Gather Tools and Prepare Workspace — Prepare the Work Area
Part of project
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 1 of 7
In this video
Gather the necessary tools for the job. You will need a screwdriver, a 3/32 inch Allen wrench, emery cloth or sandpaper, and waterproof silicone lube. For more severe corrosion, you may also need CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust remover), a toothbrush, and a Dremel tool with a wire brush. Always wear safety goggles for protection. It is also recommended to cover the sink drain to prevent any small parts from being lost.
Goal: Gathering all necessary tools and supplies for the repair.
- Cover the sink drain with a stopper or cloth to avoid losing small parts.
- Wear safety goggles, especially if using a Dremel tool or chemicals.
Used in this video
- Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Flathead) — Prying off the crown ring.
- Allen Wrench (Allen_Wrench_Size: 3/32) — Loosening and tightening the set screw on the faucet handle.
- Sandpaper (Sandpaper_Grit: Medium) — Scrubbing away corrosion and mineral buildup from the inside of the faucet spout.
- Dremel Tool (brand: Dremel, Drill_Type: Cordless) · optional — Removing stubborn corrosion with a wire brush attachment.
- Toothbrush · optional — Scrubbing the inside of the spout after applying CLR.
- Safety Goggles — Protecting eyes from debris and chemicals.
- Utility Knife (alternatives: Small flathead screwdriver, pick tool) · optional — Prying off the plastic plug on the faucet handle.
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FAQs
How difficult is this project for a beginner, and how long does it typically take?
This is a beginner-friendly plumbing project, but patience is key, especially with old, corroded parts. Expect it to take 1-2 hours, depending on how easily the old flange comes out and the amount of cleaning required. Factor in additional time for thorough leak testing to ensure a watertight seal.
Do I really need a special tub drain wrench, or can I use other tools to remove the old flange?
A dedicated tub drain wrench (like the Husky Double Ended Tub Drain Wrench 16PL0128) is highly recommended. It provides the best grip and leverage, minimizing the risk of stripping the flange or damaging the tub. While some might try large pliers or screwdrivers with a hammer, these often cause more damage and frustration.
My old drain flange is stuck or severely corroded. How can I remove it without damaging the tub?
If the flange is very stuck, try applying penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few hours to loosen corrosion. Use the tub drain wrench firmly but carefully to avoid stripping the interior. For extremely stubborn or corroded flanges, you might need to carefully cut the crossbars inside the flange with a reciprocating saw and then break out the pieces, always protecting the tub surface.
What's the best way to ensure a watertight seal and prevent future leaks when installing the new flange? Should I use plumber's putty or silicone?
Plumber's putty is generally preferred for this application. Apply a generous, even bead of Oatey Plumber's Putty underneath the lip of the new flange before setting it into the drain opening; it should squeeze out when tightened. For added security, you can also wrap Teflon tape around the drain shoe threads before screwing in the new flange.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Gather Tools and Prepare Workspace — Prepare the Work Area
Part of project
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 1 of 7
In this video
Gather the necessary tools for the job. You will need a screwdriver, a 3/32 inch Allen wrench, emery cloth or sandpaper, and waterproof silicone lube. For more severe corrosion, you may also need CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust remover), a toothbrush, and a Dremel tool with a wire brush. Always wear safety goggles for protection. It is also recommended to cover the sink drain to prevent any small parts from being lost.
Goal: Gathering all necessary tools and supplies for the repair.
- Cover the sink drain with a stopper or cloth to avoid losing small parts.
- Wear safety goggles, especially if using a Dremel tool or chemicals.
Used in this video
- Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Flathead) — Prying off the crown ring.
- Allen Wrench (Allen_Wrench_Size: 3/32) — Loosening and tightening the set screw on the faucet handle.
- Sandpaper (Sandpaper_Grit: Medium) — Scrubbing away corrosion and mineral buildup from the inside of the faucet spout.
- Dremel Tool (brand: Dremel, Drill_Type: Cordless) · optional — Removing stubborn corrosion with a wire brush attachment.
- Toothbrush · optional — Scrubbing the inside of the spout after applying CLR.
- Safety Goggles — Protecting eyes from debris and chemicals.
- Utility Knife (alternatives: Small flathead screwdriver, pick tool) · optional — Prying off the plastic plug on the faucet handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is this project for a beginner, and how long does it typically take?
This is a beginner-friendly plumbing project, but patience is key, especially with old, corroded parts. Expect it to take 1-2 hours, depending on how easily the old flange comes out and the amount of cleaning required. Factor in additional time for thorough leak testing to ensure a watertight seal.
Do I really need a special tub drain wrench, or can I use other tools to remove the old flange?
A dedicated tub drain wrench (like the Husky Double Ended Tub Drain Wrench 16PL0128) is highly recommended. It provides the best grip and leverage, minimizing the risk of stripping the flange or damaging the tub. While some might try large pliers or screwdrivers with a hammer, these often cause more damage and frustration.
My old drain flange is stuck or severely corroded. How can I remove it without damaging the tub?
If the flange is very stuck, try applying penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few hours to loosen corrosion. Use the tub drain wrench firmly but carefully to avoid stripping the interior. For extremely stubborn or corroded flanges, you might need to carefully cut the crossbars inside the flange with a reciprocating saw and then break out the pieces, always protecting the tub surface.
What's the best way to ensure a watertight seal and prevent future leaks when installing the new flange? Should I use plumber's putty or silicone?
Plumber's putty is generally preferred for this application. Apply a generous, even bead of Oatey Plumber's Putty underneath the lip of the new flange before setting it into the drain opening; it should squeeze out when tightened. For added security, you can also wrap Teflon tape around the drain shoe threads before screwing in the new flange.
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Video Transcript
(415 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.