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Remove Old Overflow Plate — Remove Overflow Cover and Stopper Linkage

Beginner

Part of project

How to Replace a Bathtub Waste and Overflow Drain Assembly · Step 2 of 9

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In this video

Begin by removing the old overflow plate. Using a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the two visible screws holding the plate to the tub wall. Loosen them completely and pull them out. Then, gently pull the old plate away from the tub to remove it.

Goal: Remove the existing overflow plate

  • Be careful not to drop the screws down the drain once they are loose.

Used in this video

  • Flathead Screwdriver (brand: Kobalt, Tool Type: Hand tools, Power Source: Manual) — Unscrewing the old overflow plate screws
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FAQs

How long should I expect this bathtub drain replacement project to take, especially if I'm a beginner?

For a beginner, plan to dedicate 3-5 hours for this project, including preparation and clean-up. Accessing the old drain and ensuring proper sealing of the new one can take time, so don't rush the process to avoid potential leaks later on.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make that lead to leaks after installing a new bathtub waste and overflow?

The primary cause of leaks is inadequate sealing. Ensure you apply a generous amount of plumber's putty (like Oatey 14 oz. Plumber's Putty) under the drain flange and correctly position and tighten the overflow gasket. Always perform a thorough leak test before re-enclosing any access panels.

Do I need special tools to remove a stuck or corroded old drain flange, or will standard tools suffice?

While a screwdriver and tongue-and-groove pliers (Channellock 430/440) are often sufficient, a severely corroded flange might require a specialized drain wrench or carefully using a hacksaw (Husky 10 in. Close Quarters Hacksaw) to cut the crossbars. Avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the tub's finish.

What are the most important safety precautions I should take during this bathtub drain replacement?

Always turn off the water supply to the bathtub before starting to prevent accidental flooding. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, and ensure good ventilation if using plumber's putty or sealants. A drop cloth (TRIMACO Stay Put Canvas Plus) will protect your bathroom floor and catch any spills.

Transcript
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of these screws there okay so our strategy here is simple this new overflow plate comes with a plate and a bracket and one single new screw nice shiny screw so what we do with this is we take the two screws out of that plate and then we reattach the two screws using this little plate here so one screw goes on either side and once this plate is attached you then run this single screw here through the plate here through that bracket so now you're you're down to only one screw being visible so let's do that it's real simple here in fact at the risk of insulting cavemen it's so easy a caveman can do it so there we go the old plate is off and you'll notice they never calp down on the top they

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.