Each home-owner will finally encounter the necessity to exchange a bath 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 simple. Luckily, with the precise instruments and some easy steps, you possibly can have your tub drain functioning correctly very quickly. So, for those who’re able to deal with this plumbing mission, seize your instruments and comply with alongside as we information you thru the method of changing your tub drain stopper.
Earlier than you start, it is important to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. For this mission, you will want a brand new drain stopper, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and presumably a putty knife or utility knife. In case your current stopper has a linkage connected to the overflow drain, you will additionally must take away that linkage earlier than continuing. Upon getting all the things you want, you possibly can proceed with the next steps to exchange your tub drain stopper.
First, take away the outdated drain stopper by unscrewing it from the drainpipe.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 unfastened, pull it straight as much as take away it fully. Subsequent, clear the drainpipe and the floor round it completely. Take away any outdated sealant or particles that will have amassed.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 potential. Lastly, use a screwdriver to completely tighten the stopper, making certain a safe match. When you encounter any resistance, do not drive it; merely modify the place of the stopper and take a look at once more.
Figuring out the Drain Stopper Kind
Understanding the kind of drain stopper you could have is essential for correct alternative. 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 suitable together with your tub.
a. Carry-and-Flip Stopper: This sort encompasses 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 situated on the facet or finish of the bathtub controls this stopper. Urgent the lever opens or closes the drain.
2. Verify for a Stopper Rod
Some drain stoppers function utilizing a rod that connects to the lever. When you discover a rod operating up by the bathtub, your stopper is probably going a lift-and-turn or cross-slot kind.
3. Look at the Drain Gap Measurement
The scale 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 alternative stopper.
Gathering Needed Instruments and Supplies
Changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively simple activity that may be accomplished in a brief period of time with the precise instruments and supplies. Earlier than you start, it is important to collect all the things it’s essential keep away from interruptions throughout the course of.
Instruments:
| Device | Goal |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | To loosen and tighten the drain meeting |
| Phillips screwdriver | To take away the outdated stopper |
| Flathead screwdriver | To pry out the outdated 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 outdated drain stopper could be a comparatively simple course of, however it might differ relying on the kind of stopper you could have. This is an in depth information for eradicating the commonest kinds 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 carry the tab or deal with and switch the stopper counterclockwise. As soon as it is unfastened, pull it as much as take away it fully.
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 might also have a small screw on the facet that must be loosened earlier than you possibly can 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 Elimination Instruments
| Kind of Drain Stopper | Elimination Device |
|---|---|
| Carry-and-Flip | None |
| Push-and-Pull | Flathead screwdriver or pliers (non-compulsory) |
| 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 forestall water from leaking out across the edges.
To do that, you will have to make use of a plumber’s putty or silicone sealant.
Listed here are the steps on seal the stopper utilizing plumber’s putty:
- Apply a bead of putty to the stopper’s flange. Ensure that to use it evenly across the whole circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the putty types a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra putty from the floor of the stopper. You should use a humid material or your finger to do that.
- Permit the putty to treatment for the required time. This may differ relying on the kind of putty you’re utilizing.
- Take a look at 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 modify the stopper’s place.
Listed here are the steps on 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. Ensure that to use it evenly across the whole circumference.
- Place the stopper into the drain gap. Press down firmly to make sure that the sealant types a seal across the edges.
- Wipe away any extra sealant from the floor of the stopper. You should use a humid material or your finger to do that.
- Permit the sealant to treatment for the required time. This may differ relying on the kind of sealant you’re utilizing.
- Take a look at 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 modify the stopper’s place.
| Plumber’s Putty | Silicone Sealant |
|---|---|
| Simple to use | Extra sturdy |
| Will be messy | Will be troublesome to take away |
| Cheaper | Dearer |
Tips on how to Exchange a Tub Drain Stopper
Changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively easy plumbing activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Listed here are the steps on do it:
- Take away the outdated 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 unfastened.
- 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 comfortable. Be sure that the stopper is correctly seated within the gap, or it could leak.
- Take a look at 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 Tips on how to Exchange a Tub Drain Stopper
Can I exchange a bath drain stopper myself?
Sure, changing a bath 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 expertise to do it.
What kind of drain stopper do I would like?
There are two important kinds 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 dwelling enchancment middle. You may as well discover them on-line.
