Step 3 · Unscrew and Remove the Old Drain Body

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.

This is often the most challenging step without access from below. You will need a special tool called a shower drain wrench or a 'Drain Key'. This tool has expandable arms or prongs that fit into the crosshairs or lugs inside the drain body. Insert the tool into the drain, engage it securely, and attach a wrench or pliers to the top of the tool. Turn counter-clockwise to unscrew the drain body from the threaded pipe fitting below. This may require significant force, especially if the drain is old. Once loosened, you can unthread it by hand and lift it out.