Each home-owner will ultimately encounter the necessity to exchange a bathtub drain stopper. Whether or not it is as a result of a worn-out seal, a damaged stopper, or just a need for a brand new look, the duty is comparatively easy. Luckily, with the correct instruments and some easy steps, you’ll be able to have your tub drain functioning correctly very quickly. So, if you happen to’re able to deal with this plumbing mission, seize your instruments and observe alongside as we information you thru the method of changing your tub drain stopper.
Earlier than you start, it is important to assemble the required instruments and supplies. For this mission, you will want a brand new drain stopper, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and probably a putty knife or utility knife. In case your current stopper has a linkage hooked up to the overflow drain, you will additionally have to take away that linkage earlier than continuing. After you have all the things you want, you’ll be able to proceed with the next steps to exchange your tub drain stopper.
First, take away the previous drain stopper by unscrewing it from the drainpipe. If the stopper is caught, you should utilize a pair of pliers to softly loosen it. As soon as the stopper is free, pull it straight as much as take away it utterly. Subsequent, clear the drainpipe and the floor round it completely. Take away any previous sealant or particles which will have amassed. As soon as the drainpipe is clear, apply a skinny bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the brand new drain stopper. Press the brand new stopper into place and tighten it by hand as a lot as attainable. Lastly, use a screwdriver to completely tighten the stopper, guaranteeing a safe match. Should you encounter any resistance, do not pressure it; merely regulate the place of the stopper and check out once more.
Figuring out the Drain Stopper Sort
Understanding the kind of drain stopper you’ve is essential for correct substitute. This is a step-by-step information to establish the stopper kind:
1. Decide the Drain Opening Form
The drain opening form dictates the stopper kind appropriate together with your tub.
a. Carry-and-Flip Stopper: This sort includes a domed cap with a slot. When the cap is lifted, it rotates to plug or unplug the drain.
b. Push-and-Pull Stopper: A button-shaped cap characterizes this stopper. Pushing down seals the drain, whereas pulling up unplugs it.
c. Cross-Slot Stopper: A straight, cross-shaped opening signifies a drain plug that matches into the cross-shaped slot.
d. Toe-Contact Stopper: A small lever positioned on the facet or finish of the bathtub controls this stopper. Urgent the lever opens or closes the drain.
2. Examine for a Stopper Rod
Some drain stoppers function utilizing a rod that connects to the lever. Should you discover a rod operating up by means of the bathtub, your stopper is probably going a lift-and-turn or cross-slot kind.
3. Look at the Drain Gap Measurement
The dimensions of the drain opening determines the diameter of the stopper required. Measure the diameter of the drain gap to make sure you buy the proper substitute stopper.
Gathering Needed Instruments and Supplies
Changing a bathtub drain stopper is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a brief period of time with the correct instruments and supplies. Earlier than you start, it is important to assemble all the things you might want to keep away from interruptions through the course of.
Instruments:
| Device | Goal |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | To loosen and tighten the drain meeting |
| Phillips screwdriver | To take away the previous stopper |
| Flathead screwdriver | To pry out the previous stopper |
| Needle-nose pliers | To take away small components |
| Flashlight | To see contained in the drain meeting |
Supplies:
- New tub drain stopper
- Plumber’s putty
- O-ring
- Washer
Eradicating the Previous Drain Stopper
Eradicating the previous drain stopper generally is a comparatively easy course of, however it could fluctuate relying on the kind of stopper you’ve. This is an in depth information for eradicating the commonest varieties of drain stoppers:
Carry-and-Flip Stoppers
These stoppers are usually fabricated from rubber or silicone and have a small tab or deal with on the highest. To take away them, merely raise the tab or deal with and switch the stopper counterclockwise. As soon as it is free, pull it as much as take away it utterly.
Push-and-Pull Stoppers
These stoppers have a small button or lever on the highest. To take away them, press down on the button or lever and pull up on the stopper concurrently. Some push-and-pull stoppers may have a small screw on the facet that must be loosened earlier than you’ll be able to pull the stopper out.
Flip-It Stoppers
Flip-it stoppers are fabricated from two items: a steel body and a rubber or silicone stopper. To take away them, merely flip the steel body up and out of the drain. The rubber or silicone stopper will then come out simply.
Toe-Contact Stoppers
Toe-touch stoppers are opened and closed by urgent down on the highest of the stopper together with your toe. To take away them, you will want to make use of a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pry the stopper up and out of the drain.
Desk of Drain Stopper Removing Instruments
| Sort of Drain Stopper | Removing Device |
|---|---|
| Carry-and-Flip | None |
| Push-and-Pull | Flathead screwdriver or pliers (optionally available) |
| Flip-It | None |
| Toe-Contact | Flathead screwdriver or pliers |
Sealing the Stopper
Earlier than putting in the brand new drain stopper, you will need to seal it correctly to stop water from leaking out across the edges.
To do that, you’ll need to make use of a plumber’s putty or silicone sealant.
Listed here are the steps on learn how to seal the stopper utilizing plumber’s putty:
- Apply a bead of putty to the stopper’s flange. Be certain to use it evenly across the complete circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the putty kinds a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra putty from the floor of the stopper. You need to use a humid material or your finger to do that.
- Enable the putty to treatment for the required time. This may fluctuate relying on the kind of putty you might be utilizing.
- Check the seal by filling the bathtub with water and letting it drain. If there’s any leaking, it’s possible you’ll want to use extra putty or regulate the stopper’s place.
Listed here are the steps on learn how to seal the stopper utilizing silicone sealant:
- Clear the floor of the stopper’s flange with rubbing alcohol. This may assist the sealant to stick correctly.
- Apply a bead of sealant to the stopper’s flange. Be certain to use it evenly across the complete circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the sealant kinds a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra sealant from the floor of the stopper. You need to use a humid material or your finger to do that.
- Enable the sealant to treatment for the required time. This may fluctuate relying on the kind of sealant you might be utilizing.
- Check the seal by filling the bathtub with water and letting it drain. If there’s any leaking, it’s possible you’ll want to use extra sealant or regulate the stopper’s place.
| Plumber’s Putty | Silicone Sealant |
|---|---|
| Straightforward to use | Extra sturdy |
| Could be messy | Could be troublesome to take away |
| Cheaper | Costlier |
How you can Change a Tub Drain Stopper
Changing a bathtub drain stopper is a comparatively easy plumbing activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Listed here are the steps on learn how to do it:
- Take away the previous drain stopper. To do that, use a pair of pliers to know the stopper and pull it straight up. If the stopper is caught, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a screwdriver to pry it free.
- Clear the drain gap. As soon as the stopper is eliminated, use a sponge or a brush to wash the drain gap of any hair or particles.
- Insert the brand new drain stopper. To do that, merely push the stopper into the drain gap till it’s cosy. Be sure that the stopper is correctly seated within the gap, or it could leak.
- Check the stopper. To check the stopper, fill the bathtub with water after which plug the stopper. The stopper ought to create a watertight seal and forestall the water from draining out of the bathtub.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How you can Change a Tub Drain Stopper
Can I exchange a bathtub drain stopper myself?
Sure, changing a bathtub drain stopper is a comparatively easy plumbing activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. You do not want any particular instruments or abilities to do it.
What kind of drain stopper do I would like?
There are two major varieties of drain stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers. Pop-up stoppers are the commonest kind, and they’re merely pushed down to shut the drain and pulled as much as open it. Carry-and-turn stoppers are much less widespread, and they’re opened and closed by turning a knob or lever.
The place can I purchase a brand new drain stopper?
You should buy a brand new drain stopper at any ironmongery store or house enchancment heart. You may as well discover them on-line.
