10 Easy Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

10 Easy Steps to Remove a Shower Drain

Clogged bathe drains are a typical family drawback that may be irritating and time-consuming to repair. Nonetheless, with the proper instruments and slightly know-how, you’ll be able to unclog a bathe drain by yourself with out the necessity for a plumber. On this article, we’ll present step-by-step directions on the way to take out a bathe drain and take away the clog.

Earlier than you start, collect the next instruments: a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, a wire brush, and a moist/dry vacuum cleaner. You might also want a bucket to gather the water that may drain out of the pipe. After you have your instruments, observe these steps to unclog your bathe drain:

1. Take away the drain cowl. Most drain covers are held in place by a number of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws, after which carry the drain cowl off. Watch out to not drop the screws down the drain!
2. Take away the hair and different particles from the drain. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may probably see quite a lot of hair and different particles clogging the drain. Use your fingers to take away as a lot of the particles as potential. You too can use a wire brush to loosen any cussed clogs.
3. Pour a drain cleaner down the drain. As soon as you’ve got eliminated as a lot of the particles as potential, pour a drain cleaner down the drain. Observe the directions on the bottle of drain cleaner, and permit it to sit down for the advisable period of time.
4. Flush the drain with scorching water. After the drain cleaner has had time to sit down, flush the drain with scorching water. It will assist to loosen any remaining clogs and flush them down the drain.

Instruments and Supplies Required

To efficiently take away a bathe drain, you have to to assemble the next instruments and supplies:

Important Instruments

  • **Adjustable Wrench or Drain Key:** Important for loosening and eradicating the drain strainer and stopper.
  • **Pliers or Slip Joint Pliers:** Helpful for gripping and eradicating the drain cowl and pop-up meeting.
  • **Allen Wrench (Non-compulsory):** Some drain assemblies might require an Allen wrench for elimination.
  • **Screwdriver (Non-compulsory):** Sure drain designs might have screws that must be loosened earlier than elimination.

Supplies for Cleansing and Mitigation

  • **Drain Snake or Auger:** For clearing obstructions and particles from the drainpipe.
  • **Drain Cleaners (Chemical or Enzymatic):** Can assist dissolve hair or natural matter inflicting clogs.
  • **Vinegar and Baking Soda:** A pure resolution for eradicating calcium or grease buildup.
  • **Outdated Rags or Towels:** For absorbing water and wiping up cleansing options.

Protecting Gear

  • **Gloves:** Defend your fingers from harsh chemical substances or sharp edges.
  • **Security Goggles:** Forestall eye contact with potential splashes or particles.

Eradicating the Drain Cowl

1.** Find the drain cowl.** It’s sometimes a spherical or sq. steel or plastic plate within the heart of the drain.
2.** **Pry up the drain cowl with a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife.** Insert the instrument into the slot or gap on the sting of the quilt and gently pry it up. Watch out to not harm the quilt or the encompassing tiles.
3.** **Elevate the drain cowl off the drain.** As soon as the quilt is pried up, you’ll be able to carry it off and set it apart.

Software Use
Flathead screwdriver Pry up the drain cowl
Butter knife Pry up the drain cowl

4.** **Examine the drain opening.** As soon as the quilt is eliminated, you’ll be able to examine the drain opening for any clogs or particles. Use a flashlight to see higher if essential.
5.** **If there’s a seen clog, you’ll be able to attempt to take away it with a drain snake or a pair of pliers.** Insert the instrument into the drain opening and gently attempt to hook or pull out the clog. Watch out to not harm the drain or the plumbing.

Inspecting the Drain

Earlier than trying to take away the drain, it is essential to examine it completely to establish the supply of the clog. Listed here are some steps to examine the drain successfully:

Take away Seen Particles

Begin by utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers to take away any seen particles from the drain opening, reminiscent of hair, cleaning soap scum, or different small objects. This could usually clear minor clogs and expose the underlying situation.

Examine for Standing Water

Run water into the drain and observe if it drains correctly. If water accumulates and doesn’t drain shortly, it signifies a blockage additional down the drainpipe.

Use a Drain Snake or Auger

If there isn’t any seen particles or standing water, think about using a drain snake or auger to probe deeper into the drain and try to dislodge the clog. Insert the snake slowly and punctiliously, rotating it barely as you push it down the drainpipe. If you happen to encounter any resistance, it could point out the placement of the clog.

Potential Clog Places Possible Causes
Drain opening Hair, cleaning soap scum, small objects
P-trap (below the sink) Grease, meals particles
Primary drainpipe Mineral deposits, tree roots

Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a protracted, versatile instrument that may be inserted right into a drain to clear clogs. It’s a easy and efficient strategy to unclog a bathe drain, and it’s comparatively cheap. To make use of a drain snake, observe these steps:

  1. Take away the drain cowl. That is often a small, spherical or sq. cowl that’s situated within the heart of the drain.
  2. Insert the drain snake into the drain. Slowly push the snake into the drain till you are feeling it attain the clog.
  3. Flip the deal with of the drain snake. It will rotate the snake and assist to interrupt up the clog.
  4. Pull the drain snake out of the drain. As soon as the clog has been damaged up, slowly pull the snake out of the drain.
  5. Rinse the drain with scorching water. It will assist to flush away any remaining particles.

Listed here are some further ideas for utilizing a drain snake:

Tip Description
Use a drain snake that’s lengthy sufficient to succeed in the clog. A snake that’s too quick will be unable to successfully clear the clog.
Watch out to not push the drain snake too far into the drain. If you happen to push the snake too far, it may get caught.
If the clog is cussed, you could want to make use of a drain cleaner along with the drain snake. Drain cleaners can assist to dissolve the clog and make it simpler to take away.

Eradicating Drain Hair and Clogs

In case your bathe drain is clogged, it is time to take motion. This is a step-by-step information that will help you take away the hair and clogs and get your drain flowing freely once more:

Supplies You will Want:

  • Drain snake or auger
  • Baking soda and vinegar
  • Plunger
  • Bucket

Step 1: Take away the Drain Cowl

Elevate the drain cowl off the drain and punctiliously take away any seen hair or particles. Be cautious as there could also be sharp edges.

Step 2: Strive a Drain Snake or Auger

Insert a drain snake or auger into the drain and rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise to interrupt up any clogs. Pull the snake out to take away the hair or particles.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about half-hour. It will create a chemical response that may assist dissolve clogs. Flush the drain with scorching water to clear the combination.

Step 4: Plunge the Drain

Fill the bucket with scorching water and place it over the drain. Plunge vigorously for a couple of minutes to create suction and break up the clog. Take away the bucket and examine if the water is draining freely.

Step 5: Examine for Deeper Clogs

If the earlier steps do not clear the clog, you could must examine for a deeper obstruction.

Chemical Drain Cleaners:

  • Use chemical drain cleaners as a final resort, as they are often corrosive and harm pipes if not used correctly. Observe the directions fastidiously and keep away from utilizing greater than advisable.

Skilled Plumber:

  • If the clog persists regardless of your efforts, name an expert plumber. They’ve specialised instruments and expertise to take away cussed clogs and guarantee your drain is functioning correctly.

Cleansing the Drain

If you happen to discover that your bathe drain just isn’t draining correctly, it’s often because of a buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles. To wash the drain, you have to the next:

  • A drain snake
  • A bucket or bowl
  • Scorching water
  • Vinegar or baking soda (elective)

Step 1: Take away the drain cowl

The drain cowl is often held in place by a number of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws and carry off the quilt.

Step 2: Insert the drain snake

Insert the drain snake into the drain and push it down till you are feeling it hit the clog. Flip the crank on the snake to loosen the clog.

Step 3: Pull out the clog

As soon as the clog is loosened, pull it out of the drain with the drain snake. Watch out to not drop the clog into the bucket or bowl.

Step 4: Rinse the drain

Pour scorching water down the drain to rinse away any remaining particles. You too can add vinegar or baking soda to the water to assist dissolve any buildup.

Step 5: Substitute the drain cowl

As soon as the drain is clear, change the drain cowl and tighten the screws.

Step 6: Clear the drain commonly

To forestall clogs from forming sooner or later, clear the drain commonly. You are able to do this by pouring a cup of vinegar or baking soda down the drain each few weeks. You too can use a drain cleaner to assist dissolve buildup.

Product Value
Drain snake $10-$20
Drain cleaner $5-$10

Changing the Drain Plug

If the drain plug is the supply of the clog, it is comparatively straightforward to switch. Listed here are the steps:

1. Take away the Present Plug

Most drain plugs are held in place by a easy screw mechanism. Find the screw, often positioned within the heart of the plug, and take away it utilizing a screwdriver.

2. Take away the Strainer

Behind the drain plug, you may discover a small steel or plastic strainer that collects hair and particles. Take away the strainer to wash it or change it if essential.

3. Clear the Drain Gap

As soon as the strainer is eliminated, you may have entry to the drain gap. Use a toothbrush or small brush to wash any seen buildup from the outlet.

4. Insert the New Drain Plug

Match the brand new drain plug into the outlet, guaranteeing that the gasket is correctly seated. If the plug has a screw, tighten it to safe it in place.

5. Reattach the Strainer

Place the strainer again over the drain gap and safe it by tightening the screw or pushing it into place, relying on the kind of strainer.

6. Check the Drain Plug

Fill the tub or bathe with a number of inches of water and examine if the plug holds water correctly. If there are any leaks, alter the place or tightness of the plug till it stops leaking.

7. Extra Ideas

  • Use a drain plug with a built-in strainer to seize particles and stop future clogs.
  • Clear the drain plug commonly by eradicating and washing it with cleaning soap and water.
  • Substitute the drain plug gasket if it turns into broken or worn, as this may trigger leaks.
  • If the drain plug is closely corroded or broken, it could must be changed together with the drain meeting, which is a extra advanced job.

Stopping Drain Buildup

Stopping drain buildup is important to maintain your bathe draining correctly. Listed here are some easy tricks to observe:

1. Run Scorching Water Weekly

As soon as every week, run scorching water down the drain for a number of minutes. This helps to soften away any grease buildup.

2. Use Drain Protectors

Putting in a drain protector over the drain gap can assist to catch hair and different particles earlier than it might probably clog the drain.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Resolution

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for half-hour, then flush with scorching water.

4. Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

Enzymatic drain cleaners include enzymes that break down natural matter, reminiscent of hair and grease. Use them month-to-month to maintain your drains clear.

5. Keep away from Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Grease can solidify and clog drains. Get rid of grease within the trash as an alternative.

6. Use a Zip-Tie to Clear Drain Holes

A zipper-tie can be utilized to wash small particles from drain holes. Insert the zip-tie into the outlet and twist it round to take away hair and different buildup.

7. Bodily Elimination

If a clog is seen, you’ll be able to take away it with a drain snake or a pair of pliers.

8. Skilled Drain Cleansing Companies

If you’re unable to clear the clog your self, you’ll be able to name an expert drain cleansing service. They’ve specialised instruments and tools to clear even essentially the most cussed clogs.

Month-to-month Weekly As Wanted
Use enzymatic drain cleaners Run scorching water Use a zip-tie to wash drain holes
Use drain protectors Take away seen clogs
Name an expert drain cleansing service

Troubleshooting Frequent Drain Points

Gradual Drain

In case your bathe drain is draining slowly, the very first thing it is best to do is take away the drain cowl and clear out any hair or particles that could be clogging it. If that does not remedy the issue, you could want to make use of a drain cleaner. You’ll want to observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Dripping Drain

A dripping drain is usually attributable to a worn-out or broken washer. To exchange the washer, you have to to take away the drain cowl and unscrew the outdated washer. You’ll want to apply a brand new layer of plumber’s putty to the brand new washer earlier than reinstalling it.

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is often attributable to a buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles. To unclog the drain, you need to use a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner. You’ll want to observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Standing Water in Drain

Standing water within the drain is usually attributable to a clog in the primary drain line. To unclog the primary drain line, you have to to make use of a drain snake or a high-pressure water jet. You might also must name a plumber to have the primary drain line cleaned professionally.

Gurgling Drain

A gurgling drain is usually attributable to a vent drawback. The vent permits air to enter the drain line, which helps to maintain the water flowing easily. If the vent is blocked, it might probably trigger the drain to gurgle.

Smelly Drain

A smelly drain is usually attributable to a buildup of micro organism and mould. To wash the drain, you need to use a drain cleaner or a bleach resolution. You’ll want to observe the instructions on the product label fastidiously.

Leaking Drain

A leaking drain is usually attributable to a broken seal or a free connection. To restore the leak, you have to to switch the seal or tighten the connection. If the leak is coming from the primary drain line, you could must name a plumber to have it repaired professionally.

Cracked Drain

A cracked drain is a major problem that may result in water harm. If you happen to discover a crack within the drain, it is best to change it instantly. You may change the drain your self or name a plumber to do it for you.

Damaged Drain

A damaged drain is a significant drawback that requires fast consideration. If in case you have a damaged drain, it is best to name a plumber to have it repaired or changed as quickly as potential.

Drain Drawback Potential Trigger Resolution
Gradual drain Hair or particles clogging the drain Take away the drain cowl and clear out the particles.
Dripping drain Worn-out or broken washer Substitute the washer.
Clogged drain Buildup of hair, cleaning soap scum, and different particles Use a drain snake or a chemical drain cleaner.

Skilled Drain Cleansing Companies

Contacting an expert plumber or drain cleansing service is the simplest strategy to resolve extreme bathe drain clogs. These professionals have specialised tools and experience to clear even essentially the most cussed blockages.

Skilled drain cleansing companies sometimes provide a spread of choices, together with:

  • Mechanical cleansing: Utilizing a rotating snake or auger to interrupt up and take away clogs.
  • Chemical cleansing: Utilizing chemical solvents to dissolve clogs and particles.
  • Hydro-jetting: Utilizing high-pressure water jets to blast away clogs and clear the pipes.

The price of skilled drain cleansing companies varies relying on the severity of the clog and the tactic used.

10. Preventative Upkeep

Common upkeep can assist forestall future bathe drain clogs. Listed here are some ideas:

  • Set up a drain display to catch hair and different particles.
  • Clear the drain with a drain cleaner resolution as soon as a month.
  • Keep away from pouring grease or oils down the drain.
  • Flush the drain with scorching water commonly.
Clog Sort Beneficial Resolution
Hair Drain display or mechanical cleansing
Cleaning soap or physique wash Chemical or mechanical cleansing
Mineral buildup Hydro-jetting

How To Take Out A Bathe Drain

A gradual or clogged bathe drain is usually a nuisance. If you happen to’re bored with coping with standing water or gradual drainage, it could be time to take out the bathe drain and clear it. Eradicating a bathe drain is a comparatively easy job that may be accomplished in a number of steps.

First, you may want to assemble a number of instruments. You will want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. You might also wish to put on gloves to guard your fingers.

After you have your instruments, you are prepared to begin. First, take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by a number of screws. Use the screwdriver to take away the screws after which carry off the drain cowl.

As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you may see the drain strainer. The drain strainer is a steel or plastic display that helps to catch hair and different particles. Use the pliers to take away the drain strainer. Watch out to not drop the drain strainer down the drain.

With the drain strainer eliminated, you may now have entry to the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the pipe that carries water from the bathe to the sewer. Use the pliers to loosen the drain pipe. Watch out to not overtighten the drain pipe, as this might harm it.

As soon as the drain pipe is free, you’ll be able to take away it from the bathe. Watch out to not spill any water from the drain pipe. As soon as the drain pipe is eliminated, you’ll be able to clear it out. Use a brush or a rag to take away any hair or particles from the drain pipe.

As soon as the drain pipe is clear, you’ll be able to reassemble the drain. Begin by inserting the drain pipe into the bathe. Then, tighten the drain pipe utilizing the pliers. Subsequent, insert the drain strainer into the drain pipe. Lastly, change the drain cowl.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Take Out A Bathe Drain

What’s a bathe drain?

A bathe drain is a tool that permits water to empty from a bathe. Bathe drains are sometimes fabricated from steel or plastic and are put in within the flooring of the bathe.

How do I do know if my bathe drain is clogged?

There are a number of indicators which will point out that your bathe drain is clogged. These indicators embody:

  • Gradual drainage
  • Standing water within the bathe
  • Gurgling sounds coming from the drain
  • Dangerous smells coming from the drain

How can I forestall my bathe drain from clogging?

There are some things you are able to do to forestall your bathe drain from clogging. These items embody:

  • Usually cleansing the drain strainer
  • Utilizing a drain display to catch hair and particles
  • Keep away from pouring grease or oil down the drain
  • Utilizing a drain cleaner as soon as a month