How To Remove A Bathtub Drain?
QUICK ANSWER
Remove a bathtub drain by identifying the drain type first: toe-touch, lift-and-turn, push-pull, or roller-ball. Most drains unscrew counterclockwise with a drain key, smart dumbbell tool, or needle-nose pliers gripping the crossbars. Go slow to avoid damaging the chrome finish.
Bathtub drain removal is straightforward once you identify which type of drain you have. The five common designs each have a different removal method. The hardest part is usually getting enough grip without damaging the chrome or finish. Here is how to identify your drain type and the right tool for each, plus what to do when the drain is corroded in place.
What kind of bathtub drain do you have?
Five common types: toe-touch (push down with your foot to open/close, no knob), lift-and-turn (small knob you twist), push-pull (knob you pull up or push down), roller-ball (a center post you rotate), and trip-lever (separate lever on the overflow plate). Look at the drain stopper and identify which mechanism it uses. Most bathtubs from the last 30 years have one of the first three types. Older tubs often have trip-lever drains with no visible stopper in the drain itself.
What tools do you need to remove a bathtub drain?
The best tool is a drain key (sometimes called a tub drain extractor or smart dumbbell), a metal tool with two knobs that grip the inside of the drain crossbars. Available at any hardware store for under 15 dollars. Alternative tools: needle-nose pliers used with handles spread to grip the crossbars, or a pipe wrench around the outer rim. A drain key gives the best grip with the least risk of damaging the finish. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp drain edges.
How do you actually remove the drain?
Remove the drain stopper first per its type (toe-touch pops up, lift-and-turn unscrews from the post, push-pull pulls straight up after loosening a set screw). Insert the drain key into the drain opening so the dumbbell ends engage with the crossbars at the bottom. Turn the key counterclockwise. The drain unscrews from the drain shoe (the piping below the tub) and lifts out. Resistance is normal for the first half-turn since the drain has been sealed with plumber putty.
What if the drain will not come out?
Corroded or seized drains are common in older bathtubs. Spray penetrating oil (PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench) into the drain threads and wait 30 minutes. Apply heat with a hair dryer to expand the metal slightly. Use a longer-handled tool for more leverage. For badly corroded drains, the last resort is cutting out the drain flange with a Dremel or oscillating multi-tool, then unthreading the remains from the drain shoe with pliers. Replace the drain shoe at the same time if you have to resort to cutting.
Bathtub drain removal comes down to identifying the type, choosing the right tool (a drain key works for nearly all of them), and turning counterclockwise. Use penetrating oil and patience on stuck drains. Plan to replace plumber putty and seals when reinstalling so the new drain stays watertight. Most removals are a 15-minute job if the drain is not seized.
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