Step 3 · Disconnect the Old Assembly from Behind the Tub

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.

Locate and open the plumbing access panel, which is typically on the wall behind the faucet end of the tub. Using a flashlight, identify the waste and overflow assembly. It consists of the vertical overflow tube connected to the overflow opening and the drain shoe connected to the tub drain, which join at a sanitary tee. Use channel-lock pliers to loosen the two large slip nuts: one connecting the overflow tube to the tee, and one connecting the drain shoe to the tee. You may need a bucket to catch a small amount of residual water.