The Best Tool To Loosen Even The Most Stuck Bathtub Drain

Removing a stuck bathtub drain can be one of the most frustrating DIY projects. Over time, buildup from hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits causes drains to corrode and seize up. No matter how hard you try, that stubborn drain just won't budge.

Before calling a plumber, it's worth trying a specialized drain removal tool. Designed to firmly grip drain fittings, these wrenches provide the leverage you need to finally get that drain loose.

Types of Bathtub Drains

Bathtub drains come in several styles:

• Crosspiece drains have horizontal bars that allow standard wrenches to turn them.
• Push-pull drains slide up and down to open and close.
• Flipper drains use a pivoting arm that seals with a rubber gasket.
• Pop-up drains control water flow with a spring-loaded stopper.

Crosspiece and pop-up drains are most likely to get stuck over time. A drain removal tool can be used on any of these drain types.

Why Do Drains Get Stuck?

There are a few key reasons tub drains become stubbornly stuck:

• Corrosion eats away at the metal fittings.
• Mineral deposits from hard water steadily build up.
• Gunk and grime accumulates in the drain basket.
• The rubber gasket gets brittle and adheres to the flange.

Hair and soap scum worsen these issues over the years. Eventually the drain seizes up and won't budge no matter how hard you twist it.

How a Drain Removal Tool Works

A specialty drain removal wrench has specific features to finally get that drain unstuck:

• The head is designed to firmly grip drain bodies of various shapes and sizes.
• Extended handles provide increased leverage and torque.
• Most are adjustable to fit different drain configurations.
• Durable metal construction prevents stripping or breaking.

This gives far greater grip and force than you can get from pliers or a basic wrench. The additional leverage lets you break through corrosion and buildup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to remove a stubborn tub drain with this tool:

1. Turn off water supply lines and drain the tub.
2. Clear space to work comfortably underneath the tub.
3. Apply penetrant spray liberally to fittings and let it soak in.
4. Fit drain removal tool securely over drain body and tighten firmly.
5. Brace one hand on the tub and grasp tool handle with other.
6. Apply slow, steady force in counter-clockwise direction.
7. Reapply penetrant if needed until drain breaks free.
8. Once loosened, unscrew drain tailpiece by hand.

Take your time and don't force anything too quickly to avoid cracks or leaks. If the drain still doesn't budge after trying the tool, a plumber can utilize more heavy-duty methods.

Alternatives for Stubborn Drains

For the most seized-up drains that won't yield to the removal tool, a few other options include:

• Heating the fittings with a hairdryer to loosen gunk.
• Cutting the tailpiece with a hacksaw if necessary.
• Chiseling to break apart the drain flange.

However, these methods run the risk of damaging the tub or surrounding finishes. The specialty wrench is still the best first option in most cases.

Replacing the Drain

Once you've removed the stuck drain, it's time to replace it. Choose a compatible new drain based on the flange size and type. Most use a simple compression fit.

Carefully follow manufacturer instructions to install the new drain. You may need pliers and an adjustable wrench to secure the locking nut and tighten the new tailpiece.

To prevent leaks, use plumber's putty around the flange. Make sure the putty fully seals the drain opening before tightening everything down.

Preventing Future Drain Issues

To avoid wrestling with stuck drains again down the road:

• Clean drains regularly with baking soda and vinegar.
• Use a zip-it tool to extract hair from the drain.
• Check the drain basket and gasket periodically.
• Replace the basket or flange if cracked or worn.

Catching issues early and maintaining your drains prevents major headaches later on. But if you do end up with an impossibly stuck drain again, reach for that trusty tub drain removal tool before calling a plumber.

Removing a seized bathtub drain can be a frustrating and time-consuming task without the right tool. Specialty drain removal wrenches are designed to finally conquer even the most stubborn tub drain issues.

By providing a tight grip and increased leverage, these tools make quick work of breaking through corrosion, buildup, and gunk. Follow the proper process with patience and care, and even the most stuck drain will finally meet its match.