Step By Step Process Of Replacing The Drain Pipe Under Bathtub
Corrosion as well as clogging are the major reasons that lead to the replacement of the drainpipe of the bathtub. The steel pipes of the drain rust as well as crack causing leakage which in turn needs replacement. By simply replacing the drain pipes yourself, the user will be able to save the cost of hiring a plumber, follow the simple steps mentioned below and perform the process yourself:
- Remove The Pipes: The first step is to remove all the pipes which connect the overflow with the tub drain basket. The overflow cover can be easily removed simply by turning out the attachment screws that are on the cover plate. The drain basket is usually removed by inserting one of the screwdrivers on each of the sides of the basket and then turning it in a counterclockwise direction.
- Remove The Tee-fitting: The second step is to remove the tee fitting that is behind the tub. If in case it is plastic, then use a tongue as well as the groove pliers to loosen up the connecting nuts or if it is made of metal, that time use 2 pipe wrenches. One pipe wrench will be attached to the pipe that does not need to turn and the other wrench is attached with the pipe that is to be removed. Carefully turn the wrench on the pipe which is to be removed, but at the same time firmly hold the other pipe wrench. If they do not easily unscrew that time use the penetrating oil right on the threads.
- PVC Drain Kit: Now it is time to attach a PVC tub drain kit to the bathtub. The plate of upper cover overflow as well as drain assembly will simply retrofit over the original one. Spread some of the silicon on the gasket and then with the help of a screwdriver tighten down the plate. Using a pair of screwdrivers gently screw-in the tub drain basket, exactly in the opposite way from which it came out. Spread silicone on the gasket exactly where the pipe attaches with the basket, and then tighten the fitting with the help of a tongue and the groove pliers. Connect the tee-fitting with the overflow pipe and also with the tub basket drain pipe. With the help of pliers turn the connecting nuts as tight as possible.
- Tee Fitting Drain Pipe: Now in this step the user needs to connect the tee-fitting drain pipe with the original pipe only if it is in good shape and have any leakage. If in case it is a PVC fitting, then there will be either a screw-on connecting nut or the tee-fitting should be cemented in place with the help of PVC cement. If in case pipes that are leading to the main drain is in bad condition, then continue to next step.
- Remove The Drain Pipe: If the pipes from the tub to the main drain are bad then remove them. For the metal pipe, simply unscrew it with the help of two pipe wrenches. One of the wrenches will hold the joint steady exactly at the point where the pipe connects while the other wrench will be used to unscrew the pipe. For PVC connection cut out the pipe at least one inch away from the main drain with a hacksaw.
- Replace The Old Pipe: Using the PVC and the proper connectors replace the old pipe. The user can get a PVC pipe having the proper threads to screw in a metal pipe. While performing this, wrap the threads using the Teflon tape or simply cover them in the pipe dope before making the PVC pipe tight. If joining the PVC to PVC, that time cement a coupler on a one-inch cut piece which leads to the main drain. With the help of a hacksaw cut the rest of the PVC pieces to fit and then cement them together.
Important Tips
- If incase the actual tub drain basket will not unscrew, use a saw to cut out a notch right in the side of the basket. After the notch is cut, then with the help of a pry bar simply twist and pry out the old drain basket.
- If the pipes do not line up properly, either cut them out to fit or simply install a flexible PVC drain line.