathroom Remodel's How to Articles
All ideas for your bathtub.....
To learn about many more areas of bathroom plumbing ranging from toilets to showers and tubs please see the pages below.
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