Best And Easy Step By Step Way Of Removing The Tub Drain Without Tool
Removing a tub drain is very important if you want to remove or replace the bathtub, or also in case if the drain fitting is corroded badly or even if leaks then must be replaced. The drain fitting is actually a metal basket like a piece that has a lip or the flange right at the top and a body having the threads from the outside. The best and the easy way of removing the tub drain is as follows:
Step 1: Remove The Tub Stopper
- The first step in the process is to remove the drain stopper or the screen as this will gain access to the tub's fitting of the drain. If in case the tub has a screen, that time simply pries under the screen with the help of a small flat-head screwdriver in order to pop it off. Tubs with the screens have a bucket, or the plunger, type of the stopper assembly that will help to stop the water that is inside of the drain pipe.
- If in case the tub has no screen, that time it is likely that it will have a stopper placed into the drain opening. In such a case removing it depends on the stopper type. Stoppers that the user can open as well as close simply by moving the stopper itself usually can unscrew from the drain or they secured using a setscrew. Stoppers that are operated using a lever that is on the overflow drain plate usually have a metal rocker arm that extends into the horizontal part of the tub drain pipe. Carefully pull the stopper as well as the rocker arm from the drain.
Step 2: Remove The Drain
After the above step is done then take a plug wrench and insert the end of it in the opening of the drain in such a way so that the tines are on the wrench fit on the crossbars of the drain. Most of the plug wrenches have more than 1 size of the head, so it is advisable to use the head that makes fit properly. Turn the wrench in the counterclockwise direction with the help of a large adjustable wrench or with the help of tongue-and-groove pliers for losing the drain. Now unthread the drain by hand after it is loose enough.
Step 3: Remove The Drain Using Locking Pliers
Carefully insert a pair of the locking needle-nose pliers in the opening of the drain as far as the jaws will go. Make sure that the jaws are on the opposite sides of the crossbars. Clampdown all the locking pliers they hold the crossbars tightly. Hold the locking pliers with the help of a set of standard pliers, holding as low as possible right on the locking pliers in a way so that they will not come in between the locking action. Turn the pliers in the counterclockwise direction, in this process it is important to have patience and go slowly. Only after a few rotations, the tub drain must be loose enough so that the user is able to set aside the second set of the pliers and with the hand turn the locking pliers.
Step 4: Clean The Drain Opening
Take a flat-head screwdriver or simply a putty knife and an old rag to clean the old ring of the plumber's putty from all around the drain's opening. It is important to remember not to let the putty fall in the drain & this is because it never breaks down as well as could start a clog.