Stop Wasting Water! 6 Steps to Fix a Leaky Tub Drain Today

A persistently leaky tub drain can be a nuisance that leads to higher water bills, damage to floors and walls, and mold growth. Luckily, fixing a leaky drain is an easy DIY project that most homeowners can tackle in about an hour, with a few simple tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

• Tub drain wrench or adjustable pliers
• Replacement gasket
• Plumber's putty
• Putty knife
• Rags
• Flashlight

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before removing any part of the drain, it's crucial to shut off the water supply to the tub. Locate the shutoff valve, typically under the sink or near the toilet, and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

Then turn on the tub faucet to release any pressure in the pipes. This will prevent water from gushing out when you detach the drain.

Step 2: Remove the Drain

There are just two parts to the tub drain: the removable drain cover/strainer, and the drain shoe/flange. To detach them:

• Insert the drain wrench into the crossbars of the drain cover and turn counterclockwise to loosen.
• Once loose, unscrew the cover completely and pull it out.
• Remove the shoe/flange by pulling it straight up.

Inspect the old gasket in the shoe for any tears, cracks, or deterioration. If it's worn, replacement is needed.

Step 3: Clean the Drain Hole

Use a putty knife to scrape away any old plumber's putty from the underside of the drain hole. Wipe the area clean so no residue remains. Excess putty can prevent a tight seal.

For metal drains, use a wire brush to scrub out the drain hole to remove mineral deposits. Vacuum out any debris.

Step 4: Install the New Gasket and Putty

Replace the old gasket in the drain shoe with a new one. Press it evenly into the groove.

Then take a section of plumber's putty and roll it into a snake-like rope with your hands. Press this putty firmly around the underside of the drain cover.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain

It's now time to put the drain back together. Start by lowering the drain shoe into the hole, making sure the gasket seats properly in place.

Next, insert the tailpiece of the drain down through the shoe. With the putty side facing down, fit the drain cover into the hole, aligning the screw holes.

Press down firmly to squish the putty into place, sealing the drain edges. Tighten the cover clockwise with the wrench or pliers to secure everything.

Step 6: Turn the Water Back On

Turn the water supply back on slowly. Check beneath the tub and around the drain collar for any drips or moisture. Confirm the leak stopped by running a few inches of water into the tub and looking for leaks again.

Wipe away any excess putty around the drain cover with a rag. Try not to run too much pressure on the drain for 24 hours while the putty sets.

Tips for Preventing Future Leaks

To stop leaks before they start:

• Inspect the drain annually and tighten if loose.
• Replace the tub gasket yearly.
• Consider switching to a plastic tub drain rather than metal.
• Address underlying issues like pipe damage.

Taking preventive measures can save you time and headaches down the road. But even if a leak does occur again, you now have the knowledge to tackle tub drain repairs quickly and fix it yourself.

When to Call a Plumber

While minor tub drain leaks are easy DIY fixes, there are times to call in a professional:

• If there are signs of extensive corrosion or damage
• A leak persists despite replacing the gasket
• The drain assembly is inaccessible, requiring removal of the tub

For major tub repairs, it's best to have a trained plumber assess the issue and ensure the job is done right. Catching problems early also prevents the problem from worsening into a much larger headache.

Dealing with a leaky tub drain as soon as you notice an issue can save you headaches down the road. With a few simple tools and steps, you can remove the drain, replace the gasket, and reseal it in just an hour or less.

While occasional maintenance and inspection are needed to prevent future leaks, fixing a tub drain on your own is usually an easy and affordable DIY project for homeowners. Just be sure to act quickly once you spot any drips, and you can stop wasting water and prevent expensive water damage repairs.