Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-19 Origin: Site
You can remove a bathtub drain at home if you know the type of drain in your tub. This job feels simple, but you need the right tools to avoid damage. Using pliers or the wrong tool might break the drain basket or crossbar. Here’s why picking the correct tool matters:
Pliers can break fragile drain parts, especially if the bathtub drain is old or rusted.
The wrong tool puts uneven pressure on the drain, making it harder to remove and possibly leading to expensive repairs.
A tub drain wrench fits perfectly, making it easier to remove a bathtub drain safely.
Get ready to remove that drain with care, and your bathtub will thank you!
Identify your bathtub drain type before starting to choose the right tools and steps.
Use proper tools like a tub drain wrench to avoid damaging the drain or tub.
Follow specific removal steps for each drain type to make the process easier and safer.
Clean the drain and stopper after removal to prevent clogs and keep your tub working well.
Call a plumber if the drain is stuck, corroded, or if you notice leaks or strong odors.
Before you start to remove the drain from your bathtub, you need to know what kind of tub drain you have. Each type has its own stopper mechanism, and knowing which one you have will help you choose the right tools and steps.
You’ll find several common tub drain types in most homes. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot yours:
Type | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Lift-and-Turn | Twist the stopper to open or close | Durable, affordable | Can be tricky to remove |
Push-and-Pull | Pull up or push down the stopper | Simple, reliable | Removal can be tough |
Toe-Touch | Press with your toe to open or close | Easy to use | Spring may wear out |
Trip Lever | Uses a lever on the overflow plate | No need to reach down | Upkeep can be tricky |
Pop-Up | Lever on overflow plate moves the stopper | Convenient | Cleaning can be hard |
Removable | Lifts out easily by hand | Easy to remove and clean | May not fit all drains |
You might also see cable drains, straight drains, or tower drains, especially in older or freestanding bathtubs. Most modern tubs use one of the types listed above.
Tip: If you see a lever on the overflow plate, you probably have a trip lever or pop-up drain. If you don’t, check if the stopper twists, pulls, or pushes.
You can figure out your stopper type with a few simple checks:
Look at the drain opening. Is there a visible stopper you can twist, pull, or push? If yes, you likely have a lift-and-turn, push-and-pull, or toe-touch stopper.
If you see a lever on the overflow plate, try moving it. If the stopper moves up or down, you have a trip lever or pop-up drain.
Some stoppers, like the flip-it or removable type, lift out easily by hand. Try gently pulling up on the stopper to see if it comes out.
Notice the material. Plastic drains are usually easier to remove, while brass or copper drains may look fancier but can be harder to work with, especially if glued in place.
If you’re still unsure, take a photo of your tub drain and compare it to the table above. Knowing your stopper type will make the next steps much easier and help you avoid damage when you remove the drain.
Getting ready to tackle your bathtub drain? You need the right tools for a smooth removal. Let’s break down what you’ll want in your toolkit and how to stay safe during the process.
You don’t need a plumber’s truck to get started. Most bathtub drain jobs only require a few basic tools. Here’s what you should grab before you begin:
Flathead screwdriver: Use this to pry up stoppers or loosen screws.
Philips screwdriver: Handy for trip lever drains and some stopper screws.
Needle-nose pliers: Great for gripping small parts inside the drain.
Channel-lock pliers: These help you twist off tight drain covers.
Adjustable wrench: Useful for loosening nuts and bolts.
Drain wrench or drain key: This tool fits inside the drain and helps you unscrew it, especially if you see crossbars.
Tub drain extractor: If your drain doesn’t have crossbars, this tool grips the inside for easy removal.
Drain removal pliers: These give you extra grip if the drain is stuck.
For some stoppers, you can use your hands. Pop-up stoppers often lift out after you flip the trip lever. Toe-touch drains may need a twist with pliers if they’re tight. Push-pull drains sometimes require pliers to hold the knob while you unscrew the body. Lift-and-turn drains usually need a screwdriver or hex key to remove the set screw before you twist off the stopper.
If you run into stubborn putty, a hairdryer or heat gun can soften plumber's putty around the drain. This makes it easier to break the seal and remove the drain without damaging your bathtub or wash basin.
Tip: If you want a one-stop solution for bathroom projects, I recommend checking out Contop. We offer everything from bathtubs to wash basins, so you can find the right products and tools for your next job.
Sometimes you need a little extra help, especially if the drain is old or corroded. Professional plumbers use specialized tools like the Smart Dumbell Drain Tool and the Drain Key. These grip the drain from the inside and work with a crescent wrench for tough jobs. They’re corrosion-resistant and work on many drain types, but you probably won’t find them in a standard household toolkit.
Safety matters, especially if you use chemical cleaners before or after drain removal. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Wear thick rubber or nitrile gloves that cover your wrists.
Put on safety goggles with side shields.
Use a mask if you notice fumes.
Open windows and doors for good airflow.
Keep kids and pets away from your workspace.
Follow instructions on chemical cleaners and never mix different products.
Remove standing water and any covers before applying cleaner.
Flush the drain with water after using chemicals.
Store cleaners safely when you finish.
Remember, plumber's putty can cause skin irritation if you touch it directly. Always wash your hands after handling putty or any chemical cleaner.
If you need quality products for your bathroom, Contop supplies Watermark-certified solutions trusted by builders in Australia and New Zealand. Our customers say our products make DIY projects easier and safer.
Ready to get started? Gather your tools, check your drain, and make sure you have plumber's putty on hand for a clean finish.
Ready to tackle your tub drain? Let’s walk through how to remove each common type of drain. You’ll find that each style has its own quirks, so knowing your stopper type makes the job much easier. If you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to call a plumber—sometimes a professional touch saves time and prevents damage.
A lift-and-turn drain uses a stopper that twists to open or close. Here’s how you can remove it:
Twist the stopper to the open position.
Look for a small set screw under the knob or on the shaft. You might need a flathead or Phillips screwdriver.
Loosen the screw. Don’t remove it completely—just enough so you can lift the stopper.
Pull the stopper straight up. If it feels stuck, gently pry it with a flathead screwdriver.
Check for debris or hair in the drain. Use needle-nose pliers to pull out anything you find.
Clean the stopper with a rag and dry it before you put it back or replace it.
Tip: If the stopper won’t budge, try applying a little lubricant around the base. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try again.
Push-pull drains look similar to lift-and-turn, but you push down to close and pull up to open. Here’s what you do:
Pull the stopper up to the open position.
Hold the stopper body and turn the knob counterclockwise. This should unscrew the knob from the shaft.
Once the knob is off, unscrew the stopper body from the drain.
Remove any hair or debris from the drain opening.
Clean the stopper and inspect the rubber washer. Replace it if it looks worn.
If the stopper feels stuck, use a pair of pliers with a cloth to protect the finish. Don’t force it—if it won’t move, a plumber can help avoid damage.
Toe-touch drains open and close with a gentle press of your toe. Here’s how to remove this type:
Press the stopper down so it’s closed.
Try to unscrew the thin top cap by hand. If it’s tight, use a cloth and pliers for extra grip.
Hold the shaft steady with needle-nose pliers while you turn the cap.
Once the cap comes off, you’ll see a large screw. Unscrew it with a screwdriver.
Lift out the rest of the stopper.
Check the sealing washer. Replace it if needed, then reassemble or install a new stopper.
Note: If the cap spins and won’t come off, you can drill small holes in the cap and shaft, insert nails, and use them as a pin spanner to twist the cap off. Be careful not to drill too deep.
If you notice rust or the parts feel stuck, apply a little penetrating oil and let it sit. Heat from a hairdryer can also soften old plumber’s putty, making removal easier.
Trip lever drains use a lever on the overflow plate to control the stopper. Here’s how you can remove this style:
Unscrew the overflow plate with a Phillips screwdriver.
Gently pull the plate and attached linkage out of the overflow hole.
The stopper (often a plunger or pop-up) will come out with the linkage.
Clean the stopper and linkage. Remove any hair or buildup.
Inspect the gasket behind the overflow plate. Replace it if it looks worn or damaged.
Caution: The overflow gasket creates a watertight seal. If you damage it during removal, replace it to prevent leaks behind your bathtub.
If the linkage feels stuck, wiggle it gently. Never force it—if it won’t move, a plumber can help prevent damage to your plumbing.
Pop-up drains often work with a lever on the overflow plate. Here’s how to remove one:
Move the lever to the open position.
Pull up on the stopper. Some pop-up stoppers lift out easily; others have a screw underneath.
If there’s a screw, remove it with a screwdriver.
Take out the stopper and clean any debris from the drain.
Check the linkage inside the overflow. Remove it if you need to clean or replace it.
If the stopper won’t come out, check for mineral buildup or corrosion. Apply lubricant or use a drain extractor tool if needed.
If you need a replacement stopper or drain fitting, I recommend checking out Contop’s selection. Our Watermark-certified products fit most modern tubs and make installation easy.
Sometimes, a tub drain just won’t budge. Here’s what you can try:
Apply penetrating oil to rusted or stuck parts. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a hairdryer to heat and soften old plumber’s putty.
Insert a drain wrench into the crossbars and turn counterclockwise.
If your drain doesn’t have crossbars, use a tub drain extractor tool.
For older bathtubs, you may need to use a chisel and hammer to loosen the drain. This method risks damaging the drain flange, so proceed with caution.
If you see standing water that won’t drain, hear gurgling sounds, or notice strong odors, you might have a deeper plumbing issue. These signs mean it’s time to call a plumber.
You can handle most tub drain removal jobs yourself, but sometimes you need a professional. Call a plumber if:
The drain is fused to the tub and won’t move, even after using oil and heat.
You see visible corrosion, cracks, or collapsed pipe sections.
Water drains slowly in multiple fixtures, or you hear gurgling noises.
You notice strong sewage odors or water backing up in other drains.
Hiring a plumber usually costs between $100 and $300, depending on your location and the complexity of the job. While DIY saves money, improper removal can cause leaks, water damage, or even legal issues if you damage the plumbing system. Plumbers have the right tools and experience to remove a bathtub drain safely and prevent costly repairs.
Remember: Never force a drain or use excessive pressure. This can break the drain, damage the tub, or cause leaks behind the wall. Always replace worn gaskets and use plumber’s putty correctly to keep your bathtub watertight.
If you need quality replacement parts or tools, Contop offers a full range of Watermark-certified tub drain kits and accessories. Our products are trusted by builders across Australia and New Zealand, so you can feel confident in your DIY project.
You might find your drain stuck or rusted, especially if you have an older tub drain or if you rarely clean it. Hair, soap, and hard water can cause clogs that make the stopper hard to move. Sometimes, rust forms on metal parts, making it tough to remove the drain or stopper. If you try to unclog a drain and it still feels stuck, use a drain wrench or extractor tool. Apply a little penetrating oil around the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps loosen rust and makes it easier to remove the drain. If you see stripped threads or cracks in the drain assembly, you may need to call a plumber. For severe clogs or drains that will not budge, a plumber can safely remove the drain without damaging your tub.
Tip: Never force a stuck drain. Too much pressure can crack the drain shoe or damage the tub.
After you remove the tub drain, take time to clean and inspect everything. Use needle-nose pliers to pull out hair or debris. Wipe the drain opening and stopper with a damp cloth. For stubborn buildup, try an enzyme-based cleaner. These products break down hair and organic matter without harming your pipes. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the drain and are not safe for regular use. Regular cleaning helps prevent clogs and keeps your drain working well. You can also use a hair trap to stop hair from going down the drain in the future.
Cleaning Step | What to Do |
---|---|
Remove debris | Pull out hair and gunk by hand |
Wipe surfaces | Use a damp cloth or sponge |
Use enzyme cleaner | Pour as directed, let it work |
Rinse thoroughly | Flush with warm water |
Regular cleaning every six months keeps your tub drain clear and helps you avoid future problems.
Sometimes, cleaning or repairs are not enough. You should replace the drain if you notice any of these signs:
Persistent slow drainage, even after you unclog a drain
Frequent clogs that keep coming back
Leaks around the drain or at the base of the tub
Rust, corrosion, or cracks in the drain assembly
Foul odors or strange noises from the drain
Difficulty moving the stopper or lever
Physical damage, like a cracked drain shoe, often happens from cross-threading or repeated removal. This damage can cause leaks and means you need a new drain. If you see any of these problems, replacing the drain is the best way to protect your bathroom from water damage.
If you need a new drain or stopper, Contop offers Watermark-certified products trusted by builders across Australia and New Zealand. You can find the right fit for your tub drain and enjoy peace of mind.
You can remove a bathtub drain with confidence when you know what type you have and use the right tools. Here’s a quick recap to help you succeed:
Clear your workspace and make sure you have good lighting before you start.
Identify your drain type so you can follow the correct removal steps.
Use the right tools and gentle force to avoid damaging the drain or tub.
Clean the drain area after removal to prevent future clogs.
If the drain feels stuck or you worry about damage, call a plumber for help.
Taking your time and following each step keeps your bathroom safe and your drain working well.
Look at the stopper. If it twists, pulls, or pushes, you have a lift-and-turn, push-pull, or toe-touch drain. If you see a lever on the overflow plate, it’s likely a trip lever or pop-up drain.
Try applying penetrating oil around the drain. Wait a few minutes. Use a drain wrench or extractor tool. If it still won’t move, call a plumber to avoid damaging your tub.
You can remove some drains by hand or with basic tools like pliers and screwdrivers. For stubborn or old drains, a drain wrench or extractor works best. Using the right tool helps prevent damage.
Clean your bathtub drain every six months. Remove hair and debris regularly. This keeps water flowing and helps prevent clogs. Using a hair trap also makes cleaning easier.
You can find Watermark-certified bathtub drains and accessories at Contop. Builders across Australia and New Zealand trust Contop for reliable, easy-to-install bathroom products.
Ready to upgrade? Contact Contop for expert advice and fast service!