10 Easy Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

10 Easy Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

Clogged bathe drains are a typical family downside that may be irritating and time-consuming to repair. Nevertheless, with the appropriate instruments and slightly know-how, you’ll be able to unclog a bathe drain by yourself with out the necessity for a plumber. On this article, we’ll present step-by-step directions on take out a bathe drain and take away the clog.

Earlier than you start, collect the next instruments: a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, a wire brush, and a moist/dry vacuum cleaner. You might also want a bucket to gather the water that can drain out of the pipe. After getting your instruments, observe these steps to unclog your bathe drain:

1. Take away the drain cowl. Most drain covers are held in place by a couple of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws, after which carry the drain cowl off. Watch out to not drop the screws down the drain!
2. Take away the hair and different particles from the drain. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may probably see quite a lot of hair and different particles clogging the drain. Use your fingers to take away as a lot of the particles as attainable. You may also use a wire brush to loosen any cussed clogs.
3. Pour a drain cleaner down the drain. As soon as you have eliminated as a lot of the particles as attainable, pour a drain cleaner down the drain. Comply with the directions on the bottle of drain cleaner, and permit it to take a seat for the advisable period of time.
4. Flush the drain with scorching water. After the drain cleaner has had time to take a seat, flush the drain with scorching water. It will assist to loosen any remaining clogs and flush them down the drain.

Instruments and Supplies Required

To efficiently take away a bathe drain, you will have to assemble the next instruments and supplies:

Important Instruments

  • **Adjustable Wrench or Drain Key:** Important for loosening and eradicating the drain strainer and stopper.
  • **Pliers or Slip Joint Pliers:** Helpful for gripping and eradicating the drain cowl and pop-up meeting.
  • **Allen Wrench (Elective):** Some drain assemblies could require an Allen wrench for removing.
  • **Screwdriver (Elective):** Sure drain designs could have screws that have to be loosened earlier than removing.

Supplies for Cleansing and Mitigation

  • **Drain Snake or Auger:** For clearing obstructions and particles from the drainpipe.
  • **Drain Cleaners (Chemical or Enzymatic):** May also help dissolve hair or natural matter inflicting clogs.
  • **Vinegar and Baking Soda:** A pure resolution for eradicating calcium or grease buildup.
  • **Previous Rags or Towels:** For absorbing water and wiping up cleansing options.

Protecting Gear

  • **Gloves:** Defend your arms from harsh chemical compounds or sharp edges.
  • **Security Goggles:** Stop eye contact with potential splashes or particles.

Eradicating the Drain Cowl

1.** Find the drain cowl.** It’s sometimes a spherical or sq. metallic or plastic plate within the middle of the drain.
2.** **Pry up the drain cowl with a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife.** Insert the software into the slot or gap on the sting of the quilt and gently pry it up. Watch out to not injury the quilt or the encompassing tiles.
3.** **Raise the drain cowl off the drain.** As soon as the quilt is pried up, you’ll be able to carry it off and set it apart.

Device Use
Flathead screwdriver Pry up the drain cowl
Butter knife Pry up the drain cowl

4.** **Examine the drain opening.** As soon as the quilt is eliminated, you’ll be able to examine the drain opening for any clogs or particles. Use a flashlight to see higher if needed.
5.** **If there’s a seen clog, you’ll be able to attempt to take away it with a drain snake or a pair of pliers.** Insert the software into the drain opening and gently attempt to hook or pull out the clog. Watch out to not injury the drain or the plumbing.

Inspecting the Drain

Earlier than trying to take away the drain, it is essential to examine it totally to establish the supply of the clog. Listed here are some steps to examine the drain successfully:

Take away Seen Particles

Begin by utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers to take away any seen particles from the drain opening, resembling hair, cleaning soap scum, or different small objects. This could usually clear minor clogs and expose the underlying situation.

Verify for Standing Water

Run water into the drain and observe if it drains correctly. If water accumulates and doesn’t drain shortly, it signifies a blockage additional down the drainpipe.

Use a Drain Snake or Auger

If there isn’t any seen particles or standing water, think about using a drain snake or auger to probe deeper into the drain and try to dislodge the clog. Insert the snake slowly and punctiliously, rotating it barely as you push it down the drainpipe. When you encounter any resistance, it could point out the placement of the clog.

Potential Clog Places Possible Causes
Drain opening Hair, cleaning soap scum, small objects
P-trap (underneath the sink) Grease, meals particles
Foremost drainpipe Mineral deposits, tree roots

Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a protracted, versatile software that may be inserted right into a drain to clear clogs. It’s a easy and efficient option to unclog a bathe drain, and it’s comparatively cheap. To make use of a drain snake, observe these steps:

  1. Take away the drain cowl. That is normally a small, spherical or sq. cowl that’s positioned within the middle of the drain.
  2. Insert the drain snake into the drain. Slowly push the snake into the drain till you are feeling it attain the clog.
  3. Flip the deal with of the drain snake. It will rotate the snake and assist to interrupt up the clog.
  4. Pull the drain snake out of the drain. As soon as the clog has been damaged up, slowly pull the snake out of the drain.
  5. Rinse the drain with scorching water. It will assist to flush away any remaining particles.

Listed here are some extra ideas for utilizing a drain snake:

Tip Description
Use a drain snake that’s lengthy sufficient to succeed in the clog. A snake that’s too quick will be unable to successfully clear the clog.
Watch out to not push the drain snake too far into the drain. When you push the snake too far, it might get caught.
If the clog is cussed, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a drain cleaner along with the drain snake. Drain cleaners may help to dissolve the clog and make it simpler to take away.

Eradicating Drain Hair and Clogs

In case your bathe drain is clogged, it is time to take motion. This is a step-by-step information that can assist you take away the hair and clogs and get your drain flowing freely once more:

Supplies You will Want:

  • Drain snake or auger
  • Baking soda and vinegar
  • Plunger
  • Bucket

Step 1: Take away the Drain Cowl

Raise the drain cowl off the drain and punctiliously take away any seen hair or particles. Be cautious as there could also be sharp edges.

Step 2: Attempt a Drain Snake or Auger

Insert a drain snake or auger into the drain and rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise to interrupt up any clogs. Pull the snake out to take away the hair or particles.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about half-hour. It will create a chemical response that may assist dissolve clogs. Flush the drain with scorching water to clear the combination.

Step 4: Plunge the Drain

Fill the bucket with scorching water and place it over the drain. Plunge vigorously for a couple of minutes to create suction and break up the clog. Take away the bucket and test if the water is draining freely.

Step 5: Verify for Deeper Clogs

If the earlier steps do not clear the clog, it’s possible you’ll must test for a deeper obstruction.

Chemical Drain Cleaners:

  • Use chemical drain cleaners as a final resort, as they are often corrosive and injury pipes if not used correctly. Comply with the directions fastidiously and keep away from utilizing greater than advisable.

Skilled Plumber:

  • If the clog persists regardless of your efforts, name an expert plumber. They’ve specialised instruments and expertise to take away cussed clogs and guarantee your drain is functioning correctly.

Cleansing the Drain

When you discover that your bathe drain will not be draining correctly, it’s normally as a result of a buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles. To scrub the drain, you will have the next:

  • A drain snake
  • A bucket or bowl
  • Sizzling water
  • Vinegar or baking soda (non-obligatory)

Step 1: Take away the drain cowl

The drain cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws and carry off the quilt.

Step 2: Insert the drain snake

Insert the drain snake into the drain and push it down till you are feeling it hit the clog. Flip the crank on the snake to loosen the clog.

Step 3: Pull out the clog

As soon as the clog is loosened, pull it out of the drain with the drain snake. Watch out to not drop the clog into the bucket or bowl.

Step 4: Rinse the drain

Pour scorching water down the drain to rinse away any remaining particles. You may also add vinegar or baking soda to the water to assist dissolve any buildup.

Step 5: Change the drain cowl

As soon as the drain is clear, exchange the drain cowl and tighten the screws.

Step 6: Clear the drain recurrently

To stop clogs from forming sooner or later, clear the drain recurrently. You are able to do this by pouring a cup of vinegar or baking soda down the drain each few weeks. You may also use a drain cleaner to assist dissolve buildup.

Product Worth
Drain snake $10-$20
Drain cleaner $5-$10

Changing the Drain Plug

If the drain plug is the supply of the clog, it is comparatively simple to switch. Listed here are the steps:

1. Take away the Current Plug

Most drain plugs are held in place by a easy screw mechanism. Find the screw, normally positioned within the middle of the plug, and take away it utilizing a screwdriver.

2. Take away the Strainer

Behind the drain plug, you may discover a small metallic or plastic strainer that collects hair and particles. Take away the strainer to wash it or exchange it if needed.

3. Clear the Drain Gap

As soon as the strainer is eliminated, you may have entry to the drain gap. Use a toothbrush or small brush to wash any seen buildup from the outlet.

4. Insert the New Drain Plug

Match the brand new drain plug into the outlet, making certain that the gasket is correctly seated. If the plug has a screw, tighten it to safe it in place.

5. Reattach the Strainer

Place the strainer again over the drain gap and safe it by tightening the screw or pushing it into place, relying on the kind of strainer.

6. Take a look at the Drain Plug

Fill the tub or bathe with a couple of inches of water and test if the plug holds water correctly. If there are any leaks, regulate the place or tightness of the plug till it stops leaking.

7. Extra Suggestions

  • Use a drain plug with a built-in strainer to seize particles and stop future clogs.
  • Clear the drain plug recurrently by eradicating and washing it with cleaning soap and water.
  • Change the drain plug gasket if it turns into broken or worn, as this will trigger leaks.
  • If the drain plug is closely corroded or broken, it could have to be changed together with the drain meeting, which is a extra advanced job.

Stopping Drain Buildup

Stopping drain buildup is important to maintain your bathe draining correctly. Listed here are some easy tricks to observe:

1. Run Sizzling Water Weekly

As soon as per week, run scorching water down the drain for a number of minutes. This helps to soften away any grease buildup.

2. Use Drain Protectors

Putting in a drain protector over the drain gap may help to catch hair and different particles earlier than it could clog the drain.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Answer

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for half-hour, then flush with scorching water.

4. Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

Enzymatic drain cleaners include enzymes that break down natural matter, resembling hair and grease. Use them month-to-month to maintain your drains clear.

5. Keep away from Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Grease can solidify and clog drains. Get rid of grease within the trash as a substitute.

6. Use a Zip-Tie to Clear Drain Holes

A zipper-tie can be utilized to wash small particles from drain holes. Insert the zip-tie into the outlet and twist it round to take away hair and different buildup.

7. Bodily Elimination

If a clog is seen, you’ll be able to take away it with a drain snake or a pair of pliers.

8. Skilled Drain Cleansing Providers

If you’re unable to clear the clog your self, you’ll be able to name an expert drain cleansing service. They’ve specialised instruments and gear to clear even essentially the most cussed clogs.

Month-to-month Weekly As Wanted
Use enzymatic drain cleaners Run scorching water Use a zip-tie to wash drain holes
Use drain protectors Take away seen clogs
Name an expert drain cleansing service

Troubleshooting Frequent Drain Points

Gradual Drain

In case your bathe drain is draining slowly, the very first thing it’s best to do is take away the drain cowl and clear out any hair or particles that could be clogging it. If that does not clear up the issue, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a drain cleaner. You should definitely observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Dripping Drain

A dripping drain is usually brought on by a worn-out or broken washer. To switch the washer, you will have to take away the drain cowl and unscrew the outdated washer. You should definitely apply a brand new layer of plumber’s putty to the brand new washer earlier than reinstalling it.

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is usually brought on by a buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles. To unclog the drain, you should utilize a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. You should definitely observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Standing Water in Drain

Standing water within the drain is usually brought on by a clog in the principle drain line. To unclog the principle drain line, you will have to make use of a drain snake or a high-pressure water jet. You might also must name a plumber to have the principle drain line cleaned professionally.

Gurgling Drain

A gurgling drain is usually brought on by a vent downside. The vent permits air to enter the drain line, which helps to maintain the water flowing easily. If the vent is blocked, it could trigger the drain to gurgle.

Smelly Drain

A smelly drain is usually brought on by a buildup of micro organism and mould. To scrub the drain, you should utilize a drain cleaner or a bleach resolution. You should definitely observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Leaking Drain

A leaking drain is usually brought on by a broken seal or a free connection. To restore the leak, you will have to switch the seal or tighten the connection. If the leak is coming from the principle drain line, it’s possible you’ll must name a plumber to have it repaired professionally.

Cracked Drain

A cracked drain is a major problem that may result in water injury. When you discover a crack within the drain, it’s best to exchange it instantly. You may exchange the drain your self or name a plumber to do it for you.

Damaged Drain

A damaged drain is a serious downside that requires speedy consideration. When you’ve got a damaged drain, it’s best to name a plumber to have it repaired or changed as quickly as attainable.

Drain Downside Attainable Trigger Answer
Gradual drain Hair or particles clogging the drain Take away the drain cowl and clear out the particles.
Dripping drain Worn-out or broken washer Change the washer.
Clogged drain Buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles Use a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner.

Skilled Drain Cleansing Providers

Contacting an expert plumber or drain cleansing service is the simplest option to resolve extreme bathe drain clogs. These professionals have specialised gear and experience to clear even essentially the most cussed blockages.

Skilled drain cleansing providers sometimes provide a spread of choices, together with:

  • Mechanical cleansing: Utilizing a rotating snake or auger to interrupt up and take away clogs.
  • Chemical cleansing: Utilizing chemical solvents to dissolve clogs and particles.
  • Hydro-jetting: Utilizing high-pressure water jets to blast away clogs and clear the pipes.

The price of skilled drain cleansing providers varies relying on the severity of the clog and the strategy used.

10. Preventative Upkeep

Common upkeep may help forestall future bathe drain clogs. Listed here are some ideas:

  • Set up a drain display screen to catch hair and different particles.
  • Clear the drain with a drain cleaner resolution as soon as a month.
  • Keep away from pouring grease or oils down the drain.
  • Flush the drain with scorching water recurrently.
Clog Sort Really helpful Answer
Hair Drain display screen or mechanical cleansing
Cleaning soap or physique wash Chemical or mechanical cleansing
Mineral buildup Hydro-jetting

How To Take Out A Bathe Drain

A gradual or clogged bathe drain generally is a nuisance. When you’re bored with coping with standing water or gradual drainage, it could be time to take out the bathe drain and clear it. Eradicating a bathe drain is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in a couple of steps.

First, you may want to assemble a couple of instruments. You will want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. You might also need to put on gloves to guard your arms.

After getting your instruments, you are prepared to start out. First, take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. Use the screwdriver to take away the screws after which carry off the drain cowl.

As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may see the drain strainer. The drain strainer is a metallic or plastic display screen that helps to catch hair and different particles. Use the pliers to take away the drain strainer. Watch out to not drop the drain strainer down the drain.

With the drain strainer eliminated, you may now have entry to the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the pipe that carries water from the bathe to the sewer. Use the pliers to loosen the drain pipe. Watch out to not overtighten the drain pipe, as this might injury it.

As soon as the drain pipe is free, you’ll be able to take away it from the bathe. Watch out to not spill any water from the drain pipe. As soon as the drain pipe is eliminated, you’ll be able to clear it out. Use a brush or a rag to take away any hair or particles from the drain pipe.

As soon as the drain pipe is clear, you’ll be able to reassemble the drain. Begin by inserting the drain pipe into the bathe. Then, tighten the drain pipe utilizing the pliers. Subsequent, insert the drain strainer into the drain pipe. Lastly, exchange the drain cowl.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take Out A Bathe Drain

What’s a bathe drain?

A bathe drain is a tool that permits water to empty from a bathe. Bathe drains are sometimes product of metallic or plastic and are put in within the flooring of the bathe.

How do I do know if my bathe drain is clogged?

There are a couple of indicators which will point out that your bathe drain is clogged. These indicators embrace:

  • Gradual drainage
  • Standing water within the bathe
  • Gurgling sounds coming from the drain
  • Unhealthy smells coming from the drain

How can I forestall my bathe drain from clogging?

There are some things you are able to do to stop your bathe drain from clogging. These items embrace:

  • Often cleansing the drain strainer
  • Utilizing a drain display screen to catch hair and particles
  • Keep away from pouring grease or oil down the drain
  • Utilizing a drain cleaner as soon as a month