Drain Fix For Leaky Bathtub

A leaky tub drain can cause water damage and mold if left unchecked. To fix the issue, you first need to identify the source of the leak. Check around the overflow plate and drain basket for alignment issues or gaps where water could be escaping. Also inspect the pipe joints and connections under the tub for cracks or loose fittings.

Look for obvious signs like water puddles on the floor, bubbling in the drywall or tile grout, discoloration, or mold near the tub. Leaks usually occur at the point where the drain meets the bathtub, but could also happen in the piping underneath if pipes have become disconnected. Carefully inspect each potential trouble spot.

Check Overflow Plate and Drain Basket

Use a flashlight to look at the overflow plate--this is the piece that stops water from spilling over the tub edge when the drain gets clogged. Make sure it's properly aligned and that the gasket is in good shape. Then remove the drain basket and check for cracks or damage. Leaks here mean it's time to replace some hardware.

Inspect Pipes and Joints

If you don't see an issue with the overflow or basket, the problem could be in the plumbing underneath. Look for water stains or damage on walls behind or below the tub. Access the piping and check for loose slip joints that attach the drain, loose nuts at threaded connections, cracked elbows or damaged gaskets. Tighten as needed or replace damaged parts.

Prepare for Bathtub Drain Repair

Before starting any repairs, gather the necessary tools and materials . Have on hand pliers, screwdrivers, a drain removal tool, Teflon tape, replacement gaskets, and a new drain assembly if the current one is damaged. You'll also need plumber's putty to seal the connections.

Make sure to shut off the main water lines before accessing plumbing to prevent flooding accidents. Protect nearby walls and floors to catch spills or drips. Ask for help tilting a cast iron tub if needed to access drain parts underneath.

Purchase Replacement Parts

Bring damaged parts to the hardware store to find matching replacements. For drain baskets, note the diameter to get the right size. Measure slip joint nut sizes to get fittings. For tub drains, note whether you have a pop-up, toe-tap or flip-it model. Get new gaskets if cracked or dried out. Having all supplies on hand makes the job quicker.

Safety Tips

• Turn off water supply lines
• Wear protective eyewear
• Protect nearby walls and floors
• Get help moving extremely heavy tubs

Remove Old Drain from Bathtub

With prep work done, it's time to remove the old drain apparatus from the tub. Take apart any leaky slip joints or unscrew the drain from the tub shoe. Scrape off old plumber's putty. Use a drain removal tool and pliers as needed to disconnect parts. Watch for sharp edges!

Detach Overflow Plate

Find the screws anchoring the overflow plate (usually on the outside tub wall near the faucet). Carefully unscrew them with a screwdriver. Pry the plate away gently with a flathead. Remove any debris and set aside. Scrape off old plumber's putty residue so the area is clean for new putty.

Unscrew Drain Basket

The drain basket unscrews from the tub shoe underneath. Try by hand first by turning counterclockwise. If stuck, use pliers or a wrench to loosen it, taking care not to crack the fragile tub surface below. Place a rag under tools to prevent scratching. Fetch any dropped parts!

Clear Clogged Drain Passages

Before installing new parts, ensure the drain passages are clear. Clogs can lead to leaks or backup overflow incidents. Run a drain snake down the overflow and outlet to loosen debris. Flush with very hot water. Use chemical drain cleaner if soap buildup is an issue.

Snaking the Drain

Feed a drain snake into the overflow and outlet openings. Turn the handle clockwise as you push down to snake through any clogs deep in the pipes. Rotate and pull back to bring up debris. Repeat until the snake moves smoothly through the full pipe. Finish by flushing with hot water.

Using Drain Cleaners

For organic buildup like soap scum or grease that snarls plumbing, use a chemical drain cleaner after snaking. Caustic sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid break down gunk. Follow product instructions. Prevent skin contact. Flush pipes thoroughly after.

Install New Tub Drain Assembly

The new pieces should slide smoothly into place if drainage passages are clear. For slip joints, ensure a tight friction fit. For drains that screw in, realign threads properly and don't over tighten. Use plumber's putty to seal connections and prevent future leakage.

Apply Plumber's Putty

Roll plumber's putty into a rope and press it firmly around the drain flange making a complete seal inside the tub shoe. Install the drain strainer basket and mounting hardware. Tighten by hand, then give an extra quarter turn with pliers or a wrench to compress the putty.

Reconnect Piping

If working on pipes under the tub, carefully realign any slip joints ensure gaskets are in place before tightening compression nuts. Tighten clockwise with pliers but don't over tighten. Replace any corroded pipe sections with new hardware.

Confirm Drain Leak Fixed

With new parts installed, confirm you've stopped the tub drain leak completely. Turn water supplies back on and let the tub fill to test. Check below for dripping water as the tub fills. If leaks persist, keep adjusting slip nuts or drain mount bolts until resolved.

Check for Leftover Drips

After installing new drain hardware and plumber's putty, let the bathtub fill halfway and then drain completely while checking underneath for water drops. Repeat this fill and drain cycle three times looking for drips each time. Ensure no water sneaks past your repairs.

If you cleared a clog, allow the bathtub to completely fill with the drain fully plugged and no water running. Then remove the plug and starter drain to test flow rate. If tub doesn't fully drain within 5 minutes, further snaking may be needed.

Be patient fixing a leaky tub drain and take time to get it right. But once you successfully tackle the issue, you can relax in your tub without worrying about leaks, enjoying your DIY plumbing save!