How To Remove Your Bathtub Drain (DIY)

Taking out the drain hole in the bathtub is an optimal way to ensure your bathtub and drain fitting are kept well-maintained.

For instance, the filter within the drain can prevent you from cleaning it efficiently. To address this issue, you can opt to remove a bathtub drain, which grants superior access to the central plumbing system.

Similarly, you might have to replace the bathtub drain if it is leaking or badly corroded.

Most drain fittings are pretty easy to remove. So today, we have compiled this guide to help you find ways of removing the bath drain with simple techniques.

So, let’s dive into our guide to bathtub drain removal!

How To Remove Bathtub Drain Stopper

An initial step in removing a bathtub drain is disassembling the trip lever. However, most modern bathtubs are built with a drain tub stopper, which can be tricky to remove and take longer if you don’t use the right method.

The method to remove the tub drain heavily depends on the type of stopper installed in the bathtub. Here are some tips to remove the drain and different stopper models more efficiently.

1. Push-Pull Drain Stopper

To remove this type of tub drain stopper:

• Grasp the stopper and turn it anticlockwise.
• If it’s resistant, use needle nose locking pliers for a better grip.
• Alternatively, a drain wrench can be used for easier bathtub drain removal.

2. Toe-Touch Tub Drain Stopper

For a toe-touch stopper:

• Hold the top of the stopper with one hand and the shaft with the other.
• Turn the top anticlockwise to detach it.
• Remove the screw underneath with a screwdriver, then pop out the stopper.

3. Pres-Flo

Out of all the stoppers, this drain fitting is one of the easiest models to remove since it doesn’t involve any complicated steps. All you need to do is grab it and pull it out.

4. Lift And Turn Drain Stoppers

This type is more complex:

• Rotate the stopper until you see a set of screws.
• Use a screwdriver or hex wrench to remove the screws.
• Gently pop out the knob to access the drain plug.

Tools Required To Remove The Flange

Now that you have removed the stopper, you can reach the visible section of the drain, which is usually termed the bathtub drain flange. A bathtub drain flange in the drain’s tailpiece region can be removed with a simple drain setup.

However, some bathtubs have a complex tub drain style, requiring specific tools to remove the drain flange. Here is a list of tools you can easily find in your house or local hardware store:

1. Dumbbell

A dumbbell is a tool designed for drain removal or other plumbing tasks and comes in a key shape to easily fit the crossbar. Once you have placed it properly, use a screwdriver or a wrench to turn it around.

2. Sturdy Drain Extractor Or Drain Key

If the tool mentioned above doesn’t remove the flange, use a sturdy tub drain extractor and a drain key. These tools use reverse-thread systems and wings to cling onto the flange for easy removal. After the tool latches onto the flange’s interior, you can twist it and open it with a wrench.

3. Screwdriver

Certain drains comprise crossbars that can be dislodged using locking pliers. Insert the screwdriver into the crossbars and turn it to remove the flange. However, there are certain instances when a regular screwdriver cannot reach the crossbar. In such a scenario, you must use a long screwdriver or try a different tool.

Step-By-Step Guide For Removing The Flange

1. Cleaning

It is always advised to clean the opening of the bath drains before carrying out any standard repairs or maintenance, as this space can hold significant amounts of waste. If you don’t clean the drain opening, you will have difficulty replacing the flange, as the gunk will block the view.

In addition, removing hair from the drain can make things easier when you install a new flange.

2. Drain Key

The next step is to take the drain key and place it in the bathtub’s drain opening. A wrench can turn the drain key anticlockwise until the wings hook onto the drain fitting.

3. Unscrewing

From this point, a screwdriver or a plug wrench can be employed to unscrew the flange from the primary drain system. But you will face many challenges since putty, calcium build-up, and grime prevent the fringe and drain fitting from detaching.

Heat is one of the most effective ways of removing stubborn waste build-up and plumber’s putty, which can help soften the debris. Thus, we recommend using a hairdryer or a heat gun to loosen the grime and plumber’s putty to facilitate flange removal.

4. Clean The Drain Opening

After removing the flange, you will notice some residual putty stuck at the drain opening. You can use a putty knife to scrape out the remaining debris on the surface, but people who don’t own a putty knife can also use a flathead screwdriver.

In addition, you should remove residual gunk and hair stuck in the opening to prevent your drain from becoming blocked in the future.

Removing Bath Drain — The DIY Way

A bathtub drain is essential for keeping the tub and drain fitting clean and hygienic, so it should be maintained properly.

An emergency plumbing situation can be triggered in the bathtub when excess hair and soap accumulate to the point of blocking the drain. However, this can be avoided by using a filter to prevent hair and dust from entering the drain.

To alleviate plumbing problems, we suggest using baking soda and hot water to dislodge any gunk or debris lodged within the drain. And don’t forget to clean the overflow drain.

If personal maintenance of the bathtub drain is not feasible, you can enlist the services of Big Blue Plumbing, which will professionally remove it.

Our offerings cover an extensive range of home improvement services, particularly plumbing repairs, at an economical price. So whether you have a blocked bath or want your old tub drain replaced — we can do it for you!

Please read our guide before removing the bath drain; you won’t face any problems!