Unscrew the Drain Flange — Remove the Old Drain Flange
Part of project
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Since the standard crossbars of the drain are brittle and falling apart, a conventional drain wrench won't work. Firmly wedge the tip of the chisel or large flathead screwdriver into an opening within the drain, angling it so that you can apply rotational force. Carefully but forcefully, push the handle of the tool counter-clockwise to begin unscrewing the drain flange. Use steady, consistent pressure rather than sharp impacts to avoid damaging the tub. Continue this motion until the drain flange is completely unthreaded and can be lifted out.
Goal: Remove the Drain Flange
- The chisel may slip. Maintain a firm grip and be prepared for this to avoid scratching the tub surface.
- If you have trouble getting a good grip, you can try wedging the chisel in on opposite sides to work it back and forth slightly before attempting the full rotation.
Used in this video
- Chisel (brand: Unknown) — To act as a lever to apply rotational force to the drain flange.
841K subscribers
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.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Unscrew the Drain Flange — Remove the Old Drain Flange
Part of project
How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange · Step 3 of 7
In this video
Since the standard crossbars of the drain are brittle and falling apart, a conventional drain wrench won't work. Firmly wedge the tip of the chisel or large flathead screwdriver into an opening within the drain, angling it so that you can apply rotational force. Carefully but forcefully, push the handle of the tool counter-clockwise to begin unscrewing the drain flange. Use steady, consistent pressure rather than sharp impacts to avoid damaging the tub. Continue this motion until the drain flange is completely unthreaded and can be lifted out.
Goal: Remove the Drain Flange
- The chisel may slip. Maintain a firm grip and be prepared for this to avoid scratching the tub surface.
- If you have trouble getting a good grip, you can try wedging the chisel in on opposite sides to work it back and forth slightly before attempting the full rotation.
Used in this video
- Chisel (brand: Unknown) — To act as a lever to apply rotational force to the drain flange.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Video Transcript
(354 characters)Hide
Video Transcript
(354 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.