How to Fix Pop-Up Tub Stopper Leaks. Turn the pliers counterclockwise to remove the drain. Wrap the string of putty around the middle of the pipe threads, pressing gently to adhere the putty to the walls of the drain. A shower drain is comprised of multiple parts designed to fit together and form a watertight seal. Sometimes drains need to be replaced due to rust or because the rubber gasket erodes over time. Warning. When it comes to leaks from the bathtub drain, oftentimes the leak is one that has been ongoing for quite some time without being detected. Robert. Knowing how to remove a bathtub drain is a helpful skill for when you need to deep clean the drain, replace the drain entirely or remove the bathtub. Then clean the flange and apply silicone caulk. Remove the drain cover. If your bathtub drain is clogged, it’s usually an easy fix. Step 4: Adjust … Tick off the possibilities on this step-by-step checklist until you find the problem. Place the drain back into the hole in the bathtub and screw it into the drain pipe below by turning it clockwise by hand. Some drain plugs will simply lift out while others need to be unscrewed from the cross-hair piece. If the leak continues even after the shower is off, then the leak is probably coming from a water pipe. Run the drain under hot water for 30 seconds to clean the surface. Insert a drain-removal tool into the drain, locking the teeth of the tool between the cross-sections of metal at the base of the drain. 1) shows the threads from the clicker assembly. Aim the hot air at the old plumber's putty until it softens enough to remove. Then, simply fill a pail full of water, preferably a 5-gallon bucket. A more detailed explanation could involve one or more of these reasons: Faulty seals. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Tighten or repair them as needed. You wouldn’t think a bathtub overflow drain would be the source of a water leak, especially if you never fill the tub to a level at which water would enter the … Scrape off all the old plumber's putty from the edges of the pipe threads on the sides of the drain using a putty knife and a stiff brush. You Old pipes collect grease and hair. Heath Roberts has worked as a professional reporter for several Colorado newspapers. You can find this tool at almost any home improvement center. A leak inside a bathtub drain can become a real disaster if it's not fixed quickly. Once the drain is removed, reapplying a layer of plumber's putty usually seals the connection and stops the leak. A leaky bathtub faucet can lead to excess water usage and the deterioration of your spout’s interior parts. (Fig. I just bought a new construction house (2020) in Wisconsin a week ago and we have already found 3 leaks In the guest bathrooms. All involve easy fixes; it's just a matter of going from the obvious to the items behind the tub wall. The material used to seal this type of plumbing fixture depends on the accessibility of the drainage pipe below your bathtub. Take out the screws on the cover plate and pull it away from the tub wall. Most of the time, bathtub clogs are caused by a build up of hair and other debris in the drain. If the bathtub drain leak is problematic because of the plumbing that's located below the drain, such as pipes and fittings, American Leak Detection recommends calling a plumber for this type of repair. Roberts holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both journalism and political science. To fix a leaking shower drain, the old drain assembly should be removed to determine the cause of the leak so that any damaged parts can be replaced. Start with the stopper on the clicker mechanism and make sure it is tightened down all the way. Then, locate the leak by tracing the dripping back to the source. When these types of problems occur, it is time to fix your drain. 6 – The fitting for the pop-up sink assembly is not tight. Drain-removal tool or pliers and screwdriver. A leaking bathtub drain presents a great disaster in your bathroom. Tip. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. Then, lay a few pieces of paper under the pipes you suspect the water are leaking. 1) Place a screwdriver between the teeth of the channellock pliers. Apply a great deal of pressure to break the seal on the existing plumber's putty. This requires the use of a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair. To be sure these stains were not from the bathtub drain, run a little water in the tub and see if the drain is leaking. And the bathtub shoe tube is the threaded section directly below the black gasket. Turn the handle on the drain-removal tool, or the screwdriver, counterclockwise. Remove a chunk of plumber's putty from the container. caused by a problem with the plumbing below the drain itself, which will likely require a plumber’s assistance to fix. If the new seal on the drain does not stop the leak, chances are there is a leak in the drain pipe itself. The upstairs bathtub drain leaks with standing water and more when it is being drained. Step 1 - Ensure the Leak Is From the Drain To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not from a compromised seal between the bathtub and the floor, use a funnel and pour quite a bit of water directly down the drain. Don't worry if you get too much. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies. If you do not have a drain-removal tool, insert the head of a small pair of pliers into the cross sections and place a screwdriver between the handle. If there is damage, replace the unit with a new one. Be sure to fill this up from another faucet in the house. First, take a look for screws holding the cover in place. This will fit over the putty you just applied. At the first sign of trouble that your tub drain is leaking, it is time to take action. Inspect the drain for signs of cracks or other damage. For the job you will need; 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers, water-based silicon, Channellock pliers, replacement rubber gasket washer, and friction washer. Leaking Shower Drain. If the issue is a leaking joint, tighten the joint and test it for leaks. I have experienced this problem at my rentals and house. How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain Things You Will Need. Gail Delaney is a writer in South Dakota and has articles published online at various websites. Tighten the drain lip back in place. Roll the material into a rope about the size of a pencil. Unscrew the bathtub drain. Additional areas to watch are the grout, body of the tub and the drain. To plumb the drain for the tub, dry-fit a 2-inch trap onto a length of 2-inch pipe that is longer than it needs to be. How to fix a bathtub drain leaking: To repair a tub drain, unscrew the drain flange from above. You can imagine the feeling when the whole bathtub dirt starts spilling on the floor. Unscrew the bathtub drain. HomeAdvisor cautions that a leak left unchecked can rot the wood underneath it, discolor the ceiling below it and encourage mold to grow from the constant moisture. Clean away any excess plumber's putty with a damp rag. Wrap the putty around the bottom of the drain lip where the drain makes contact with the tub surface. Removing a bathtub drain is a straightforward beginner task, especially once you identify the type of tub drain and stopper you have. Sometimes the cross hairs are missing. However, signs of trouble remain constant for both types of leaks. Step 2: Clean the Drain Components. If you still have a leak, remove the drain again. The drain key internally grips in a 360-degree pattern as it expands against the sides of the drain so you can screw it out. 4. Fit each handle into the space of the x-shaped cross hairs. In some cases, a rusted pivot rod end can cause the pop-up stopper to stick in the drain. Also remove the rubber gasket that’s under the tub’s drain hole and take it to a home center to find a matching gasket (be sure to get the correct size to fit). The left photo (Fig. This guide explains how to get your compression valve bathtub faucet to proper working order. It is possible, however, that the leak is caused by a faulty seal around the drain assembly. Drain-removal tools are the best option for working on a drain. She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. Age, moisture, and use can erode the seals around drains or connecting pipes. Bathtub drains do just what they are named after - they drain the water from the bathtub TO the horizontal drain pipe beneath the floor. Steps for fixing a tub that won’t hold water: Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. Most bathtubs leaks can be categorized as one of three types: Drain leaks. Leaks from your bathtub drain can have a few causes. Run the water for 60 seconds to check for leaks. Stopper Adjustment. Study the directions for the tub to determine precisely where the trap should … He has covered breaking news and features for the "Denver Post" and other local publications. Look for Signs of Leaking. Leaking bathtubs need to be repaired to avoid damage to the tub or wood below. You can use this again for another project. Remove the drain plug or bathtub stopper. 2) shows the stopper correctly tightened down all the way. Drain-removal tools are the best option for working on a drain. Depending on the nature of the leak, you have different repair options. Just a note about shower or bathtub leaks over a garage. 7 – The sink drain may leak if no Plumbers Putty was used. 5 – The drain pipe is cracked and water is coming through the crack. Roll another ball of putty into a 1/4 inch thick string that's about 5 inches long. If you leave the leak alone, you run the disk of damaging your home. Water that leaks around the seals of the drain can drip off this pipe and damage drywall, floors and furniture. Feel … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The drain fitting in the bottom of the tub, or the surrounding drain and drain-trap piping, may loosen,... Faucet leaks. Get a plumber. Roll a 1-inch ball of plumber's putty in your hand into a string about 5 inches long. If you're not sure how to do this, check the drain manufacturer's website or consult the user manual that came with the drain. If your shower leaks behind wall, you will see water stains on the drywall ceiling below the tub drain. A bathroom drain leak can damage the home's flooring. If you see water leaking, it is very likely you have loose connections in the drain fitting or the drain trap below the tub. Wipe off excess putty from around the drain lip. If the new seal on the drain does not stop the leak, chances are there is a leak in the drain pipe itself. There are two main areas where a bathtub leak might occur: the faucet drip or the underlying pipes. You should be able to confirm whether the drain itself is leaking if you see water on the paper. The actual leak was occurring in between the gasket that sits on top of the bathtub shoe tube and the bathtub drain hole. And it leaks onto the ceiling of the bathroom directly below it in the basement. If you suspect it’s your shower drain that leaks, try this test: Wait a day or two for any leaked water to dry. last month. Fortunately, most bathtub drains can be removed using a few tools. "MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION"benefits when you subscribe today. Unless you're fully trained in plumbing, leave this one to the professionals to fix. But if the leak is caused by a failing seal at the drain assembly, fixing the leaking bathtub drain typically is a simple task that almost anyone can master. The video quality is bad the fix has worked for me. Bathtub drain leak. If running water in the tub causes no leaking, run the shower water instead. Depending on the type of stopper you have, you can do this by twisting it off by hand or using a screwdriver. Having a plumber do an … The first step is to unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever. If the sound comes from the drain when you flush a toilet or drain the washing machine, there's probably a vent blockage, and air is entering the pipes through the bathtub drain. Sealing or caulking the bathtub drain helps guard against bathtub drainage problems and water damage. Bathtub drains give water a path from the base of the shower pan or bathtub to the horizontal drain pipe under the floor. Hiring a plumber can be a costly and time-consuming task, but repairing the leak yourself is generally an easy fix. Have a helper remove the stopper while you shine a flashlight on the drain. Unscrew the drain until it pulls free from the drain pipe underneath. Plumbing fixtures, such as bathtub drains, are common sources of water leaks. Step 2: Use Channellock Pliers. Bathroom sink drain parts identification 1 . How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain Step 1: Remove the Drain Plug. Clogged pipes. Fixing a leaking shower drain is a simple enough job that even the most novice DIYer can handle on their own. Clean the old putty away. Engage the drain and fill the bathtub with water when you've finished to check and see if the drain is still leaking. Allow the drain to dry. Turn on a hairdryer to the heat setting, after making sure there is no water in the bathtub. If it happens that your shower or bathtub is located above your garage, you can cut costs by having the plumber cut the ceiling under those pipes and replacing it with a removable "door". To remove the clog, start by unscrewing the tub drain stopper. If you use a metal putty knife, you may scratch the finish in your tub. How to Fix a Plunger Bathtub Drain Step 1: Remove the Drain Components. Look for the typical signs of leakage. Take some channellock pliers and insert the grippers into the bathtub drain. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, HomeAdvisor: How to Find & Repair a Bathtub Leak, American Leak Detection: Common Bathtub Leaks and Simple Solutions. Once the drain is as tight as you can get it by hand, use the drain-removal tool to tighten it further until putty begins to ooze around the edges of the drain lip. When the pop-up stopper in your bathtub leaks, it's annoying to take a bath while the water slowly drains out. They are available at most home-improvement stores for purchase or rental. The gasket can be seen in the picture below as a black ring. A plumbing parts distributor will carry a much larger selection and may be able to special-order hard-to-find items. How to Replace a Lift & Turn Bathtub Drain, PlumbingKnowledge.com: Fixing a Bathtub Drain Leak, How to Get a Caulked Shower Drain Cover Off, How to Use Plumbers Putty on a Bathroom Sink Drain. Remove the drain plug or bathtub stopper. The putty should be the size of a silver dollar. Simply remove the excess that squishes out from under the tub drain with a putty knife and put it back into the container. 4 – The drain pipe is off center and therefore a tight seal is not possible. There are thousands of different faucet replacement parts available to fix a leaky bathtub faucet, so bring your old parts to the store for a proper match to fix a leaky bathtub faucet. Step 3: Lubricate the Drain Components. If that is the case, then you need a drain key. You can try the following tactics: If the issue is a cracked pipe, cut off the section that is cracked and replace it with a new section (be sure to use compression joints on both ends). The photo on the right (Fig. I have had an experience with a leaking bathtub drain and it wasn’t good. Put a drain stopper in the tub and fill with at least six inches of water. Once you have the leak stopped, you can use the drain as usual. How to Fix Your Bathtub Drain Leak. Roll the plumber's putty between your hands for one to two minutes to soften. If the putty has turned hard and crumbly, scrape it away using a plastic putty knife. Use a fan if possible to speed up the drying process. If you find leaking pipes, get the plumber as soon as possible. If none are visible, fill the tub … Scrape the putty away and reapply it as described in Step 6. Run water in the tub and look for any water leaking directly below it. 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