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Gather Tools and Materials — Prepare the Work Area

Beginner

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How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 1 of 7

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In this video

Gather all the necessary tools and materials for the job. You will need a 25-foot hand-operated drain snake, adjustable pliers, a small bowl or bucket to catch water, rags for cleanup, work gloves and protective glasses for safety, and a roll of Teflon tape for reassembly.

Goal: Prepare for the unclogging process by collecting all required items.

Used in this video

  • Drain Snake (brand: Not specified, Length: 25 feet, Flexibility: Flexible, Material: Metal, Handle Type: Crank) — To reach and clear the clog in the drain pipe.
  • Adjustable Pliers (brand: Not specified, Pliers_Type: Slip_joint) · optional — To help loosen or tighten pipe fittings if they are too tight to turn by hand.
  • Work Gloves (brand: Not specified, Gloves Material: Nitrile) — To protect hands from dirt, grime, and potential sharp edges.
  • Protective Glasses (brand: Not specified, Safety_Glasses_Type: Clear_lens) — To protect eyes from splashes of dirty water or debris.
  • Small Bowl (brand: Not specified, Material: Metal, Bucket Capacity: Small) — To catch water that will drain from the P-trap when it is opened.
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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.

Transcript
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household sinks as well. To begin, we'll need a 25-foot-hand snake from your local hardware store, adjustable pliers, a small bowl that fits under the piping, brags, work gloves, protective glasses, and teflon tape.

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