6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

In case your bathe drain is clogged, do not despair. You’ll be able to simply take away the drain cowl and clear it out your self. On this article, we’ll present you find out how to do it in only a few easy steps.

First, you could collect your instruments. You may want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. If the drain cowl is especially cussed, you might also want a hammer. Upon getting your instruments, you possibly can start the method of eradicating the drain cowl.

To take away the drain cowl, first use the pliers to loosen the screws which are holding it in place. As soon as the screws are free, you need to use the screwdriver to take away them fully. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you possibly can elevate the drain cowl off of the drain. Watch out to not drop it, as it may be heavy. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you possibly can clear it out. Use the bucket to catch any water or particles that comes out of the drain. As soon as the drain is clear, you possibly can exchange the drain cowl. To do that, merely place the drain cowl over the drain and tighten the screws. Be certain the drain cowl is tight sufficient in order that it will not come free once more.

Decide the Kind of Drain

Figuring out Frequent Drain Varieties

Earlier than making an attempt to take away a bathe drain, it is essential to find out its sort, as totally different drains have various removing strategies. Listed below are the most typical varieties of bathe drains:

Pop-up Drain

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Characterised by a raised stopper that opens and closes the drain.

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Often secured by a screw or retainer ring on the base of the stopper.

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Requires removing of the stopper earlier than accessing the drain physique.

Toe-Contact Drain

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Activated by stepping on a lever or toe-touch mechanism on the drain cowl.

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Mechanism is linked to a plunger or different system that opens and closes the drain.

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Might require removing of the drain cowl to entry the mechanism.

Linear Drain

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Lengthy, slender drain sometimes put in within the flooring of the bathe.

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Coated by a grate or cowl that may be eliminated for cleansing.

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Drain physique is normally secured by screws or bolts.

Collect Essential Instruments and Supplies

Earlier than tackling the duty of eradicating a bathe drain, you may want to collect the suitable instruments and supplies. Here is a complete guidelines to make sure you have every thing you want:

Instruments:

  • Plunger
  • Adjustable wrench or drain key
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, relying on screw sort)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Wire hanger (elective)
  • Store vacuum (elective)

Supplies:

  • Drain cleaner (chemical or enzymatic)
  • Duct tape
  • Baking soda and vinegar (for DIY drain cleansing)
  • Alternative drain (if crucial)
  • Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
  • Fabric or towel

Selecting the Proper Drain Key:

Drain keys are available in varied configurations and dimensions to suit various kinds of drains. To find out which key you want, measure the diameter of your drain opening and seek advice from the next desk:

Drain Opening Diameter Drain Key Dimension
1-1/2 inches 1/2-inch drain key
1-5/8 inches 3/4-inch drain key
2 inches 1-inch drain key

Unclog the Drain Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a versatile software that can be utilized to take away clogs from drains. To make use of a drain snake, insert the tip of the snake into the drain and slowly push it down. As you push the snake down, it’s going to bend and observe the contours of the pipe. If the snake encounters a clog, it’s going to push by it and break it up. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.

Listed below are some suggestions for utilizing a drain snake:

  1. Earlier than utilizing a drain snake, guarantee that the water within the drain is turned off.
  2. Use a flashlight to look down the drain and find the clog.
  3. Slowly insert the tip of the snake into the drain and push it down.
  4. If the snake encounters a clog, push more durable to interrupt it up.
  5. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.
  6. Run scorching water by the drain to flush out any remaining particles.
Benefits of utilizing a drain snake Disadvantages of utilizing a drain snake
Can be utilized to take away clogs from any sort of drain May be troublesome to make use of if the clog is situated deep within the pipe
Comparatively cheap Can harm the drain if used improperly
Can be utilized to forestall clogs from forming Requires some ability to make use of successfully

Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners are a fast and straightforward solution to unclog a bathe drain. They’re accessible at most {hardware} shops and residential enchancment facilities. Nevertheless, you will need to learn the directions fastidiously earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, as they are often dangerous if not used correctly.

Step 1: Put together the realm

Earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, make certain to take away any standing water from the bathe. You are able to do this by utilizing a moist/dry vacuum or a plunger. As soon as the water has been eliminated, place a towel across the drain to catch any spills.

Step 2: Learn the directions

Learn the directions on the drain cleaner fastidiously earlier than utilizing it. Observe the instructions precisely as they’re written.

Step 3: Pour the drain cleaner into the drain

Slowly pour the drain cleaner into the drain. Don’t pour an excessive amount of drain cleaner into the drain, as this may trigger the drain to overflow.

Step 4: Let the drain cleaner work

Let the drain cleaner work for the period of time specified on the directions. Don’t depart the drain cleaner within the drain for longer than the beneficial time, as this may harm the pipes.

Step 5: Flush the drain with water

As soon as the drain cleaner has labored, flush the drain with loads of water. It will assist to take away any remaining drain cleaner and particles from the drain.

Chemical Drain Cleaner Security Ideas
– By no means combine various kinds of chemical drain cleaners.
– By no means use a chemical drain cleaner if the drain is already clogged with standing water.
– At all times put on gloves and eye safety when utilizing a chemical drain cleaner.
– Hold chemical drain cleaners out of attain of kids.
– You probably have any questions on utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber.

Take away the Drain Lure

The drain lure is the curved part of pipe beneath the drain that collects hair and different particles to forestall it from getting into the plumbing system. To take away the drain lure, observe these steps:

  1. Place a bucket beneath the drain lure to catch any water which will spill out.
  2. Utilizing a pair of pliers or a wrench, loosen the nuts that maintain the lure in place.
  3. Fastidiously take away the lure from the drain.
  4. Examine the lure for any particles or clogs.
  5. If there may be any particles, clear it out with a wire brush or a pair of tweezers.
  6. Reassemble the lure by screwing it again into place and tightening the nuts. Be certain to not overtighten the nuts, as this might harm the lure.
Instruments Wanted
Pliers or wrench
Bucket
Wire brush or tweezers

As soon as the drain lure is eliminated, you possibly can entry the clog and take away it. Remember to put on gloves and eye safety when engaged on the drain, as there could also be sharp edges or micro organism within the water.

Clear the Drain Lure

The drain lure is a U-shaped part of pipe situated beneath the drain. Its function is to forestall sewer gases from getting into the house. Over time, the lure can grow to be clogged with hair and different particles, which might result in sluggish drainage or perhaps a full blockage.

To wash the drain lure, you will have a bucket or shallow pan, a pair of pliers, and a small flashlight.

1. Place the bucket or pan beneath the drain lure to catch any water which will spill out.

2. Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts that maintain the lure in place.

3. As soon as the slip nuts are free, you possibly can take away the lure by pulling it down.

4. Examine the lure for any clogs. In the event you see any hair or particles, take away it by hand.

5. Rinse the lure with clear water to take away any remaining particles.

6. Reinstall the lure by inserting it again into the drain pipe and tightening the slip nuts.

Reassemble the Drain

Now that you’ve cleaned all of the components of the drain, it is time to reassemble it. Begin by inserting the rubber washer over the drain opening. Then, screw the drain flange into place. Be certain to tighten it securely, however not too tightly, or you would crack the flange. Subsequent, place the strainer over the drain flange and safe it with the screws. Lastly, exchange the drain cowl.

Ideas for Reassembling the Drain

  • Use a little bit little bit of plumber’s putty across the base of the drain flange to assist seal it.
  • Do not overtighten the screws. In the event you do, you would crack the flange or the strainer.
  • You probably have a pop-up drain, guarantee that the stopper is within the up place earlier than you reassemble the drain.

Troubleshooting

You probably have reassembled the drain and it is nonetheless not working correctly, there could also be an issue with the drainpipe. To examine the drainpipe, take away the drain flange and look contained in the pipe. If there may be any particles blocking the pipe, take away it and check out reassembling the drain once more.

Drawback Answer
Drain is leaking Tighten the drain flange or exchange the rubber washer.
Drain is clogged Take away the strainer and clear out the particles.
Drain is just not draining correctly Test the drainpipe for blockages.

Check the Drain

Earlier than leaping right into a deep cleansing, it is important to check the drain and decide the severity of the clog. Listed below are the steps concerned in testing the drain:

  1. Take away the Drain Cowl: Use a screwdriver or pliers to take away the drain cowl. It will present entry to the drain opening.
  2. Fill the Drain with Water: Pour a cup or two of water into the drain. If the water drains shortly, the clog is probably going minor. Nevertheless, if the water stays stagnant or drains slowly, it signifies a extra vital blockage.
  3. Pay attention for Gurgling Sounds: Whereas filling the drain with water, pay attention for any gurgling sounds coming from the pipes. Gurgling sounds point out a partial blockage or potential challenge within the plumbing system.
  4. Test for Seen Blockages: Use a flashlight to examine the drain opening for any seen blockages, comparable to hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles. Eradicating these blockages could clear up the issue.
  5. Check with a Plunger: If the water is just not draining correctly, strive utilizing a plunger to create a vacuum and dislodge the clog. Cowl the drain opening fully with the plunger and vigorously plunge up and right down to create suction.
  6. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar: One other house treatment to check the drain is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by half a cup of white vinegar. Let the combination sit for quarter-hour, then flush with scorching water.
  7. Use a Drain Snake: If the plunger and baking soda methodology do not work, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain opening and slowly feed it down the pipe whereas turning the deal with to loosen the clog.
  8. Contemplate Skilled Assist: If all of the DIY strategies fail to unclog the drain, it is beneficial to name knowledgeable plumber to diagnose and clear the blockage successfully.
Clog Signs Possible Causes
Sluggish drainage Partial blockage, hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles
Stagnant water Main blockage, mineral deposits, or overseas objects
Gurgling sounds Partial blockage, air pockets, or plumbing points
Disagreeable odors Decaying natural matter, mould, or mildew

Stop Future Clogs

Bathe drains can get clogged for quite a lot of causes, however there are some things you are able to do to assist stop future clogs.

1. Take away hair often. Hair is likely one of the most typical causes of bathe clogs. To forestall hair from clogging your drain, take away it from the bathe drain cowl after every use. You too can use a drain strainer to catch hair earlier than it will get into the drain.

2. Clear your drain often. Drains must be cleaned often to take away any buildup of cleaning soap, shampoo, and different merchandise. You’ll be able to clear your drain utilizing a industrial drain cleaner or by pouring a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain.

3. Use a drain protector. Drain protectors are gadgets that match over the drain and catch hair and different particles earlier than it will get into the drain. Drain protectors can be found in quite a lot of sizes and shapes, so you’ll find one that matches your drain and your wants.

4. Do not pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil may cause clogs in your drain. As a substitute of pouring grease or oil down the drain, eliminate it in a container or by placing it within the trash.

5. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds in your drain. Harsh chemical compounds can harm your drain and trigger clogs. As a substitute of utilizing harsh chemical compounds, use a mild drain cleaner or a pure cleansing answer.

6. Usually examine the drain for buildup. Over time, cleaning soap scum, hair, and different particles can construct up in your drain. To forestall clogs, often examine the drain for buildup and take away any particles that you simply discover.

7. Set up a rubbish disposal. A rubbish disposal can assist to grind up meals waste and different particles earlier than it will get into your drain. Rubbish disposals can assist to forestall clogs and maintain your drain flowing easily.

8. Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a software that can be utilized to take away clogs out of your drain. Drain snakes can be found in quite a lot of lengths and shapes, so you’ll find one that matches your drain and your wants.

9. Name a plumber. You probably have a cussed clog that you may’t take away by yourself, you might have to name a plumber. Plumbers have the instruments and expertise to take away even probably the most cussed clogs.

10. Bathe drain upkeep schedule

Job Frequency
Take away hair from drain cowl After every use
Clear drain Month-to-month
Use drain protector As wanted
Do not pour grease or oil down the drain At all times
Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds in drain At all times
Usually examine drain for buildup Month-to-month
Set up a rubbish disposal As wanted
Use a drain snake As wanted
Name a plumber As wanted

The way to Get a Bathe Drain Out

In case your bathe drain is clogged, you might be questioning find out how to get it out. There are just a few other ways to do that, relying on the severity of the clog. For minor clogs, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain cleaner. Nevertheless, if the clog is extra extreme, you might have to take away the drain cowl and snake the drain.

To take away the drain cowl, you will have a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you need to use a drain snake to clear the clog. A drain snake is an extended, versatile wire with a hook on the tip. You’ll be able to insert the drain snake into the drain and use the hook to catch the clog. Upon getting caught the clog, you possibly can pull it out of the drain.

If you’re unable to take away the clog utilizing a drain cleaner or a drain snake, you might have to name a plumber. A plumber can use a hydro jet to clear the clog. A hydro jet is a high-pressure water jet that may break up even probably the most cussed clogs.

Individuals Additionally Ask About The way to Get a Bathe Drain Out

What are a few of the indicators of a clogged bathe drain?

A number of the indicators of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Water draining slowly
  • Water backing up into the bathe
  • Unhealthy smells coming from the drain

What are a few of the causes of a clogged bathe drain?

A number of the causes of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Hair
  • Cleaning soap scum
  • Mineral deposits
  • Overseas objects