How to Fix a Leaky Drain in Your Bathtub (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How To Fix a Leaky Drain in the Bathtub

A leaky bathtub drain can be a major nuisance, not to mention a potential health hazard. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also waste water and lead to mold and mildew growth. If you’re dealing with a leaky bathtub drain, 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 on how to fix a leaky bathtub drain. We’ll cover everything from identifying the source of the leak to replacing the drain assembly. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to get your bathtub drain back in working order in no time.

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the bathtub. | Adjustable wrench |
| 2 | Remove the drain cover. | Pliers |
| 3 | Clean the drain with a plunger or a drain snake. | Plunger or drain snake |
| 4 | Apply plumber’s putty around the drain flange. | Plumber’s putty |
| 5 | Replace the drain cover. | Adjustable wrench |

How to Fix a Leaky Drain in the Bathtub?

A leaky bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, and it can also lead to water damage if it’s not fixed quickly. Fortunately, fixing a leaky drain is usually a relatively simple DIY project.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of identifying the source of the leak, draining the bathtub, and replacing the drain. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

The first step to fixing a leaky drain is to identify the source of the leak. This can be done by following the water trail. If the water is coming from the drain itself, you’ll need to replace the drain. If the water is coming from behind the drain, you’ll need to fix the leak behind the wall.

To identify the source of the leak, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the bathtub faucet and let the water run for a few minutes.
2. Look around the drain for any signs of water damage, such as wet tiles or drywall.
3. Listen for any dripping sounds coming from behind the wall.
4. If you can’t find the source of the leak, you may need to call a plumber.

Draining the Bathtub

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, you’ll need to drain the bathtub. This will make it easier to access the drain and replace it if necessary.

To drain the bathtub, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Remove the stopper from the drain.
3. Place a bucket under the drain to catch the water.
4. Use a plunger to clear any clogs in the drain.
5. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and let it run for a few minutes to make sure the drain is clear.

Replacing the Drain

If the drain is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. To do this, you’ll need to remove the old drain and install a new one.

To replace the drain, follow these steps:

1. Remove the old drain by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place.
2. Clean the drain opening with a brush and some hot water.
3. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the edge of the new drain.
4. Insert the new drain into the drain opening and tighten the nuts.
5. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and let it run for a few minutes to make sure the drain is working properly.

Preventing Future Leaks

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

  • Use a high-quality drain stopper.
  • Clean the drain regularly to prevent clogs.
  • Don’t pour grease or other chemicals down the drain.
  • If you notice a leak, fix it right away.

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

A leaky bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience, but it’s usually a relatively simple DIY project to fix. By following the steps in this guide, you can have your leaky drain repaired in no time.

Here are some additional tips for fixing a leaky drain:

  • If you’re not comfortable working with plumbing, you can call a plumber to fix the leak for you.
  • Make sure to use the right tools and materials for the job.
  • Follow the instructions carefully to avoid making any mistakes.
  • Test the drain after you’re finished to make sure it’s working properly.

By following these tips, you can easily fix a leaky bathtub drain and keep your bathroom water-free.

Replacing the Drain Pipe

If the drain pipe is leaking, you will need to replace it. This is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic plumbing skills.

Materials:

  • New drain pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Tape measure
  • Bucket
  • Penetrating oil

Steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Remove the drain cover.
3. Locate the drain pipe. It is usually located in the center of the bathtub, underneath the drain cover.
4. Use a hacksaw to cut the old drain pipe. Be careful not to damage the surrounding pipes.
5. Slide the new drain pipe into place.
6. Connect the new drain pipe to the existing pipes using an adjustable wrench.
7. Apply plumber’s putty around the connection between the new drain pipe and the existing pipes.
8. Replace the drain cover.
9. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub.
10. Test the drain to make sure that it is no longer leaking.

Tips:

  • If the drain pipe is corroded, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it before you can cut it.
  • Be careful not to damage the surrounding pipes when you are cutting the old drain pipe.
  • Make sure that the new drain pipe is the same size as the old drain pipe.
  • Apply a generous amount of plumber’s putty around the connection between the new drain pipe and the existing pipes. This will help to seal the joint and prevent leaks.
  • Test the drain to make sure that it is no longer leaking.

Testing the Drain

Once you have replaced the drain pipe, you will need to test it to make sure that it is no longer leaking. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Allow the bathtub to fill up until the water is about halfway up the drain.
3. Watch the drain to make sure that there are no leaks.
4. If there are no leaks, the drain has been successfully replaced.

If you do see any leaks, you will need to troubleshoot the problem and find the source of the leak. Once you have found the source of the leak, you can repair it and then test the drain again.

How do I fix a leaky drain in my bathtub?

1. Identify the source of the leak. The first step is to find out where the leak is coming from. This can be done by turning on the water and looking for any signs of water coming from the drain. If you can’t see any water, you can also try putting a bucket under the drain and turning on the water. If the bucket fills up, you know that the leak is coming from the drain.
2. Remove the drain cover. Once you’ve located the leak, you’ll need to remove the drain cover so you can access the drain itself. This is usually done by unscrewing the cover or by prying it off.
3. Inspect the drain. Once you have access to the drain, you can inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, holes, or other signs of wear and tear. If you find any damage, you’ll need to repair it before you can fix the leak.
4. Apply a sealant. If the drain is not damaged, you can simply apply a sealant around the edges of the drain to prevent water from leaking out. Be sure to use a sealant that is specifically designed for use around drains.
5. Replace the drain cover. Once the sealant has dried, you can replace the drain cover. Be sure to tighten the screws or clamps securely so that the cover doesn’t come loose.

What are some common causes of leaky bathtub drains?

There are a few common causes of leaky bathtub drains, including:

  • Damaged drain pipes. The drain pipes in your bathtub can become damaged over time due to wear and tear. This can cause leaks, especially if the pipes are cracked or corroded.
  • Clogged drain traps. The drain trap in your bathtub is designed to catch hair, soap scum, and other debris. If the drain trap becomes clogged, it can prevent water from draining properly and cause a leak.
  • Loose or damaged drain fittings. The drain fittings in your bathtub can become loose or damaged over time, which can also cause leaks.

How can I prevent a leaky bathtub drain?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a leaky bathtub drain, including:

  • Inspect your drain pipes regularly for damage. If you see any cracks, holes, or other signs of wear and tear, have the pipes repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
  • Clean your drain trap regularly. The drain trap in your bathtub is a great place for hair, soap scum, and other debris to build up. To prevent a clog, be sure to clean the drain trap regularly.
  • Tighten the drain fittings regularly. The drain fittings in your bathtub can become loose over time, which can allow water to leak out. To prevent this, be sure to tighten the fittings regularly.

What should I do if I can’t fix the leak myself?

If you can’t fix the leak yourself, you should call a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the source of the leak and fix it properly.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to fix a leaky drain in the bathtub. We have covered the causes of a leaky drain, the tools and materials you will need, and the steps involved in the repair process. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your leaky drain.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The most common cause of a leaky drain is a clog. If you have a clogged drain, you can try to clear it using a plunger or a drain snake. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
  • Other causes of a leaky drain include a broken drain pipe, a damaged drain seal, or a loose drain flange. If you suspect that your drain is leaking due to one of these issues, you will need to have a plumber repair or replace the damaged part.
  • To fix a leaky drain, you will need to remove the drain cover, clean the drain, and replace the drain seal. If you are unable to do this yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your leaky drain.

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.