Disconnect Drain Plumbing — Remove Old Assembly and Dry-Fit the New One
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 4 of 8
In this video
Go to the area beneath the bathtub, such as a basement or crawlspace, to access the drain plumbing. Locate the P-trap and drain assembly connected to the underside of the tub. Using a wrench or by hand if possible, loosen the slip nut that connects the drain assembly to the tub's drain pipe. If the connection is old and seized, you can use a reciprocating saw to cut the pipe. The goal is to completely disconnect the tub from the house's drain system.
Goal: Plumbing
- If the plumbing is old and you plan to replace it anyway, simply cutting it with a saw is often the fastest method.
- Ensure there is no water in the tub or pipes before disconnecting to avoid a mess.
Used in this video
- Pipe wrench (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools) · optional — Loosening stubborn plumbing connections.
- Reciprocating saw (Cutting Tool Type: Reciprocating saw, Tool Type: Power Tools) · optional — Cutting the drain pipe if it cannot be unscrewed.
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FAQs
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Disconnect Drain Plumbing — Remove Old Assembly and Dry-Fit the New One
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 4 of 8
In this video
Go to the area beneath the bathtub, such as a basement or crawlspace, to access the drain plumbing. Locate the P-trap and drain assembly connected to the underside of the tub. Using a wrench or by hand if possible, loosen the slip nut that connects the drain assembly to the tub's drain pipe. If the connection is old and seized, you can use a reciprocating saw to cut the pipe. The goal is to completely disconnect the tub from the house's drain system.
Goal: Plumbing
- If the plumbing is old and you plan to replace it anyway, simply cutting it with a saw is often the fastest method.
- Ensure there is no water in the tub or pipes before disconnecting to avoid a mess.
Used in this video
- Pipe wrench (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools) · optional — Loosening stubborn plumbing connections.
- Reciprocating saw (Cutting Tool Type: Reciprocating saw, Tool Type: Power Tools) · optional — Cutting the drain pipe if it cannot be unscrewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.
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Video Transcript
(793 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.