Bathtub Drain Replacement - How to Install a Lift-and-Turn Tub Drain

If your bathtub drain stopper is hard to open or close due to broken linkages, consider upgrading with a lift-and-turn tub drain instead. It is a straightforward project which only requires basic tools and parts for completion.

 Scoop out several quarter-sized chunks of plumber's putty and roll them between your palms into a string-like structure that's six inches long.

 Removing the Drain Basket

The bathtub drain basket (sometimes known as a drain flange or drain shoe ) houses the stopper and is threaded onto a drain pipe that connects directly with your home plumbing.

Some tubs feature trip lever-type drains (sometimes referred to as pop-up or plunger drains). To access these, lift and turn the lever in different directions to open and close the drain.

To remove them, use a screwdriver to unscrew the set screw beneath the handle, before unscrewing the handle from the drain stem. For lift and turn stoppers with screw-in bases, look underneath their handles for a screw head attached to a long, thin base that can be found there; using either a drain removal tool or pair of locking pliers may help loosen this connection.

 Tightening the Flange

 A flange connects the drain to the tub. It features a set screw that secures the drain shoe to it, as well as a gasket seal to seal off its exterior surface and keep water inside.

 Before installing the new flange, first form a pencil-sized stick of plumber's putty so it encases your drain completely. Next, install your new flange into its hole and slowly twist clockwise until its threads connect with each other.

As you do this, check that the lip of the flange catches on the edge of the drain hole to ensure proper placement and no leakage. After tightening with your wrench about one quarter turn, this should provide enough security without breaking up or breaching the putty seal of the drain shoe.

Tightening the Fitting

 Once your new tub drain fitting is in place, use a tub drain wrench to tighten it securely. Make sure both the swivel connector and P-trap's drain nut are tight before proceeding further with installation.

 If your bathtub features a pop-up stopper, open its overflow and loosen its lock nuts before pulling on its lever to open or close it. If this doesn't solve your problems, a plumber's snake may help dislodge and clear any blockages within its plumbing lines.

Apply a generous layer of plumber's putty around the flange on the new drain fitting and insert it into your bathtub's drain opening. Start turning by hand before tightening with your tub drain wrench - and make sure that threads on brass adapters do not cross-thread!

Installing the New Flange

Bathtub drain replacement doesn't require professional services; all that's necessary are some supplies and some basic DIY knowledge. This project should only take an hour or so. If any difficulty arises, professional assistance should always be sought out.

Before installing your new flange, it is essential that the area around the old one be thoroughly cleaned of any debris or leftover plumber's putty from its removal.

Apply a generous layer of plumber's putty under the new tub drain fitting to secure it and prevent leaks. When this step has dried, thread the fitting into the drain shoe and tighten by hand or wrench until tight enough.

Installing the New Basket

Install a new tub drain by carefully turning it clockwise. Before continuing, ensure the ring of plumber's putty has fully adhered to the drain opening; shape this with your fingers as necessary if any gaps arise in its course.

Installing the new basket onto the bathtub requires first applying a fresh layer of plumber's putty around its drain hole. After doing so, clean off any debris or old putty before giving any areas another go-over with soap.