6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

6 Clear-Cut Steps To Safely Remove A Shower Drain

In case your bathe drain is clogged, do not despair. You possibly can simply take away the drain cowl and clear it out your self. On this article, we’ll present you how you can do it in only a few easy steps.

First, you should collect your instruments. You may want a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket. If the drain cowl is especially cussed, you might also want a hammer. After getting your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method of eradicating the drain cowl.

To take away the drain cowl, first use the pliers to loosen the screws which might be holding it in place. As soon as the screws are unfastened, you need to use the screwdriver to take away them utterly. As soon as the screws are eliminated, you’ll be able to raise the drain cowl off of the drain. Watch out to not drop it, as it may be heavy. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you’ll be able to clear it out. Use the bucket to catch any water or particles that comes out of the drain. As soon as the drain is clear, you’ll be able to change the drain cowl. To do that, merely place the drain cowl over the drain and tighten the screws. Ensure that the drain cowl is tight sufficient in order that it will not come unfastened once more.

Decide the Sort of Drain

Figuring out Widespread Drain Sorts

Earlier than making an attempt to take away a bathe drain, it is essential to find out its sort, as totally different drains have various removing strategies. Listed below are the most typical sorts of bathe drains:

Pop-up Drain

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Characterised by a raised stopper that opens and closes the drain.

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Normally secured by a screw or retainer ring on the base of the stopper.

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Requires removing of the stopper earlier than accessing the drain physique.

Toe-Contact Drain

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Activated by stepping on a lever or toe-touch mechanism on the drain cowl.

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Mechanism is related to a plunger or different system that opens and closes the drain.

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Might require removing of the drain cowl to entry the mechanism.

Linear Drain

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Lengthy, slim drain usually put in within the ground of the bathe.

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Coated by a grate or cowl that may be eliminated for cleansing.

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Drain physique is normally secured by screws or bolts.

Collect Mandatory Instruments and Supplies

Earlier than tackling the duty of eradicating a bathe drain, you may want to collect the suitable instruments and supplies. This is a complete guidelines to make sure you have every thing you want:

Instruments:

  • Plunger
  • Adjustable wrench or drain key
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, relying on screw sort)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Wire hanger (optionally available)
  • Store vacuum (optionally available)

Supplies:

  • Drain cleaner (chemical or enzymatic)
  • Duct tape
  • Baking soda and vinegar (for DIY drain cleansing)
  • Substitute drain (if essential)
  • Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
  • Fabric or towel

Selecting the Proper Drain Key:

Drain keys are available in varied configurations and dimensions to suit various kinds of drains. To find out which key you want, measure the diameter of your drain opening and seek advice from the next desk:

Drain Opening Diameter Drain Key Dimension
1-1/2 inches 1/2-inch drain key
1-5/8 inches 3/4-inch drain key
2 inches 1-inch drain key

Unclog the Drain Utilizing a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a versatile device that can be utilized to take away clogs from drains. To make use of a drain snake, insert the top of the snake into the drain and slowly push it down. As you push the snake down, it’ll bend and comply with the contours of the pipe. If the snake encounters a clog, it’ll push by it and break it up. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.

Listed below are some ideas for utilizing a drain snake:

  1. Earlier than utilizing a drain snake, make it possible for the water within the drain is turned off.
  2. Use a flashlight to look down the drain and find the clog.
  3. Slowly insert the top of the snake into the drain and push it down.
  4. If the snake encounters a clog, push tougher to interrupt it up.
  5. As soon as the clog has been eliminated, pull the snake again out of the drain.
  6. Run scorching water by the drain to flush out any remaining particles.
Benefits of utilizing a drain snake Disadvantages of utilizing a drain snake
Can be utilized to take away clogs from any sort of drain Could be troublesome to make use of if the clog is positioned deep within the pipe
Comparatively cheap Can harm the drain if used improperly
Can be utilized to forestall clogs from forming Requires some ability to make use of successfully

Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners are a fast and straightforward method to unclog a bathe drain. They’re obtainable at most {hardware} shops and residential enchancment facilities. Nevertheless, you will need to learn the directions rigorously earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, as they are often dangerous if not used correctly.

Step 1: Put together the realm

Earlier than utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, make certain to take away any standing water from the bathe. You are able to do this through the use of a moist/dry vacuum or a plunger. As soon as the water has been eliminated, place a towel across the drain to catch any spills.

Step 2: Learn the directions

Learn the directions on the drain cleaner rigorously earlier than utilizing it. Comply with the instructions precisely as they’re written.

Step 3: Pour the drain cleaner into the drain

Slowly pour the drain cleaner into the drain. Don’t pour an excessive amount of drain cleaner into the drain, as this will trigger the drain to overflow.

Step 4: Let the drain cleaner work

Let the drain cleaner work for the period of time specified on the directions. Don’t go away the drain cleaner within the drain for longer than the advisable time, as this will harm the pipes.

Step 5: Flush the drain with water

As soon as the drain cleaner has labored, flush the drain with loads of water. It will assist to take away any remaining drain cleaner and particles from the drain.

Chemical Drain Cleaner Security Suggestions
– By no means combine various kinds of chemical drain cleaners.
– By no means use a chemical drain cleaner if the drain is already clogged with standing water.
– At all times put on gloves and eye safety when utilizing a chemical drain cleaner.
– Maintain chemical drain cleaners out of attain of youngsters.
– When you have any questions on utilizing a chemical drain cleaner, seek the advice of an expert plumber.

Take away the Drain Lure

The drain lure is the curved part of pipe beneath the drain that collects hair and different particles to forestall it from getting into the plumbing system. To take away the drain lure, comply with these steps:

  1. Place a bucket beneath the drain lure to catch any water which will spill out.
  2. Utilizing a pair of pliers or a wrench, loosen the nuts that maintain the lure in place.
  3. Rigorously take away the lure from the drain.
  4. Examine the lure for any particles or clogs.
  5. If there may be any particles, clear it out with a wire brush or a pair of tweezers.
  6. Reassemble the lure by screwing it again into place and tightening the nuts. Make certain to not overtighten the nuts, as this might harm the lure.
Instruments Wanted
Pliers or wrench
Bucket
Wire brush or tweezers

As soon as the drain lure is eliminated, you’ll be able to entry the clog and take away it. Make sure you put on gloves and eye safety when engaged on the drain, as there could also be sharp edges or micro organism within the water.

Clear the Drain Lure

The drain lure is a U-shaped part of pipe positioned underneath the drain. Its objective is to forestall sewer gases from getting into the house. Over time, the lure can grow to be clogged with hair and different particles, which might result in gradual drainage or perhaps a full blockage.

To wash the drain lure, you have to a bucket or shallow pan, a pair of pliers, and a small flashlight.

1. Place the bucket or pan underneath the drain lure to catch any water which will spill out.

2. Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts that maintain the lure in place.

3. As soon as the slip nuts are unfastened, you’ll be able to take away the lure by pulling it down.

4. Examine the lure for any clogs. When you see any hair or particles, take away it by hand.

5. Rinse the lure with clear water to take away any remaining particles.

6. Reinstall the lure by inserting it again into the drain pipe and tightening the slip nuts.

Reassemble the Drain

Now that you’ve got cleaned all of the components of the drain, it is time to reassemble it. Begin by inserting the rubber washer over the drain opening. Then, screw the drain flange into place. Ensure that to tighten it securely, however not too tightly, or you might crack the flange. Subsequent, place the strainer over the drain flange and safe it with the screws. Lastly, change the drain cowl.

Suggestions for Reassembling the Drain

  • Use just a little little bit of plumber’s putty across the base of the drain flange to assist seal it.
  • Do not overtighten the screws. When you do, you might crack the flange or the strainer.
  • When you have a pop-up drain, make it possible for the stopper is within the up place earlier than you reassemble the drain.

Troubleshooting

When you have reassembled the drain and it is nonetheless not working correctly, there could also be an issue with the drainpipe. To test the drainpipe, take away the drain flange and look contained in the pipe. If there may be any particles blocking the pipe, take away it and take a look at reassembling the drain once more.

Drawback Resolution
Drain is leaking Tighten the drain flange or change the rubber washer.
Drain is clogged Take away the strainer and clear out the particles.
Drain will not be draining correctly Verify the drainpipe for blockages.

Take a look at the Drain

Earlier than leaping right into a deep cleansing, it is important to check the drain and decide the severity of the clog. Listed below are the steps concerned in testing the drain:

  1. Take away the Drain Cowl: Use a screwdriver or pliers to take away the drain cowl. It will present entry to the drain opening.
  2. Fill the Drain with Water: Pour a cup or two of water into the drain. If the water drains shortly, the clog is probably going minor. Nevertheless, if the water stays stagnant or drains slowly, it signifies a extra important blockage.
  3. Hear for Gurgling Sounds: Whereas filling the drain with water, hear for any gurgling sounds coming from the pipes. Gurgling sounds point out a partial blockage or potential challenge within the plumbing system.
  4. Verify for Seen Blockages: Use a flashlight to examine the drain opening for any seen blockages, comparable to hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles. Eradicating these blockages might resolve the issue.
  5. Take a look at with a Plunger: If the water will not be draining correctly, strive utilizing a plunger to create a vacuum and dislodge the clog. Cowl the drain opening utterly with the plunger and vigorously plunge up and right down to create suction.
  6. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar: One other house treatment to check the drain is to pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, adopted by half a cup of white vinegar. Let the combination sit for quarter-hour, then flush with scorching water.
  7. Use a Drain Snake: If the plunger and baking soda methodology do not work, you’ll be able to strive utilizing a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain opening and slowly feed it down the pipe whereas turning the deal with to loosen the clog.
  8. Think about Skilled Assist: If all of the DIY strategies fail to unclog the drain, it is advisable to name an expert plumber to diagnose and clear the blockage successfully.
Clog Signs Possible Causes
Sluggish drainage Partial blockage, hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles
Stagnant water Main blockage, mineral deposits, or overseas objects
Gurgling sounds Partial blockage, air pockets, or plumbing points
Disagreeable odors Decaying natural matter, mildew, or mildew

Stop Future Clogs

Bathe drains can get clogged for a wide range of causes, however there are some things you are able to do to assist forestall future clogs.

1. Take away hair usually. Hair is among the commonest causes of bathe clogs. To stop hair from clogging your drain, take away it from the bathe drain cowl after every use. You may as well use a drain strainer to catch hair earlier than it will get into the drain.

2. Clear your drain usually. Drains needs to be cleaned usually to take away any buildup of cleaning soap, shampoo, and different merchandise. You possibly can clear your drain utilizing a industrial drain cleaner or by pouring a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain.

3. Use a drain protector. Drain protectors are units that match over the drain and catch hair and different particles earlier than it will get into the drain. Drain protectors can be found in a wide range of styles and sizes, so you could find one that matches your drain and your wants.

4. Do not pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil may cause clogs in your drain. As an alternative of pouring grease or oil down the drain, eliminate it in a container or by placing it within the trash.

5. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds in your drain. Harsh chemical compounds can harm your drain and trigger clogs. As an alternative of utilizing harsh chemical compounds, use a mild drain cleaner or a pure cleansing answer.

6. Usually test the drain for buildup. Over time, cleaning soap scum, hair, and different particles can construct up in your drain. To stop clogs, usually test the drain for buildup and take away any particles that you just discover.

7. Set up a rubbish disposal. A rubbish disposal might help to grind up meals waste and different particles earlier than it will get into your drain. Rubbish disposals might help to forestall clogs and hold your drain flowing easily.

8. Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a device that can be utilized to take away clogs out of your drain. Drain snakes can be found in a wide range of lengths and shapes, so you could find one that matches your drain and your wants.

9. Name a plumber. When you have a cussed clog that you may’t take away by yourself, it’s possible you’ll have to name a plumber. Plumbers have the instruments and expertise to take away even essentially the most cussed clogs.

10. Bathe drain upkeep schedule

Job Frequency
Take away hair from drain cowl After every use
Clear drain Month-to-month
Use drain protector As wanted
Do not pour grease or oil down the drain At all times
Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds in drain At all times
Usually test drain for buildup Month-to-month
Set up a rubbish disposal As wanted
Use a drain snake As wanted
Name a plumber As wanted

How one can Get a Bathe Drain Out

In case your bathe drain is clogged, it’s possible you’ll be questioning how you can get it out. There are a number of other ways to do that, relying on the severity of the clog. For minor clogs, you’ll be able to strive utilizing a drain cleaner. Nevertheless, if the clog is extra extreme, it’s possible you’ll have to take away the drain cowl and snake the drain.

To take away the drain cowl, you have to a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. As soon as the drain cowl is eliminated, you need to use a drain snake to clear the clog. A drain snake is an extended, versatile wire with a hook on the top. You possibly can insert the drain snake into the drain and use the hook to catch the clog. After getting caught the clog, you’ll be able to pull it out of the drain.

If you’re unable to take away the clog utilizing a drain cleaner or a drain snake, it’s possible you’ll have to name a plumber. A plumber can use a hydro jet to clear the clog. A hydro jet is a high-pressure water jet that may break up even essentially the most cussed clogs.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How one can Get a Bathe Drain Out

What are a few of the indicators of a clogged bathe drain?

Among the indicators of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Water draining slowly
  • Water backing up into the bathe
  • Unhealthy smells coming from the drain

What are a few of the causes of a clogged bathe drain?

Among the causes of a clogged bathe drain embrace:

  • Hair
  • Cleaning soap scum
  • Mineral deposits
  • Overseas objects