Install a bathtub drain stopper

A bathtub drain converter kit often provides drain threads in two sizes to accommodate different tub drains. Select the appropriate thread attachment. Remove the tub stopper from the new drain fitting—often this is a matter of simply unscrewing it. Insert the fitting into the bathtub drain opening, making sure to center it. Make sure to thread the fitting into the shoe carefully.

A good way to avoid cross-threading is to start tightening by hand first. When it looks like the fitting's threads are screwing properly into the drain shoe, you can continue tightening by using the tub drain wrench. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile.

Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Project Overview. Warning In some instances, removing the original tub drain may be very difficult.

Featured Video. Materials Tub drain converter kit for a stopper drain Plumber's putty Non-scratch scouring pad. Remove the Old Stopper and Linkage If you are replacing a traditional lever-operated stopper, unscrew the cover plate on the over-flow opening and carefully extract the stopper's level rod and linkage from the opening.

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Part 1. Turn a foot lock stopper counterclockwise to take it out of the drain. Foot lock stoppers are the simplest type of drain mechanism. All you need to do is rotate the stopper, or the part that moves up and down to open and close the drain. Pull up as you twist it counterclockwise until it lifts out of the drain flange. The drain flange, or drain basket, is the body that connects the tub and stopper to the waste pipe. Loosen the center screw if you have a lift-and-turn drain.

Lift-and-turn drains and some foot lock drains may have a screw in the center of the stopper that holds it in place. Then, using a screwdriver, turn the screw counterclockwise and lift the stopper out of the drain flange.

Remove the overflow plate and linkage if you have a lever-style drain. Start by removing the screws that secure the overflow faceplate. Take off the overflow plate, and pull the linkage rod and plunger out of the overflow hole. Then remove any screws that secure the drain plate, and lift it out of the drain flange.

The linkage connects the lever to a plunger, which drops down to stop the tub when the lever is down. You may also need to pull out lower linkage when you remove the drain plate. Part 2. Unscrew the exposed drain flange with a drain key or pliers. The easiest way to remove it is to insert the head of a drain key into the flange and twist counterclockwise. You can find drain keys online and at home improvement stores. Slide a strong screwdriver between the handles, and use it like a lever to turn the flange counterclockwise.

Take care not to damage the tub's enamel and avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning products. If necessary, wipe away any stubborn residue with rubbing alcohol. Spread a pencil-sized bead of putty around the rim of the new flange. Roll out a long, thin strand of plumber's putty about the size and thickness of a pencil. The putty will help create a watertight seal.

Slide a new gasket into the opening, then screw in the new flange. If your new drain came with a rubber gasket, place it over the drain opening. The gasket is a rubber ring that helps create a waterproof seal between the flange and waste pipe. Part 3. Twist or screw on the new stopper, if necessary. If it's a foot lock or lift-and-turn design, either twist it clockwise by hand or secure it with a screw.

Thread the linkage through the overflow hole if you have a lever drain. Feed it into the overflow pipe, screw the overflow faceplate onto the opening, then screw the new drain plate onto the flange. Add some water to the tub to test the seal. Let it sit for an hour, then go back and see if any water drained. Some designs aren't adjustable and include linkage rods of various lengths, so you may need to swap the rod for a longer one. On a tub drain, it usually goes on top, since a tub drain normally screws down and into a receiver.

On most any sink drain, the gasket goes under the sink, since the sink's receiver is screwed against the drain. Not Helpful 17 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3. Purchase a new drain assembly online or at your local home improvement store. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If you notice rusting, mildew, or water pressure problems when you attempt to replace a drain, contact a plumber. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1.