Reinstall Drain Flange and Test for Leaks — Install the New Drain Flange and Shoe
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 5 of 8
In this video
Return to the inside of the bathtub. For the best seal, apply a thin rope of plumber's putty to the underside of the drain flange rim. Carefully align the drain flange with the drain shoe below and begin threading it in clockwise by hand. Once it's snug, use your pliers or drain wrench to tighten it fully. Be careful not to overtighten and crack the tub or strip the threads. Clean away any excess plumber's putty that squeezes out. Reinstall the drain stopper. Finally, fill the tub with water again and drain it while checking underneath for any leaks to confirm the repair was successful.
Goal: Complete Repair and Verify
Used in this video
- Pliers (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Pliers_Type: Needle-Nose Pliers) — To grip the crossbars of the drain flange and tighten it.
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FAQs
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Reinstall Drain Flange and Test for Leaks — Install the New Drain Flange and Shoe
Part of project
How to Replace a Pop-up Bathtub Drain and Overflow Assembly · Step 5 of 8
In this video
Return to the inside of the bathtub. For the best seal, apply a thin rope of plumber's putty to the underside of the drain flange rim. Carefully align the drain flange with the drain shoe below and begin threading it in clockwise by hand. Once it's snug, use your pliers or drain wrench to tighten it fully. Be careful not to overtighten and crack the tub or strip the threads. Clean away any excess plumber's putty that squeezes out. Reinstall the drain stopper. Finally, fill the tub with water again and drain it while checking underneath for any leaks to confirm the repair was successful.
Goal: Complete Repair and Verify
Used in this video
- Pliers (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Pliers_Type: Needle-Nose Pliers) — To grip the crossbars of the drain flange and tighten it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most challenging part for a beginner, and how can I prepare for it?
The trickiest part for a beginner is often accessing the plumbing behind the tub, especially if space is tight or an access panel isn't readily available. Ensure you have ample lighting, like the NITECORE flashlight, and be prepared for potentially corroded or seized old components which might require extra patience and leverage from Channellock pliers.
How important is using plumber's putty, and are there alternatives for sealing the drain flange?
Plumber's putty is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the drain flange and the tub surface, effectively preventing leaks. Apply a generous, continuous bead under the flange before seating it. While silicone sealant can also be used, plumber's putty allows for easier future removal if necessary.
The project says 5 hours, but what if my old drain is severely corroded or stuck?
Heavily corroded or seized drain components can indeed extend the project time beyond the estimated 5 hours. Have penetrating oil on hand to help loosen stubborn threads and allow it to sit. You might also need a hacksaw, like the Husky Close Quarters Hacksaw, to cut away old components if they cannot be unscrewed.
Do I need to turn off my home's main water supply before starting this project?
While you are not directly working on pressurized water lines that require the main supply to be off, it's a wise safety precaution to do so. This minimizes the risk of accidental water damage if a pipe is inadvertently compromised or if you want to prevent water from inadvertently entering the tub during the process. It also helps manage any residual water in the pipes.
Video Transcript
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Video Transcript
(183 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.