Disconnecting the Drain — Disconnect the Old Drain Assembly
Part of project
How to Replace a Bathtub Waste and Overflow Drain Assembly · Step 4 of 9
In this video
With the water shut off and a bucket in place, proceed to disconnect the sink's drain. The U-shaped pipe under the sink is the P-trap. It is connected by two large nuts called slip nuts. By hand, or with channel-lock pliers if tight, loosen the slip nut connecting the P-trap to the vertical pipe (tailpiece) coming down from the sink drain. Next, loosen the slip nut connecting the other end of the P-trap to the drain pipe in the wall. Carefully remove the P-trap and drain the water into the bucket.
Goal: Remove P-trap from sink and wall drain
- The water in the P-trap can be dirty. Wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
Used in this video
- Pliers (Pliers_Type: Channel-Lock) — Loosening the slip nuts on the P-trap if they are too tight to turn by hand.
- Bucket — Catching water from the P-trap.
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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.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Disconnecting the Drain — Disconnect the Old Drain Assembly
Part of project
How to Replace a Bathtub Waste and Overflow Drain Assembly · Step 4 of 9
In this video
With the water shut off and a bucket in place, proceed to disconnect the sink's drain. The U-shaped pipe under the sink is the P-trap. It is connected by two large nuts called slip nuts. By hand, or with channel-lock pliers if tight, loosen the slip nut connecting the P-trap to the vertical pipe (tailpiece) coming down from the sink drain. Next, loosen the slip nut connecting the other end of the P-trap to the drain pipe in the wall. Carefully remove the P-trap and drain the water into the bucket.
Goal: Remove P-trap from sink and wall drain
- The water in the P-trap can be dirty. Wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
Used in this video
- Pliers (Pliers_Type: Channel-Lock) — Loosening the slip nuts on the P-trap if they are too tight to turn by hand.
- Bucket — Catching water from the P-trap.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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Video Transcript
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