Maya Ellison
Unscrewing a plastic shower drain is a simple task that can be done without the help of a plumber or handyman. The first step is to check if the drain has screws. If it does, use a screwdriver to unscrew them. If not, use a pair of pliers to twist and pull up the cover. For pop-up drains, twist the cover counterclockwise until you feel resistance, and then use pliers to pull the drain out. If the drain is older or rusty, you may need to use a lubricant like WD-40 to loosen it. Once the cover is off, you can clear away any gunk and check the drain for damage before doing any maintenance or replacing it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Screwdriver, pliers, utility knife, drain lubricant |
| Steps | 1. Remove screws with a screwdriver. 2. Slice through caulk or adhesive with a utility knife. 3. Twist the drain cover counterclockwise with pliers. 4. Pull the cover up. 5. Check for a set screw and loosen with an Allen wrench. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of shower drain
There are several types of shower drains, each with unique characteristics. The most common type is the point drain, also known as a centre drain. These are typically located in the middle of the shower floor and are recognisable by their round or square shape. Point drains are versatile and can be used in various shower designs. They offer efficient water drainage and are relatively easy to install.
The second type is the linear drain, also called a trench or channel drain. Linear drains have a long, narrow shape and are installed along one side or multiple sides of the shower. They have gained popularity in recent years for their modern and sleek design. Linear drains come in various lengths, with some reaching up to 72 inches. They offer more flexibility in tile size compared to point drains, as the floor slopes evenly towards the drain.
Another type of shower drain is the grid drain, which is most commonly found in older showers. Grid drains are metal square or rounded grids installed in the middle of the shower floor. They require specific tile cuts at particular angles to achieve the necessary slope for proper drainage.
When identifying the type of shower drain, consider factors such as drain capacity, material, design, and installation. Choose a drain that complements your bathroom's aesthetics and ensures effective water drainage.
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Use the correct tools
To unscrew a plastic shower drain, you will need to use the correct tools. The specific tools you will need depend on the type of shower drain you have.
If your shower drain has screws, you will need a screwdriver to loosen and remove them. Make sure to keep the screws in a safe place outside the shower so that you don't accidentally drop them down the drain. If your drain has a lot of gunk or adhesive, you may also need a utility knife to carefully slice through it.
If your shower drain doesn't have screws, you will need a pair of pliers. Needle-nose pliers are recommended if you need to grab an obvious part of the cover and pull it up. For drains without screws, you will need two sets of nose pliers to remove the drain. Place the pointed ends of the nose pliers in the drain openings on opposite sides of the drain and twist.
If your shower drain is older or rusty, you may need to use a lubricant like WD-40, silicone lubricant, or PTFE to loosen it before attempting to unscrew or twist it. Do not use grease or fat as a lubricant, as this can clog your drain.
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Loosen the drain
Before you start, make sure the shower is completely dry. If there is any caulk or adhesive sealing the drain, carefully slice through it with a utility knife.
If you can see any screws, use a screwdriver to loosen each one, being careful not to drop them down the drain. Set them aside somewhere safe.
If there are no visible screws, use a pair of pliers to twist and pull up the cover. Hold a pair of nose pliers in each hand and locate the drain openings on opposite sides of the drain. Place the pointed ends of the two nose pliers in the openings and twist the drain counterclockwise.
If your drain is particularly stubborn, you may need to lubricate the cover and drain with a product like WD-40 or shower lubricant to make it easier to remove.
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Remove the drain
Removing a shower drain is a simple task that can be done without the help of a professional. The first step is to ensure that the shower is completely dry. Then, check if there are any screws on the drain cover. If there are, use a screwdriver to remove them. Place the screws somewhere safe outside the shower, so they don't get lost. If the drain cover is sealed with caulk or adhesive, use a utility knife to carefully slice through it.
Next, you need to loosen the drain cover. Gently jiggle it and use pliers if necessary. If the drain is older, it may be stuck even after removing the screws. In this case, use a lubricant like WD-40, silicone lubricant, or PTFE to make it easier to remove. Do not use grease or fat as a lubricant. With two sets of nose pliers, locate the drain openings on opposite sides of the drain and place the pointed ends of the pliers into these openings. Twist the drain counterclockwise and pull it out.
If the drain still doesn't come out, there might be a fastener holding it in place. Some drains have a screw connecting the cover to the stem underneath. Look directly under the drain for a screw, and if you find one, use a screwdriver to remove it. Now, the drain should come out easily. If the drain has a snap-in cover, you can simply grab an obvious part of the cover with needle-nose pliers and pull it up.
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Clean or replace the drain
Clean the Drain
If your shower drain is clogged, there are several methods you can use to clean it. Firstly, you can try using a drain snake or a toothbrush to dislodge any blockages. If the clog is deep, a plunger can also help to loosen the blockage. If you do not have a drain snake, you can purchase one from a hardware store or try a natural method instead.
Natural methods include using baking soda and vinegar, or commercial shower drain cleaners. To use the natural method, pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble and fizz for 30 minutes, and then flush the drain with boiling water. This method can help dissolve soap scum and grease buildup.
You can also try specific hair clog removers, such as Zep 10-minute Hair Clog Remover, or Nair, which can be rinsed out with hot water a few minutes after application.
Replace the Drain
If your shower drain is damaged or clogged beyond repair, you may need to replace it. This can be done in a few steps. Firstly, remove any screws or bolts securing the drain cover to the shower floor. Use pliers to twist and pull out the drain cover. Next, use a drain removal tool or pliers to loosen and unscrew the drain body from the pipe underneath. Remove any accumulated hair or debris with gloves or tweezers, and clean the area with baking soda and vinegar or a commercial cleaner.
Before installing the new drain, inspect the drain hole for any signs of damage or corrosion. If there are issues, repair or replace the drain pipe. Apply a bead of high-quality silicone sealant around the perimeter of the drain hole to create a watertight seal. Position the rubber gasket or flange of the new drain into the drain hole, ensuring it is perfectly aligned. Finally, secure the new drain in place by tightening the locking mechanism, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure the shower is completely dry. Then, check your drain for screws. If there are screws, use a screwdriver to loosen each screw. If there aren't any screws, use a pair of pliers to twist and pull up the cover.
If your plastic shower drain is stuck, you can try using a drain lubricant like WD-40 or silicone lubricant to loosen it. You can also try twisting the drain counterclockwise with two pairs of nose pliers to create more force to remove the drain cover.
If there is a screw under the drain cover, use a screwdriver to remove it. Some drains are designed so that the screw doesn't come out all the way, so you may not need to completely remove the screw.
