How to Remove a Tub Drain

How to Remove a Tub Drain With Basic Tools

The best substitute for a plug wrench is a set of needle-nose locking pliers. The pliers need to be small enough to reach into the drain and through the cross. Once the locking pliers are secured, you use a pair of standard pliers to turn the locking pliers and loosen the drain.

1. Remove the Tub Stopper or Screen

   Remove the drain stopper or screen to gain access to the tub's drain fitting. If the tub has a screen, simply pry underneath the screen with a small flathead screwdriver to pop it off. Tubs with screens usually have a bucket or plunger stopper assembly that stops the water inside the drain pipe.
   

2. Remove an Inset Tub Stopper (Alternative)

   If the tub has no screen, it likely will have a stopper set into the drain opening. The removal method depends on the stopper type.

   Stoppers that you open and close by moving the stopper itself usually unscrew from the drain or are secured with a setscrew.

   Stoppers that you operate with a lever on the overflow drain plate may have a metal rocker arm that extends through the horizontal portion of the tub drain pipe. Carefully pull the stopper and rocker arm from the drain.

3. Lock the Pliers on the Crossbars

   Insert a pair of locking needle-nose pliers into the drain opening as far as the jaws will go. Make sure the jaws are on opposite sides of the crossbars, over the center of the "X." Clamp the locking pliers so they grip the crossbars tightly.

   Tip

   Tub drains are stubborn, often due to corrosion, gunk, or hardened plumber's putty. So, go slowly and apply gentle heat to soften the putty.

4. Grip the Locking Pliers With the Standard Pliers

   Grip the locking pliers with a set of standard pliers, grabbing as low as possible on the locking pliers so that they do not interfere with the locking action.

5. Turn the Pliers

   Turn the pliers counterclockwise. Be patient and go slowly. After a few rotations, the tub drain should be loose enough that you can set aside the second set of pliers and turn the locking pliers by hand. ​

6. Clear the Drain Opening

   After the ring has been removed, press a small wad of paper towels or a rag into the drain hole. Carefully remove the ring of plumber's putty. Screw all of the putty away and rub the surface clean.

How to Remove a Tub Drain With a Plug Wrench

The best way to remove a tub drain is with a plug wrench. A plug wrench is a small wrench made of cast iron or steel that is milled to fit the crossbars of two or more different sizes of drains.

1. Remove the Drain With a Plug Wrench

   Insert the end of the plug wrench into the drain opening so the tines on the wrench fit onto the crossbars of the drain. Most plug wrenches have more than one size of head; use the head that makes the snuggest fit.
   

2. Turn the Plug Wrench

   Turn the plug wrench counterclockwise with a large adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers to loosen the drain. Unthread the drain all the way by hand once it is loose enough.

3. Clean the Drain Opening

   Use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife and a rag to remove the old ring of plumber's putty from around the drain opening. Try not to let the putty fall into the drain because it never breaks down and could start a clog.

Tips for Removing a Tub Drain

Use Heat

Heat helps to loosen old plumber's putty. If the tub is very cold, gently blow warm air from a heat gun or a hair drier over it for a few minutes to soften the putty before removing the drain.

Buy a Plug Wrench

If you expect to be removing your tub drain more than once, it will be worthwhile to purchase this inexpensive item. Also, because the head is form-fitted to the drain's cross, there is less chance of accidentally breaking off the cross.

Match the Tub Drain

If you're replacing the old tub drain with a new one, take the old piece to the store with you to be sure you get the right replacement part.

Use a Tub Drain Extractor Tool

If your drain doesn't have crossbars, you'll need to use a tool called a tub drain extractor. It has a conical shape and helical knurls that grip the metal wall on the inside of the drain fitting. You turn the extractor with an adjustable wrench.

When to Call a Professional

If you cannot easily turn the tub drain, it's best to call a plumber to avoid damaging the bathtub or the tub drain. You also risk the possibility of losing broken pieces down the trap. Unlike sink traps, which are easy to access and open up, shower traps are difficult to open up and access.