Sofia Martinez
Installing a plastic drain in a bathtub is a straightforward DIY project that can save you time and money. It requires a good understanding of the bathtub's draining system and the right set of tools. The draining system includes components like the drain stopper, drain flange, drain shoe, overflow pipe, and gasket, which work together to efficiently drain water from the bathtub. Before installing a plastic drain, it is important to shut off the water supply to the bathroom to prevent leaks. The first step is to remove the old setup, including the waste cover, washer, and drain flange. The area should then be cleaned and prepared for the new installation. The new drain spud and elbow can then be inserted and tightened, ensuring the elbow outlet faces away from the tub. The overflow elbow and gasket can be connected, and the pipes can be cut to the desired length and dry-fitted. Finally, the overflow finish faceplate and drain stopper can be installed, completing the drainage system.
How to Install a Plastic Drain into a Bathtub
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove the old setup, including the waste cover, washer, and old drain flange. |
| Step 2 | Clean the area to ensure no debris interferes with the new installation. |
| Step 3 | Check the drain gasket is securely attached to the drain elbow to prevent leaks. |
| Step 4 | Firmly press the drain spud into the tub drain opening and tighten the drain elbow. |
| Step 5 | Ensure the overflow gasket is pre-assembled onto the overflow elbow, then insert and tighten. |
| Step 6 | Measure and cut the overflow and drain pipe to the desired length, chamfer and deburr the ends. |
| Step 7 | Dry fit the pipes to the elbows and sanitary tee, then apply an approved cleaner, primer, and cement. |
| Step 8 | Finish tightening the drain spud and overflow lock nut. |
| Step 9 | Install the overflow finish faceplate by turning it clockwise until locked into place. |
| Step 10 | Install the drain stopper by twisting or screwing it into place, following the manufacturer's instructions. |
| Tools | Screwdriver, wrench, flathead screwdriver, drain key, hair dryer, scrub pad/putty knife, pipe wrench. |
| Materials | Drain assembly, gasket, caulk, wall putty, approved cleaner, primer, cement, clear silicone. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the necessary tools and hardware
To install a plastic drain in your bathtub, you will need a variety of tools and hardware. The specific items required may vary depending on the type of drain and your bathtub setup, but here is a comprehensive list to prepare you for the task:
Firstly, you will need a drain assembly, which typically includes essential components such as a stopper, flange, drain shoe, overflow pipe, overflow cover, gasket, and screws. The stopper is crucial as it prevents water from draining from the bathtub. It can come in various configurations, such as push and pull, pop-ups, toe touch, lift and twist, or flip-its. The drain flange, also known as the drain body or basket, is a short cylinder that contains the stopper and threads into the drain shoe. The drain shoe connects the flange to the waste tee and the overflow and drainage pipes. The overflow pipe prevents overflow by directing excess water to the main bathtub drain.
Next, you will need some common tools, including a wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a drain key. The drain key is used to tighten and loosen the drain flange, and its specific type depends on the kind of drain flange you have. You can find these keys at hardware stores or online. If you don't have a drain key, a pair of pliers can be used instead, along with a screwdriver for leverage. Additionally, you may need a hair dryer to heat and loosen any plumber's putty that might be present.
To create a watertight seal and secure the drain flange, you will need clear silicone or plumber's putty. Ensure you also have a putty knife to scrape away any excess putty or old putty from previous installations. To finish the installation, you will need an approved cleaner, primer, and cement to seal the pipes and elbows.
Finally, it is recommended to have caulking and wall putty to seal the drain flange and any gaps between the bathtub and the wall. Remember to refer to your specific drain's manual, as certain steps and required tools may vary.
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Remove old setup
Before installing a new drain, you must first remove the old setup. This process will vary depending on the type of drain you have, but there are some general steps you can follow. Firstly, shut off the water supply to your bathroom to prevent any leaks during the installation process. If your bathroom does not have a separate shut-off valve, you will need to turn off the water supply to your entire house.
Next, you will need to remove the waste cover and the washer installed directly underneath it. This can be done using a screwdriver. Once these are removed, clean the area to ensure there is no debris that could interfere with your new installation.
Now, you will need to remove the old drain stopper. This process will depend on the type of stopper you have. If you have a foot lock stopper, simply rotate the stopper counterclockwise and pull it up to lift it out of the drain flange. Other types of stoppers may need to be unscrewed. With the stopper removed, you will now have access to the drain flange.
The next step is to remove the exposed drain flange. This can be done using a drain key or pliers. Insert the head of the drain key into the flange and twist counterclockwise. If you are using pliers, slide the handles down the flange past the X-shaped metal arms and use a screwdriver as a lever to turn the flange. If the flange is difficult to turn, try heating it with a hairdryer for 1-2 minutes to loosen the plumber's putty.
Once the flange is removed, scrape away any excess putty with a scrub pad or putty knife. It is now recommended to clean the area again to ensure no debris is left behind. With the old setup removed, you can now prepare to install your new drain.
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Insert drain spud and elbow
To insert the drain spud and elbow, begin by firmly pressing the drain spud into the tub drain opening. It is important to note that plumber's putty should not be used on ABS components. From the underside of the tub, hand-tighten the drain elbow onto the spud, ensuring that the elbow outlet faces away from the tub.
Next, confirm that the blue overflow gasket is pre-assembled onto the overflow elbow. Insert the overflow elbow through the tub overflow opening and hand-tighten the elbow with the threaded overflow lock nut. At this point, you will need to measure and cut the overflow and drain pipes to the desired length. Chamfer and deburr the cut ends.
Before proceeding, dry fit the pipes to the elbows and sanitary tee to ensure a proper fit. Apply an approved cleaner, primer, and cement, and allow it to cure. Primer should be avoided on ABS components.
Finally, finish tightening the drain spud and overflow lock nut. Ensure that the test plug is pre-installed into the overflow elbow.
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Connect pipes and test for leaks
Connecting the pipes is a crucial step in installing a bathtub drain. It requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a watertight seal and prevent leaks. Here is a comprehensive guide to connecting the pipes and testing for leaks during a plastic bathtub drain installation:
Connect the Pipes:
Before connecting the pipes, it is essential to have a good understanding of the bathtub's draining system and the necessary tools. The drain flange and drain pipe are fundamental parts of the draining system. The drain flange, also known as the drain body or basket, is the short cylinder that contains the drain stopper. The drain pipe, on the other hand, carries the wastewater away from the bathtub to the plumbing system.
To connect the pipes, follow these steps:
- Place the drain flange in the drain hole of the bathtub, ensuring it sits flat and centred.
- Apply a clear silicone or plumber's putty at the underside of the drain flange. This creates a watertight seal between the flange and the bathtub to prevent leaks.
- Tighten the drain flange securely using a drain wrench to prevent any movement or water leakage.
- Measure and cut the drain pipe to the desired length. Chamfer and deburr the cut ends for a smooth finish.
- Dry fit the pipes to the elbows and sanitary tee to ensure a proper fit.
- Wrap the threaded ends of the drain pipe with Teflon tape or approved cleaner, primer, and cement.
- Connect the drain pipe to the drain flange using a pipe wrench to tighten the connection. Ensure it is securely attached to prevent leaks.
Test for Leaks:
Testing for leaks is a crucial step to ensure the proper functioning of your bathtub drain. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing for leaks:
- Close the drain stopper or plug the stopper to prevent water drainage.
- Fill the bathtub with water to a certain level, approximately ¼ full.
- Let the water sit for some time, around an hour, to observe any potential leaks.
- After an hour, check if the water level has decreased. If the water level remains relatively the same, it indicates that your drain is likely leak-free.
- Additionally, run the faucet and shower to ensure that the water flows correctly through the drain and plumbing. This step confirms that your bathtub installation was successful and that the water is draining properly.
By following these detailed steps for connecting the pipes and testing for leaks, you can confidently install a plastic drain into your bathtub and ensure a watertight and efficient drainage system. Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and seek professional help if you encounter any difficulties or have concerns about your plumbing system.
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Install overflow faceplate
Installing a bathtub drain can be a great way to practice your DIY skills. It is important to be aware of the various components of a bathtub drain, such as the drain stopper, drain flange, drain shoe, overflow pipe, and overflow cover.
To install an overflow faceplate, follow these steps:
First, cover your bathtub drain or close it to avoid losing any screws. If your tub installation is relatively new, you may need to search for a no-hole overflow cover. You can identify the brand and model by searching for terms like "tub overflow no holes" or "tub overflow no screw". Once you've identified the brand, you can find installation instructions on the manufacturer's website or through the retailer.
Next, unscrew the old overflow plate and remove it. There may be a bracket behind the plate, so hold onto it with one hand while unscrewing with the other. Check the rubber ring around the hole, as this prevents water from getting behind the tub surface. If the ring has any build-up, use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean.
Now, take your new overflow gasket and examine it. One side will be thicker than the other, and this thicker side should face downward, towards the drain. Begin working the gasket into place.
Finally, take your new overflow plate and notice the side that doesn't have an edge. This side also needs to face downward, towards the drain. Screw the plate directly onto the drainpipe using the provided screws. If you want to ensure water doesn't get through the top of the drainplate, apply a thin bead of silicone around the top. It is recommended to use clear, 100% silicone caulk.
By following these steps, you can successfully install an overflow faceplate for your bathtub drain.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a drain key, caulk, wall putty, and a hairdryer.
The drain stopper is part of a larger drain component called a drain flange, which is also known as the drain body or drain basket. It is a short cylinder containing the stopper that threads into place into the drain shoe.
The drain shoe is installed underneath the bathtub floor and connects the drain flange to a "waste tee" connected to the overflow and drainage pipe.
The push-and-pull type is the easiest to install and maintain. The function is simple: the drain opens when you pull it and closes when you plug it.
The first step is to shut off the water supply to your bathroom to prevent leaks. If your bathroom doesn't have a separate shutoff valve, turn off the water to the entire house.
