How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Drain in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Bathtub Queries

A leaking bathtub drain can be a major nuisance, not to mention a waste of water. But don’t despair – fixing it is usually a simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a leaking bathtub drain, from identifying the source of the leak to replacing the drain itself. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks.

So if you’re ready to get started, let’s get to it!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. Pliers, screwdriver, bucket Locate the water supply valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to the off position. Place a bucket under the drain to catch any water that may spill out.
2. Remove the drain cover. Pliers Use the pliers to grip the drain cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose.
3. Clean the drain. Plunger, drain cleaner Use a plunger to clear any debris from the drain. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the product label.
4. Replace the drain cover. Pliers Line the drain with plumber’s putty and replace the drain cover. Use the pliers to grip the drain cover and twist it clockwise until it is tight.
5. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub. None Turn the water supply valve back to the on position.

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain

A leaking bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, not to mention a potential hazard. If you’re dealing with a leaky drain, it’s important to take action to fix it as soon as possible. A leak can cause water damage to your bathroom, and it can also lead to mold and mildew growth.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify the source of the leak and how to stop it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leaking bathtub drain is to identify the source of the leak. Here are a few things you can look for:

  • Look for signs of water damage around the drain. This could include dampness, mold, or mildew.
  • Listen for the sound of running water from the drain. If you can hear water running even when the faucet is turned off, there’s a good chance that there’s a leak.
  • Feel around the drain for any leaks. If you feel water coming from the drain, even when the faucet is turned off, you’ve found the source of the leak.

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, you can move on to the next step: stopping the leak.

Stopping the Leak

To stop a leaking bathtub drain, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the bathtub and remove the drain cover. Once you have access to the drain, you can inspect it for damage.

Here are a few common causes of bathtub drain leaks:

  • Damaged drain pipes. If the drain pipes are damaged, they may be leaking water. You can check for damage by looking for cracks or leaks in the pipes.
  • Clogged drain traps. A clogged drain trap can prevent water from draining properly, which can lead to leaks. You can check for a clogged drain trap by removing the drain cover and looking inside the trap. If you see a lot of debris, you’ll need to clean out the trap.
  • Loose drain fittings. If the drain fittings are loose, they may be leaking water. You can check for loose fittings by looking for leaks around the drain. If you find any loose fittings, you’ll need to tighten them.

Once you’ve identified the cause of the leak, you can fix it. Here are the steps to take to stop a leaking bathtub drain:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Remove the drain cover.
3. Inspect the drain for damage.
4. Replace any damaged parts.
5. Apply a sealant around the drain to prevent future leaks.

Preventing Future Leaks

Once you’ve fixed the leak, you can take steps to prevent future leaks. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep the drain clean. A clogged drain trap can prevent water from draining properly, which can lead to leaks. Make sure to clean the drain trap regularly to prevent this from happening.
  • Inspect the drain regularly. Check the drain for leaks regularly, and fix any leaks as soon as possible.
  • Use a sealant around the drain. Applying a sealant around the drain can help to prevent leaks.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your bathtub drain from leaking.

A leaking bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, but it’s a problem that you can fix yourself. By following the steps in this guide, you can identify the source of the leak and stop it. You can also take steps to prevent future leaks.

If you’re having trouble fixing the leak yourself, you can always call a plumber for help.

How To Fix a Leaking Bathtub Drain

A leaking bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, as it can waste water and lead to mold and mildew growth. Fortunately, fixing a leaking bathtub drain is usually a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.

Here are the steps on how to fix a leaking bathtub drain:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. This can usually be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the drain cover. This is usually a round or oval-shaped cover that is held in place by a screw or two.
3. Inspect the drain. Look for any cracks, damage, or debris that may be causing the leak.
4. Clean the drain. Use a plunger or a drain snake to clear any clogs that may be preventing the drain from draining properly.
5. Replace the drain cover. Make sure the drain cover is properly seated and tightened.
6. Turn the water supply back on. Test the drain to make sure the leak is fixed.

If you are unable to fix the leak yourself, you may need to call a professional plumber.

Preventing Future Leaks

There are a few things you can do to prevent future leaks from occurring:

  • Keep the drain clean and free of debris. A clogged drain can prevent water from draining properly, which can lead to leaks. Be sure to clean the drain regularly with a plunger or a drain snake.
  • Use a drain strainer to catch hair and other small objects. A drain strainer can help to prevent hair and other small objects from clogging the drain, which can also lead to leaks.
  • Replace the drain cover when it is damaged or worn out. A damaged or worn-out drain cover can allow water to seep out of the drain, which can lead to leaks.

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent future leaks from occurring.

Calling a Professional

If you are unable to fix the leak yourself, you may need to call a professional plumber. A plumber can identify and fix the leak quickly and efficiently.

When calling a plumber, be sure to:

  • Get multiple quotes from different plumbers.
  • Ask about the plumber’s experience and qualifications.
  • Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured.
  • Get a written estimate of the cost of the repairs.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you get the best possible service for your money.

A leaking bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, but it is usually a simple fix that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily fix a leaking bathtub drain and prevent future leaks from occurring.

How do I fix a leaking bathtub drain?

There are a few different ways to fix a leaking bathtub drain. The best way to determine the best course of action is to first identify the source of the leak.

  • If the leak is coming from the drain itself, you can try tightening the drain plug or replacing the drain gasket. To tighten the drain plug, simply turn it clockwise until it is snug. If the drain gasket is damaged or worn out, you will need to replace it. To do this, first remove the old gasket by unscrewing it from the drain. Then, apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the new gasket and press it into place.
  • If the leak is coming from the drain pipe, you will need to remove the drain trap and inspect the pipe for damage. To remove the drain trap, first turn off the water supply to the bathtub. Then, locate the drain trap under the bathtub. It is usually a U-shaped pipe located near the bottom of the bathtub. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the drain trap to the drain pipe. Once the nuts are loosened, you can remove the drain trap. Inspect the pipe for cracks or damage. If the pipe is damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, cut out the damaged section of pipe and install a new section of pipe. Be sure to use a pipe sealant to prevent leaks.
  • If the leak is coming from the shower arm, you will need to tighten the shower arm nut. To tighten the shower arm nut, use a wrench to turn it clockwise until it is snug.

Once you have identified and repaired the source of the leak, you should be able to stop the leak from occurring.

What are the signs of a leaking bathtub drain?

There are a few signs that indicate that your bathtub drain may be leaking. These include:

  • Water pooling around the bathtub drain. This is a clear sign that there is a leak somewhere in the drain system.
  • A musty smell coming from the bathtub drain. This is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in the drain.
  • A gurgling sound coming from the bathtub drain. This sound is caused by air being forced through the drain when water is flowing through it.
  • A slow draining bathtub. If your bathtub is taking longer than usual to drain, it may be a sign that there is a clog in the drain or that the drain is leaking.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have the drain inspected and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking bathtub drain?

The cost of fixing a leaking bathtub drain will vary depending on the severity of the leak and the materials and labor costs involved. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from \$50 to \$200 for the parts and labor. However, if the leak is caused by a damaged drain pipe, the cost of repairs could be significantly higher.

It is important to get multiple quotes from different plumbers before you decide who to hire. This will help you get the best possible price for the job.

How long does it take to fix a leaking bathtub drain?

The length of time it takes to fix a leaking bathtub drain will vary depending on the severity of the leak and the availability of the plumber. In general, you can expect the repairs to take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

It is important to note that if the leak is caused by a damaged drain pipe, the repairs could take longer. This is because the plumber will need to remove the old pipe and install a new one.

What can I do to prevent a leaking bathtub drain?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent a leaking bathtub drain. These include:

  • Keep the drain clean. A clogged drain can put extra strain on the drain system, which can lead to leaks. Be sure to clean the drain regularly to prevent clogs.
  • Use a drain stopper. A drain stopper can help to prevent water from backing up into the bathtub. This can help to prevent leaks from occurring.
  • Inspect the drain regularly. It is important to inspect the drain regularly for signs of damage or leaks. If you notice any damage, have the drain repaired as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent a leaking bathtub drain.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a leaking bathtub drain. We have covered the causes of bathtub leaks, the steps involved in diagnosing the leak, and the different methods for repairing the leak. We have also provided tips for preventing future leaks.

If you are experiencing a leaking bathtub drain, we hope that this article has helped you to identify the problem and find a solution. If you are not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, we recommend that you hire a professional plumber.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • The most common causes of bathtub leaks are a loose or damaged drain flange, a cracked drain pipe, or a clogged drain.
  • To diagnose a bathtub leak, you will need to look for signs of water damage, listen for the sound of running water, and feel for warm water around the drain.
  • The most common methods for repairing a leaking bathtub drain are tightening the drain flange, replacing the drain pipe, and clearing the drain clog.
  • You can prevent future bathtub leaks by regularly inspecting the drain for signs of wear and tear, and by clearing the drain clogs as soon as they occur.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.