Ethan Clarke
Adjusting a tub drain plastic linkage can be a tricky task. The process involves locating and accessing the pipes connected to the tub. Usually, there is a panel behind the drain that hides these pipes. By removing this panel, you can gain access to the drain linkage. The linkage may look like a cylinder or a spring, depending on the type of drain. Once the linkage is exposed, you can make the necessary adjustments by detaching it from the faceplate and altering its length. This may involve lengthening or shortening the connecting rod to ensure a proper seal. After making adjustments, the linkage can be reattached to the faceplate and secured with a cotter pin. It is important to note that the linkage should be adjusted with the lever in the 'drain closed' position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Screwdriver, hair dryer, mini hacksaw, cold chisel, hammer |
| Steps | 1. Remove the faceplate. 2. Remove the old linkage. 3. Clean the plunger and connecting rod. 4. Adjust the length of the connecting rod. 5. Reinsert the stopper and linkage. 6. Reattach the faceplate. |
| Common issues | The linkage may be too long or too short, the plunger may be stuck, the linkage may be clogged with hair or soap scum, the linkage may be broken or missing parts |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old linkage
To remove the old linkage, start by locating and accessing the pipes that are connected to the tub. Typically, there is a panel behind the drain that hides the pipes. Remove this panel from the wall to gain access to the pipes.
Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the drain overflow faceplate. When you slowly pull it out, the old linkage should come out with it. Depending on the type of drain, the old linkage will look like a cylinder or a spring. If the plunger does not come out with the faceplate, it may have broken off from the linkage. In this case, you will need to locate and remove the plunger separately.
If you cannot access the plunger through the drain, there is usually an access panel door that covers the door assembly. You can remove this panel door to fully expose the drain for cleaning. Alternatively, you can use a coat hanger to reach into the drain and retrieve any broken pieces of the linkage or other debris.
Once the old linkage is removed, you can proceed to install the new linkage and faceplate.
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Cleaning the drain
To clean the drain, you must first locate and access the pipes connected to the tub. Typically, there is a panel behind the drain that hides the pipes. Remove the panel from the wall to gain access to the pipes.
Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the drain overflow faceplate. When you slowly pull it out, the old linkage will also come out. The linkage will look like a cylinder or a spring, depending on the type of drain. If the plunger does not come out with the linkage, it may have broken off and will need to be located and removed.
You can either remove the access panel door to fully expose the drain for cleaning or use a coat hanger to pull out the linkage and any other debris. Once the linkage is removed, clean away any debris on the spring at the end of the stopper linkage. A build-up of hair and soap scum can cause problems with the stopper.
If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, the entire assembly should be replaced. However, if it is only slightly corroded, clean off the debris or corrosion, as this may be preventing it from moving smoothly in the overflow tube.
After cleaning, insert the stopper linkage back down through the overflow opening and attach the cover plate to the overflow tube.
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Adjusting linkage length
Adjusting the linkage length of a tub drain plastic linkage is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the proper functioning of the drain. Here is a step-by-step guide on adjusting the linkage length:
First, locate the linkage that connects the drain stopper to the drain lever. This linkage is typically made of plastic and is adjustable to ensure proper functionality. The linkage length refers to the distance between the pivot point of the linkage and the connection point to the drain stopper.
To adjust the linkage length, start by loosening the linkage nut or screw that secures the linkage to the drain stopper. This will allow you to move the linkage up or down to adjust the length. You may need a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen or tighten the linkage nut or screw securely.
Once the nut or screw is loosened, you can adjust the length of the linkage. If the stopper is not lowering far enough to seal the drain, you will need to shorten the linkage by moving the linkage downward. On the other hand, if the stopper is lowering too far and sealing the drain too tightly, lengthen the linkage by moving it upward.
Make sure to adjust the linkage in small increments to prevent over-adjusting. After each adjustment, test the drain by operating the lever and observing the stopper's movement. It is important to ensure that the stopper lowers far enough to seal the drain effectively, but not so far that it becomes difficult to open the drain later.
Once you have achieved the desired linkage length and confirmed that the drain is functioning properly, tighten the linkage nut or screw securely. Ensure that the linkage is firmly attached to the drain stopper and that there is no wobble or play in the connection. This will help ensure a proper seal and smooth operation of the drain.
By following these steps, you can adjust the linkage length of your tub drain plastic linkage to ensure proper drainage and a seamless bathing experience.
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Replacing the linkage
To replace the linkage, you must first locate and access the pipes that are connected to the tub. There is usually a panel behind the drain that hides the pipes. Remove the panel from the wall and gain access to the pipes.
Next, use a screwdriver to unscrew the drain overflow faceplate. When you unscrew the faceplate and slowly pull it out, the old linkage will be pulled out with it. The old linkage will look like a cylinder or a spring, depending on the type of drain you have.
If the plunger does not come out with the linkage, it may have broken off and you will have to locate and remove it. There is usually an access panel door that covers the door assembly. You can remove this panel door to fully expose the drain for cleaning, or use a coat hanger to pull out the plunger and any other remnants.
Now, attach the end of the new linkage to the faceplate with a cotter pin. You should have received this pin when you bought the new linkage. Finally, screw the faceplate back in.
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Reattaching the faceplate
If you are adjusting the linkage to lengthen the connecting rod, you will need to tinker with the length to get it exactly right. Once you have achieved the correct length, insert the stopper and drain linkage back down through the overflow opening.
If you are installing a new linkage, make sure the lever is in the 'drain closed' position with the lever up. See if the measurements and the length of the linkage match up.
If you are replacing the faceplate, you may need to cut out the old stopper body with a reciprocating saw and metal blade. Be very careful not to cut into and damage the bathtub. Cut a notch 1/4 inch wide and deep into the old stopper body with a mini hacksaw. Check your progress frequently to ensure you do not cut into the tub.
Once you have successfully reattached the faceplate, turn on the water and operate the stopper to ensure it is working correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
First, locate and access the pipes connected to the tub. Remove the panel from the wall to gain access to the pipes. Then, use a screwdriver to unscrew the drain overflow faceplate. If the linkage is too long, you will need to adjust it to be shorter. If the linkage is too short, adjust it to lengthen the connecting rod.
The old linkage will look like a cylinder or a spring, depending on the type of drain you have.
This means that the plunger has broken off from the linkage. Locate the plunger and take it out. There is usually an access panel door covering the door assembly.
Grab hold of the linkage and tug hard until it pops out.
If the stopper in your lever-style bathtub drain won't pop up, it might be because the linkage is damaged or clogged.
