Final Assembly and Leak Test — Make Final Connections

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How to Replace a Bathtub Waste and Overflow Drain Assembly · Step 8 of 9

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Perform the final assembly. Slide the nuts and gaskets onto the pipes in the correct order. Connect the vertical tailpiece to the sink drain. Attach the bottle trap body. Insert the horizontal arm into the bottle trap and the wall plug. Hand-tighten all connections. Once everything is assembled, use a level to confirm the horizontal arm is still level. Screw the pop-up drain cap into place. Finally, turn on the faucet, fill the sink basin partially, and then release the pop-up stopper to test the entire system for leaks. Carefully check every joint and connection for drips.

Goal: Complete the installation and verify it is leak-free

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Level — Verifying the final installation is level.

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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.

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again make sure you take off take that nut and then tighten it as you go take the barrel unscrew the top screw nut and then insert it first insert the barrel and then you're going to be in this and now that you can see that now it is properly aligned with the drain hole just like what you see here now after that's done what you're going to do is now take off the barrel once again i know it's a lot of repetition gonna you're gonna end up doing but this is the proper way to do it take off the nut that's screwed onto the drain hole plug take now the your excess inch and a quarter pipe insert the drain gasket and then make sure you tighten the nut like what you see here we're gonna mark it just like we did last time we're gonna use our masking tape take off the drain nut take and then take it off once again fit it once again like what you see here tighten the barrel to the quarter inch pipe measure how far distance it is as you can see here i'm just pretty much rounding it to six inches

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