A clogged or slow-draining bathtub can be a nuisance that prevents you from enjoying a relaxing soak. Often, the cause of the clog is right under the drain – a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other gunk in the drainpipe. Unscrewing the bathtub drain gives you access to clean it out.
While it may seem daunting, unscrewing a tub drain is an easy DIY project that anyone can tackle in less than an hour with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, I’ll walk you through removing and unscrewing a bathtub drain.
Before diving into unscrewing the drain, take a few minutes to prepare so the project goes smoothly:
You’ll need a few simple tools:
Before removing the drain, especially during bathtub drain removal, plug the overflow hole (the smaller opening near the drain) to prevent small parts from falling in. Stuff a rag or towel into the overflow opening to block it temporarily. This precaution ensures a smoother disassembly process and avoids any potential issues caused by small parts getting lost during the removal.
Many bathtub drains have a trip lever stopper that controls water flow. This must be removed first by loosening the setscrew holding it in place. Look for a small screw on the side or top of the drain. Remove this to free up the stopper.
Removing a drain can get messy, so lay some towels around the tub before beginning. Have a container ready to hold small parts—clear access to the drain by removing items stored under bathroom sinks.
Now you’re ready to tackle unscrewing the tub drain! The process involves just three main steps: taking apart the drain, unscrewing the shoe, and removing drain pieces.
The first part of the process is taking apart the drain fittings and components above the surface.
Once you’ve disassembled the fittings above the surface, the tub shoe below should be accessible.
The shoe is the piece that anchors the drain to the bottom of the tub. It’s attached by a large nut that needs to be loosened.
I am almost done! The final step is to remove any remaining pieces from the drain pipe below the surface.
With all pieces removed, the tub drain is now fully accessible for cleaning.
With the drain disassembled, you can thoroughly clean the pipe and fittings before putting it all back together. Here’s how to complete the job:
Taking your time to clean all components and reassemble them fully ensures your drain will operate smoothly for years before needing to be unscrewed again.
To summarize, the key things to keep in mind when tackling this project are:
Following these steps will allow you to unscrew your bathtub drain for cleaning. Are you stuck on one of the steps? Take a look below at some commonly asked questions.
Penetrating oil around the edges can help loosen a stubborn drain cap. Allow it to soak in for 15-20 minutes. Tap firmly with a wrench while turning to help break the seal. Protect the tub surface with a towel.
Nuts that won’t budge usually need some persuasion. Try spraying lubricant around the nut and let it penetrate for 15 minutes. Use a breaker bar or cheater bar to get extra leverage on your pliers while turning.
If you can’t get the nut or shoe loose without stripping it, stop trying to turn it. Apply a penetrating solvent and allow it to soak overnight to loosen the corrosion. If needed, you may need to hammer a chisel into the stripped screw to break the rust seal before trying again.
Use an attachment on your vacuum hose or a pipe snake brush to remove them if you can’t grip them with fingers or pliers. Or detach the P-trap under the sink – this allows you access to the tub drain line to retrieve them.
Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain monthly helps break up grime before it accumulates. Use a hair catcher and avoid pouring grease down the drain. Check the drainpipe periodically for buildup.
Like many home repairs, unscrewing a tub drain looks more intimidating than it is. With a bit of preparation and elbow grease, it’s a straightforward DIY job. Following the steps above will allow you to take apart, clean, and remove even the most stubborn bathtub drain.
Next time you face a clogged drain, muster your courage and go for it! Whether it’s tackling how to unclog a bathroom sink drain or any plumbing woe, taking control of the situation brings immense satisfaction. Don’t let buildup cause you grief – a little effort saves the hassle and cost of calling a plumber.
So grab your tools, plug that overflow hole, and battle that bathtub drain. A relaxing bubble bath awaits on the other side!