5 Simple Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

5 Simple Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

A clogged bathe drain generally is a main inconvenience, particularly whenever you’re in a rush to prepare. However don’t fret, it is a comparatively simple repair that you are able to do your self with just a few easy instruments. On this article, we’ll present you learn how to 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 vital to assemble the mandatory instruments. You may want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. If the drain is especially clogged, you may additionally 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 quilt is free, you need to use the screwdriver to take away the screws which might 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 whenever you take away the drain.

Figuring out Bathe Drain Kind

Frequent Forms of Bathe Drains

Varied sorts of bathe drains are designed for particular bathe configurations and plumbing programs. Figuring out the drain kind 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 could be made of assorted supplies, together with plastic, metallic, and rubber.

Pop-up drains sometimes 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 permits the stopper to be opened or closed by foot.

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

Characteristic Pop-Up Drains
Stopper Kind Flat or dome-shaped stopper that raises or lowers
Operation Lever, button, or foot journey
Frequent Supplies Plastic, metallic, rubber

Gathering Essential Instruments

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

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Plumber’s putty (optionally available)
  • 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 forestall leaks. The bucket is used to catch any water that will leak out of the drain whenever you take away it. The rags are used to scrub up any water spills or different leaks.

Precautions

Earlier than you begin, it is very important take just a few precautions to make sure your security and the protection of your toilet. First, flip off the water provide to the bathe. This can stop any water from leaking out of the drain whenever you take away it. Subsequent, place a bucket below the drain to catch any water that will leak out. Lastly, put on gloves to guard your arms 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 completed by hand. Nonetheless, there are some circumstances the place you might want to make use of a instrument that will help you.

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

In case you are unable to take away the drain cowl by hand, you possibly can attempt 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 quilt and loosen it to be able to take away it.

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

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, you might want to make use of a pair of pliers to softly pry it free.

As soon as the drain stopper is eliminated, you will notice a drain basket beneath. The drain basket is answerable 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 manufactured from PVC or metallic and is related to the sewer line. Earlier than you possibly can take away the drainpipe, you will have to disconnect it from the sewer line.

Disconnecting the Drainpipe from the Sewer Line

To disconnect the drainpipe from the sewer line, you will have 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 harm the pipe.

As soon as the nut is free, you possibly can fastidiously pull the drainpipe away from the sewer line. Be sure you help the drainpipe together with your different hand, as it might be heavy.

Cleansing the Drain Elements

Step one in eradicating a bathe drain is to scrub the drain parts. This can assist you to to establish any blockages or harm which may be stopping the drain from functioning correctly. To scrub the drain parts, you will have 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, observe these steps to scrub the drain parts:

Step Directions
1 Place the bucket or tub below 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 scrub 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 could be poured down the drain and allowed to take a seat for quarter-hour. Alternatively, industrial drain cleaners can be utilized, however you should definitely observe 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. You will need to guarantee that the entire components are put again collectively within the appropriate order, and that they’re tightened securely. In any other case, you might 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. Be sure you tighten it securely, however don’t overtighten it, or you might harm the drain.

Subsequent, place the metallic strainer over the drainpipe. The strainer ought to match snugly over the pipe, however it 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. This is an in depth information on learn how to do it:

    1. Take away the Previous Grate:

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

    2. Clear the Drain Opening:

    Use a moist fabric or sponge to wipe away any grime 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 (Optionally available):

    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 supplied screws or bolts, tighten the grate into place. Don’t overtighten, as this could harm the grate or the drain meeting.

    6. Extra Sealant Clear-Up:

    If you happen to utilized sealant, use a moist 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 test for any leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the screws or bolts additional. As soon as every part is safe, you will have efficiently put in the brand new drain grate, finishing your bathe drain alternative undertaking.

Sealing the Drain

As soon as you have cleared the drain, it is time to reseal it to forestall future clogs. This 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. Easy 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 moist fabric to wipe away any extra caulk that spills over the perimeters.

8. Let the Seal Remedy

Observe the producer’s directions for the silicone caulk and permit it to completely remedy earlier than utilizing the bathe. This will take as much as 24 hours, relying on the kind of caulk used.

Caulk Kind Remedy 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 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 learn how to resolve 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 attempt utilizing a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. If these strategies don’t work, you might must name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Damaged Drainpipe

If the drainpipe is damaged, water won’t be able to empty correctly. To repair a damaged drainpipe, you will have to switch the pipe. This can be a job that’s finest left to a plumber.

Blocked Drain Vent

The drain vent is a pipe that permits air to enter the drain system. If the drain vent is blocked, water won’t be able to empty correctly. To repair a blocked drain vent, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain snake to clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work, you might must 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 have to have the roots eliminated by a plumber. This can be a job that may be troublesome and costly, so it is very important 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 timber 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 could leak out of the drainpipe and trigger harm to your property. To repair a broken drain gasket, you will have to switch the gasket. This can be a job that’s comparatively simple to do your self.

Gradual Drain

In case your bathe drain is draining slowly, it might be as a result of a buildup of cleaning soap scum or hair. To repair a gradual drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a drain snake. If these strategies don’t work, you might must name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Gurgling Drain

In case your bathe drain is gurgling, it might be as a result of a blockage within the drainpipe. To repair a gurgling drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain snake to clear the blockage. If this doesn’t work, you might must 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 might be as a result of a buildup of micro organism or mildew. To repair an disagreeable odor coming out of your drain, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleaner or a bleach answer. If these strategies don’t work, you might must name a plumber to have the drain professionally cleaned.

Stopping Future Drain Clogs

To forestall future drain clogs, think about the next ideas:

  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 free 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 carefully.
  4. Clear Hairbrushes: Often clear your hairbrushes to take away amassed hair and stop it from coming 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 may 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 could be dangerous to pipes and the atmosphere. Solely use them as a final resort and observe 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 might help break down natural matter that contributes to clogs.
  10. Verify for Tree Roots: If you happen to discover recurring drain points, think about having a plumber examine for tree roots that will have infiltrated the pipes.

Further Suggestions for Stopping Drain Clogs

Tip Description
Run Sizzling Water Weekly Run scorching water by the bathe drain for a couple of minutes every week to assist dissolve cleaning soap scum and hair.
Trim Kitty Litter When you’ve got a cat, trim their litter field frequently 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 forestall 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 could actually solidify and clog pipes.

How To Take A Bathe Drain Out

A clogged bathe drain is a standard drawback that may be simply mounted with just a few easy steps. Here’s a step-by-step information on learn how to take a bathe drain out:

  1. Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by just a few 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, akin to hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles. If you happen to see any blockages, you need to 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. Be certain to tighten the screws securely.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take A Bathe Drain Out

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

There are just a few methods to unclog a bathe drain with out a drain snake. You possibly can attempt utilizing a plunger, a baking soda and vinegar answer, or a industrial drain cleaner.

How usually ought to I clear my bathe drain?

You must clear your bathe drain at the very least as soon as a month to forestall clogs. When you’ve got lengthy hair or for those who use plenty of hair merchandise, you might want to scrub your drain extra usually.

What are the indicators of a clogged bathe drain?

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