1-213-433-2590 Determine what kind of drain you have before you tackle a drain repair project. A beginner DIYer should be able to repair a tub drain in about three hours with common household tools.
Types of Bathtub Drains
Drains Without Trip Levers
- Foot Lock: A drain that's pushed down with the foot to change the setting
- Roller Ball: A drain with a plug that pushes down to hold water and pulls up to release it
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Lift and Turn: A drain with a plug that rotates in opposite directions to release or hold water; set screws are placed under the lip of the drain
Drains With Trip Levers
- Pop-Up: A drain with a trip lever that opens and closes the drain by moving the tub drain stopper up and down
- Plunger: A drain that doesn't have a visible stopper; the trip lever opens and closes the drain by moving a hidden plunger up and down
How to Fix Foot Lock and Rollerball Tub Drains
Bathtub drain replacement should be an easy fix if you're fortunate enough to have one of these types of drains. To remove the plug from a foot lock or rollerball tub drain, simply rotate the plug counterclockwise until it's free of the drain. Clean the plug with a mild cleaning solution or vinegar and reinstall.
How to Fix Lift and Turn Tub Drains
You can often remove a lift and turn plug by loosening a set screw.
Step 1: Remove the Plug
Lift the drain plug and locate the set screw under the lip of the plug. Loosen the set screw and remove the plug.
Step 2: Clean and Install the Replacement Drain
How to Fix a Pop-Up Bathtub Drain
These drains have moving parts that may need cleaning and lubrication.
Step 1: Remove the Trip Lever
Set the trip lever in the open position. Wiggle the assembly to get it out of the drain. The assembly isn't actually attached to the drain, but don't be surprised if it takes some effort to remove it. Then take the screws out of the cover plate. Remove the trip lever and linkage from the overflow drain.
Step 2: Clean the Drain Components
If the tub has been leaking or the drain is hard to operate, clean the linkage, rocker arm and stopper. Use a brush and a mild cleaning solution or vinegar. Flush the tub drain with a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Rinse with boiling water.
Step 3: Lubricate the Drain Components
Slide the moving parts of the rocker and stopper back into the drain until the stopper is in the closed position. Lubricate the moving parts and the threads of the linkage, and reinstall them into the overflow drain. It may be necessary to adjust the linkage.
Step 4: Adjust the Flow Rate
You can increase the flow rate of the drain if desired. Loosen the locknut, turn the lift rod counterclockwise and tighten the lock nut. If the stopper won't seal in the closed position, loosen the lock nut, turn the lift rod clockwise and tighten the lock nut. To avoid overcompensating, screw the lift rod in or out, three or four turns at a time.
How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain
Like pop-up drains, plunger tub drains have moving parts that may need attention.
Step 1: Remove the Drain Components
Take out the screws on the cover plate and pull it away from the tub wall. The linkage and plunger will come out with the cover plate.
Step 2: Clean the Drain Components
If the tub has been leaking or the drain is hard to operate, clean the plunger and linkage. Use a brush and a mild cleaning solution or vinegar. Flush the tub drain and overflow drain with a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Rinse with boiling water.
Step 3: Lubricate the Drain Components
Lubricate the plunger and linkage, and reinstall them into the overflow drain. Partially fill the tub and check to see if the drain holds water. Then open the drain and check the flow rate. If the drain allows water to seep out, loosen the lock nut, turn the lift rod counterclockwise and tighten the lock nut.
Step 4: Adjust the Flow Rate
You can increase the drain flow rate if desired. Loosen the lock nut, turn the lift rod clockwise and tighten the lock nut. To avoid overcompensating, screw the lift rod in or out, three or four turns at a time.
