Step 5 · Install the New Drain Flange and Shoe

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Thoroughly clean the tub's drain opening and overflow opening with a rag, removing all old plumber's putty and residue. Take a small amount of new plumber's putty and roll it into a snake-like rope about 1/4 inch thick. Press this rope firmly onto the underside of the new drain flange's lip. From inside the access panel, hold the new drain shoe assembly (with its rubber gasket) up against the underside of the tub's drain hole. From inside the tub, carefully thread the new putty-lined drain flange into the drain shoe. Tighten it using your drain key until it is snug and putty squeezes out. Do not overtighten. Clean up the excess putty with a rag.