Skip to main content
Stesso
Project

Remove Drain Cover and Water — Remove the Old Drain Strainer

Beginner

Part of project

How to Replace a Shower Drain in an Existing Shower Base · Step 2 of 9

Helpful?

In this video

Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove the screws holding the shower drain cover in place. Lift the cover off and set it and the screws aside in a safe place. If there is standing water in the shower, use the wet/dry vacuum to suction it all out before attempting to clear the drain itself.

Goal: Access the drain opening

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver (brand: Unbranded, Screwdriver Type: Phillips head, Flathead, Material of tools: Steel) — Removing the screws from the shower drain cover.
  • Shop Vacuum (brand: Rigid, Power Source: Electric) — Sucking up standing water.
416.4K views8703 minutes
homesteady

150K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Why is the Husky Tub Drain Removal Tool essential for this project, and can I use standard tools instead?

This specialized tool is crucial because it grips the drain from the inside, allowing removal when there's no access from below the shower. Standard tools like pliers or wrenches usually can't get enough leverage or grip to unscrew a corroded drain from the top, risking damage to the shower base. It ensures you can remove the old drain without damaging the surrounding shower pan.

What key safety steps should I take before and during this shower drain replacement project?

Always turn off the water supply to the shower to prevent accidental leaks or flooding. Ensure good ventilation when using mineral spirits for cleaning, as fumes can be strong. Wear appropriate eye protection and gloves to protect against chemicals, sharp edges, and debris throughout the process.

How long should a beginner expect this project to take, and what's the approximate material cost?

For a beginner, expect this project to take 2-4 hours, allowing ample time for preparation, thorough cleaning, and proper sealant curing. The material cost, including a new drain kit, plumber's putty, and sealant, typically ranges from $30-$70, not including any specialized tools you might need to purchase.

What's the most common mistake beginners make, and how can I guarantee a watertight seal to prevent leaks?

The biggest mistake is inadequate cleaning of the drain opening and improper application of plumber's putty or sealant. To ensure a watertight seal, meticulously remove all old caulk, rust, and debris from the drain opening. Apply an even, generous bead of plumber's putty under the new drain flange, tightening it correctly to squeeze out excess, and always perform a thorough leak test before finalizing.

Transcript
Hide

So go ahead and come on in closer. You want to remove the drain here. And as you can see here, a lot of this is hair soap. So this is exactly what the cause of the stoppages are typically, they're right around here. So let me go ahead and show you what that looks like after it's cleaned. So if you do have standing water, the first thing you want to do is extract the topical water that's above the drain. So we've already done that in this case. And we're going to go ahead and show you now

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.