5 Simple Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

5 Simple Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

A clogged bathe drain is usually a main inconvenience, particularly once you’re in a rush to prepare. However don’t be concerned, it is a comparatively simple repair that you are able to do your self with a number of easy instruments. On this article, we’ll present you how you can take a bathe drain out so you possibly can clear the clog and get your bathe again in working order very quickly.

Earlier than you begin, it is necessary to assemble the required instruments. You will want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. If the drain is especially clogged, you might also want a drain snake. After you have your instruments, you are able to get began.

To take away the drain, first use the pliers to loosen the drain cowl. As soon as the duvet is unfastened, you should use the screwdriver to take away the screws which can be holding the drain in place. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can pull the drain out of the bathe. Watch out to not spill any water once you take away the drain.

Figuring out Bathe Drain Sort

Frequent Kinds of Bathe Drains

Varied varieties of bathe drains are designed for particular bathe configurations and plumbing methods. Figuring out the drain sort is step one in troubleshooting and fixing any points.

1. Pop-Up Drains

Pop-up drains are characterised by a stopper that raises or lowers to open or shut the drain. They’re generally present in showers with a single central drain and will be made of assorted supplies, together with plastic, steel, and rubber.

Pop-up drains usually have a stopper lever or button that lifts the stopper when pressed. The lever or button is related to a linkage that raises the stopper contained in the drain physique. Some pop-up drains additionally characteristic a visit lever that enables the stopper to be opened or closed by foot.

Here is a desk summarizing the important thing traits of pop-up drains:

Function Pop-Up Drains
Stopper Sort Flat or dome-shaped stopper that raises or lowers
Operation Lever, button, or foot journey
Frequent Supplies Plastic, steel, rubber

Gathering Crucial Instruments

To take out a bathe drain, you will want the next instruments:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Plumber’s putty (non-obligatory)
  • Bucket
  • Rags

The adjustable wrench is used to loosen and tighten the drainpipes. The screwdriver is used to take away the drain cowl and any screws which may be holding the drain in place. Plumber’s putty is used to seal the drain across the edges to stop leaks. The bucket is used to catch any water that will leak out of the drain once you take away it. The rags are used to wash up any water spills or different leaks.

Precautions

Earlier than you begin, you will need to take a number of precautions to make sure your security and the protection of your lavatory. First, flip off the water provide to the bathe. This can stop any water from leaking out of the drain once you take away it. Subsequent, place a bucket beneath the drain to catch any water that will leak out. Lastly, put on gloves to guard your fingers from any sharp edges.

Eradicating the Drain Cowl

Step one to unclogging a bathe drain is eradicating the drain cowl. That is often a easy course of that may be achieved by hand. Nonetheless, there are some instances the place chances are you’ll want to make use of a instrument that can assist you.

To take away a drain cowl by hand, merely seize onto the sting of the duvet and pull it up. If the duvet is caught, you possibly can strive utilizing a screwdriver or butter knife to pry it unfastened. Watch out to not injury the duvet or the drain.

In case you are unable to take away the drain cowl by hand, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain wrench. A drain wrench is a instrument that’s particularly designed to take away drain covers. To make use of a drain wrench, merely place the wrench over the drain cowl and switch it counterclockwise. The wrench will grip the duvet and loosen it as a way to take away it.

Sort of Drain Cowl Removing Methodology
Screw-on Use a screwdriver to take away the screws.
Pop-up Press down on the middle of the duvet to launch the mechanism.
Magnetic Pull up on the duvet to detach it from the drain.
Lever-operated Elevate the lever to launch the duvet.

Disassembling the Drain

Step 4: Eradicating the Drain Stopper

The drain stopper is often held in place by a screw or bolt. Use a screwdriver or wrench to take away the fastener, then fastidiously elevate the stopper out of the drain. If the stopper is caught, chances are you’ll want to make use of a pair of pliers to softly pry it unfastened.

As soon as the drain stopper is eliminated, you will note a drain basket beneath. The drain basket is chargeable for catching hair and different particles, stopping it from clogging the drain. Take away the drain basket by lifting it straight up and out of the drain.

With the drain stopper and drain basket eliminated, you’ll now have entry to the drainpipe. The drainpipe is often made from PVC or steel and is related to the sewer line. Earlier than you possibly can take away the drainpipe, you will want to disconnect it from the sewer line.

Disconnecting the Drainpipe from the Sewer Line

To disconnect the drainpipe from the sewer line, you will want to make use of a pipe wrench. Place the pipe wrench on the nut that connects the drainpipe to the sewer line and switch it counterclockwise. Watch out to not overtighten the nut, as this could injury the pipe.

As soon as the nut is unfastened, you possibly can fastidiously pull the drainpipe away from the sewer line. You’ll want to assist the drainpipe along with your different hand, as it could be heavy.

Cleansing the Drain Elements

Step one in eradicating a bathe drain is to wash the drain parts. This can aid you to establish any blockages or injury which may be stopping the drain from functioning correctly. To scrub the drain parts, you will want the next provides:

  • A bucket or tub
  • A pair of pliers
  • A screwdriver
  • A wire brush
  • A drain cleaner

After you have gathered your provides, comply with these steps to wash the drain parts:

Step Directions
1 Place the bucket or tub beneath the drain to catch any water or particles that will come out.
2 Use the pliers to take away the drain cowl.
3 Use the screwdriver to take away the drain stopper.
4 Use the wire brush to wash the drain strainer and stopper.
5 Pour a drain cleaner down the drain and let it sit for the period of time specified on the product label. Some frequent drain cleaners embrace baking soda and vinegar, which will be poured down the drain and allowed to take a seat for quarter-hour. Alternatively, business drain cleaners can be utilized, however you should definitely comply with the directions on the product label fastidiously to keep away from damaging the drain or pipes.
6 Flush the drain with scorching water to take away the drain cleaner and any loosened particles.

Reassembling the Drain

Reassembling the drain is the ultimate step within the technique of cleansing it out. It is very important be sure that the entire components are put again collectively within the right order, and that they’re tightened securely. In any other case, chances are you’ll find yourself with a leaking drain.

To reassemble the drain, begin by inserting the rubber washer on the underside of the drainpipe. Then, screw the drainpipe into the drain physique. You’ll want to tighten it securely, however don’t overtighten it, or chances are you’ll injury the drain.

Subsequent, place the steel strainer over the drainpipe. The strainer ought to match snugly over the pipe, but it surely shouldn’t be so tight that it can’t be eliminated for cleansing.

Lastly, screw the drain cowl onto the drain physique. Once more, you should definitely tighten it securely, however don’t overtighten it.

Detailed Directions for Tightening the Drain Cowl

1. Use a pair of pliers to grip the drain cowl.
2. Flip the drain cowl clockwise to tighten it.
3. Proceed turning the drain cowl till it’s hand-tight.
4. Use a wrench to additional tighten the drain cowl.
5. Flip the wrench clockwise to tighten the drain cowl.
6. Proceed turning the wrench till the drain cowl is sufficiently tight.

As soon as the drain cowl is tight, your drain is reassembled and able to use.

Putting in the New Drain Grate

As soon as the drain meeting is securely in place, it is time to set up the brand new drain grate. Here is an in depth information on how you can do it:

    1. Take away the Outdated Grate:

    Utilizing pliers or a screwdriver, gently pry the outdated drain grate off the drain opening. Watch out to not injury the encircling tiles or the bathe base.

    2. Clear the Drain Opening:

    Use a humid fabric or sponge to wipe away any filth or particles from the drain opening and the encircling space. This can guarantee a correct seal between the brand new grate and the drain meeting.

    3. Apply a Sealant (Non-compulsory):

    For added water resistance, apply a skinny bead of silicone sealant across the perimeter of the drain opening. This can assist stop water from leaking across the grate.

    4. Place the New Grate:

    Align the brand new drain grate over the drain opening, ensuring it matches snugly. Be sure that the holes within the grate match the screws or bolts used to safe the drain meeting.

    5. Safe the Grate:

    Utilizing the offered screws or bolts, tighten the grate into place. Don’t overtighten, as this could injury the grate or the drain meeting.

    6. Extra Sealant Clear-Up:

    When you utilized sealant, use a humid fabric or finger to softly wipe away any extra that will have squeezed out across the edges of the grate.

    7. Remaining Verify:

    Run a small quantity of water down the drain to verify for any leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the screws or bolts additional. As soon as every thing is safe, you could have efficiently put in the brand new drain grate, finishing your bathe drain substitute venture.

Sealing the Drain

As soon as you’ve got cleared the drain, it is time to reseal it to stop future clogs. Here is how:

1. Dry the Drain

Use a clear fabric or paper towels to totally dry the drain and surrounding space.

2. Apply Plumber’s Putty

Roll a small piece of plumber’s putty right into a rope and form it into a hoop that matches across the base of the drain flange.

3. Place the Flange

Place the drain flange over the putty ring and press down firmly to create a seal.

4. Trim Extra Putty

Use a putty knife or your finger to trim any extra putty across the edges of the flange.

5. Apply Silicone Caulk

Apply a skinny bead of silicone caulk across the seam between the flange and the bathe base.

6. Clean the Caulk

Use your finger or a caulk smoothing instrument to clean the caulk and create a water-proof seal.

7. Take away Extra Caulk

Use a humid fabric to wipe away any extra caulk that spills over the perimeters.

8. Let the Seal Treatment

Comply with the producer’s directions for the silicone caulk and permit it to totally treatment earlier than utilizing the bathe. This could take as much as 24 hours, relying on the kind of caulk used.

Caulk Sort Treatment Time
Acetic acid-based 12-24 hours
Impartial-cure silicone 24 hours
Polyurethane 4-8 hours

Troubleshooting Frequent Drain Issues

In case your bathe drain just isn’t draining correctly, there are some things you possibly can attempt to repair it your self earlier than calling a plumber. Listed here are among the most typical drain issues and how you can remedy them:

Clogged Drain

The commonest explanation for a clogged drain is hair. Hair can construct up over time and kind a clog that stops water from draining correctly. To repair a clogged drain, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies don’t work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Damaged Drainpipe

If the drainpipe is damaged, water will be unable to empty correctly. To repair a damaged drainpipe, you will want to interchange the pipe. It is a job that’s finest left to a plumber.

Blocked Drain Vent

The drain vent is a pipe that enables air to enter the drain system. If the drain vent is blocked, water will be unable to empty correctly. To repair a blocked drain vent, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain snake to clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber to have the vent professionally cleaned.

Tree Roots in Drainpipe

Tree roots can develop into drainpipes and trigger clogs. To repair a drainpipe that’s clogged with tree roots, you will want to have the roots eliminated by a plumber. It is a job that may be tough and costly, so you will need to stop tree roots from rising into your drainpipes within the first place. You are able to do this by sealing any cracks or holes in your drainpipes and by planting bushes away from your property.

Broken Drain Gasket

The drain gasket is a rubber seal that stops water from leaking out of the drainpipe. If the drain gasket is broken, water might leak out of the drainpipe and trigger injury to your property. To repair a broken drain gasket, you will want to interchange the gasket. It is a job that’s comparatively simple to do your self.

Sluggish Drain

In case your bathe drain is draining slowly, it could be on account of a buildup of cleaning soap scum or hair. To repair a sluggish drain, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain cleaner or a drain snake. If these strategies don’t work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Gurgling Drain

In case your bathe drain is gurgling, it could be on account of a blockage within the drainpipe. To repair a gurgling drain, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain snake to clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Disagreeable Odor Coming from Drain

In case your bathe drain is emitting an disagreeable odor, it could be on account of a buildup of micro organism or mildew. To repair an disagreeable odor coming out of your drain, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain cleaner or a bleach answer. If these strategies don’t work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Stopping Future Drain Clogs

To forestall future drain clogs, take into account the next suggestions:

  1. Set up Drain Guards: Place mesh or strainer drain guards over bathe drains to catch hair and different particles earlier than they enter the pipes.
  2. Brush Hair Often: Brush your hair earlier than showering to take away unfastened strands that might get washed down the drain.
  3. Use Cleaning soap Sparingly: Extra cleaning soap scum can construct up in drains and trigger clogs. Go for liquid cleaning soap or use bar cleaning soap sparsely.
  4. Clear Hairbrushes: Often clear your hairbrushes to take away amassed hair and stop it from getting into the drain.
  5. Keep away from Flushing Wipes: By no means flush disposable wipes, female hygiene merchandise, or paper towels down the drain. These things don’t break down simply and might trigger extreme clogs.
  6. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar: As soon as a month, pour half a cup of baking soda adopted by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Permit to take a seat for half-hour, then flush with scorching water.
  7. Use Drain Cleaners Sparingly: Chemical drain cleaners will be dangerous to pipes and the surroundings. Solely use them as a final resort and comply with the directions fastidiously.
  8. Common Drain Cleansing: Rent a plumber to carry out periodic drain cleansing to take away any amassed particles or mineral buildup.
  9. Attempt Enzyme Drain Cleaners: Enzyme-based drain cleaners are eco-friendly and may help break down natural matter that contributes to clogs.
  10. Verify for Tree Roots: When you discover recurring drain points, take into account having a plumber examine for tree roots that will have infiltrated the pipes.

Further Suggestions for Stopping Drain Clogs

Tip Description
Run Scorching Water Weekly Run scorching water via the bathe drain for a couple of minutes every week to assist dissolve cleaning soap scum and hair.
Trim Kitty Litter If in case you have a cat, trim their litter field commonly to cut back the quantity of clumped litter that might find yourself within the drain.
Use Drain Covers in Tubs Place drain covers in bathtubs to stop toys, cleaning soap residue, or different gadgets from washing down the drain.
Examine Drain Stopper Often Verify the drain stopper within the bathe and take away any hair or particles that has amassed.
Keep away from Pouring Grease or Oil By no means pour cooking grease or oil down the drain, as it may possibly solidify and clog pipes.

How To Take A Bathe Drain Out

A clogged bathe drain is a typical downside that may be simply mounted with a number of easy steps. Here’s a step-by-step information on how you can take a bathe drain out:

  1. Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by a number of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws and elevate the drain cowl off.
  2. Clear the drain cowl. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you possibly can clear it with a brush or a fabric. Take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles which may be clogging the drain.
  3. Examine the drain opening. As soon as the drain cowl is clear, you possibly can examine the drain opening. Search for any blockages, reminiscent of hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles. When you see any blockages, you should use a drain snake to take away them.
  4. Reinstall the drain cowl. As soon as the drain opening is obvious, you possibly can reinstall the drain cowl. Ensure that to tighten the screws securely.

Folks Additionally Ask About How To Take A Bathe Drain Out

How can I unclog a bathe drain with out a drain snake?

There are a number of methods to unclog a bathe drain with out a drain snake. You may strive utilizing a plunger, a baking soda and vinegar answer, or a business drain cleaner.

How typically ought to I clear my bathe drain?

It’s best to clear your bathe drain at the very least as soon as a month to stop clogs. If in case you have lengthy hair or should you use quite a lot of hair merchandise, chances are you’ll want to wash your drain extra typically.

What are the indicators of a clogged bathe drain?

The indicators of a clogged bathe drain embrace sluggish drainage, standing water within the bathe, and dangerous smells coming from the drain.