Skip to main content

Install New Sink Flange — Prepare the New Drain Flange

Beginner

Part of project

How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 5 of 7

Helpful?

In this video

Take a generous amount of plumber's putty and roll it between your hands to form a rope about 1/2 inch thick. Wrap this putty rope around the underside of the new sink flange. Place the flange into the drain opening from the top of the sink and press down firmly and evenly to create an initial seal. Place a heavy object on the flange to keep it in place.

Goal: Create a waterproof seal for the new drain flange

10.3K views1945 minutes
Helpful DIY

841K subscribers

View Channel

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
Hide

going to go on. Grab ourselves some bodys plumber putty. Nice and pliable. Get yourself hooked up all the way around. Flatten it out. I'm going to have some lap over on this. And it's going to be especially with the disposal. It's not going to matter so much because the way this ring tightens down, it's actually going to squirt this out all over the place. So just get it nice and flatten down. Just get that lined up straight. Give it a good push. I like to take something a little

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.