Replacing a Tub Drain: Bathtub Drain Removal and Replacement

[@PROSDIY]

𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 Universal Tub Drain geni.us/YjA56KK​ Tub Drain Wrench geni.us/fAsfdE​ Tub Drain Extractor geni.us/s9GR​ Plumber’s Putty geni.us/5N4O0 Disclosure: Pros DIY is an Amazon Associate. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

[@Karl197]

none of these links work

[@williamjackson5942]

@@Karl197 The one for the plumbers putty did....

[@robertwestover2125]

Links aren’t working. Great video though !

[@trumanhw]

YOU ROCK DUDE! Thank you! I have to get my mom's house ready to be sold (who died last week) and without videos like this I'm sure we'd be getting screwed left and right. Truly!! Thank you!!!!

[@harrissyed]

😅oo

[@plasmac9]

Best tip in this video is the gasket being under the hole cutout and not on top. I'd bet lots of installers have done this wrong and as a homeowner repair I might have just replaced everything back the way it was thinking it was right. Great video.

[@Gray_Son1]

I’m fixing mine right now and that’s exactly what would’ve happened to me.

[@Rhaspun]

@Biden Joe Lets Go Brandon And i agree! Are your shorts too tight. He's just a homeowner making a comment about what he saw in the video.

[@bradmoran5229]

But for 20 years it didn't leak, so there's that

[@toddjones1480]

@Salty Berserker Brigade Come get some Wow, a whole 20 years. So you’re basically a beginner.

[@OneDollarNoHoller]

Same!@@Gray_Son1

[@godenn]

No bullshit, no unnecessary talking. Super informative Thanks Dude!

[@MrCoreyCoreyCorey]

Hi all, this came to my feed. Thanks for sharing your tips! I want to say to some folks with an older home (40-50 years+) there were some different combos of thread. Can't source them anymore. Before you do the disassembly, thinking you can just pop out the insert from the tub side, and find a modern replacement of either thread type, nope! So then, you need to replace a lot more. Also note, that during initial install, tubs are fitted with the drains and then put in place. I mention this, because in trying to retrofit a replacement, there may not be room to easily remove the subfloor facing portion. I found this out when moving to our new-to-us 50 year old place. Drain had it's cross protection broken out on the tub side, and I have little naughty kids, so I wanted a new secure one. I scored it and got it out, and not nobody had a drop in replacement. Not even the trade stores that I couldn't buy from anyway. I needed to cut away some framing that had been built around the plumbing when the tub was initially dropped in just to access removing the drain from the bottom side. This put my main bath out of commission for a week while I went though all this investigation. Just sharing to prevent headaches and scope creep!

[@waterlogged_123]

Having done a few of these myself over the years, I wish I had found this video before my first one. I know this video is a couple years old, but this is absolutely the best DIY video I have ever seen. Completely thorough, no questions left unanswered. Clear descriptions and illustrations of each part and how it should be installed - BRAVO!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

The right tools and a little know how, especially to tackle those "unforeseen contingencies/snafus", makes all the difference. This is a well produced and presented video. ✌🏽👍🏽

[@Vaessen13]

This is literally the best tutorial on replacing the bath tub drain and gaskets. You are stellar at this! Awesome camera shots, quality, and superb editing and narration. Thank you so much for explaining where the gaskets go!!! I need to replace my tub drain and had no idea where this rubber gasket went. Thanks boss :)

[@PROSDIY]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback! Good luck on your replacement. Cheers!

[@Vaessen13]

@@PROSDIY thanks chief, ya as an average handyman homeowner, there are two things that scare the crap outta me for DIY; 1) Electrical, and 2) Plumbing lol. But your vids are amazing so I'm learning lots already, thanks again :)

[@PROSDIY]

Awesome! Thanks Nickolas!

[@gwho]

Very much agreed.

[@Vaessen13]

@@PROSDIY sorry I meant to get back to you earlier. I successfully replaced my tub drain with your help! My cross piece was broken and the drain was all rusted. I used a whammy/wow bar with a big screwdriver to turn it out. Took me about an hour because the guy who put it in used silicone instead of plumbers putty.... Brutal.... But I got it out with minor pipe thread damage and replaced with a brand new drain and a beautiful push top plug. Never realized how much that bothered me while I showered, it was so ugly before and now it's beautiful! Can't thank you enough for the help :) , God Bless!

[@brianreynolds5373]

Watched like ten tub drain replacement videos and this one was miles better than any of them. Well done. Detailed explanations and "why" not just "how" provided.

[@brunofamily2091]

Very informative, and to the point. Not a lot of unnecessary talking, yet detailed and informative. You obviously took the time to plan out the video before hand. I appreciate the time you took to to explain the process and the things to watch out for. Keep up the great work!

[@nicholem4831]

Thank you for a high quality, thorough walk through for the tub drain replacement! I’m currently on a job site with a rusted out tub drain that I need to replace and although I’m relatively handy, I haven’t done this before. I’m here to paint and clean lol, not moonlight as a plumber 😆 However, I’m capable of doing the replacement so I figured I’d just take care of it for my client, but I prefer to take on new jobs with as much information about what to expect as possible. My philosophy is anyone can start DIYing a job like this, but what separates the “can do’s” from the “can not do’s” is the ability to anticipate different potential issues/problems and then determine if you have the skill set to fix whatever THAT might be. Your vid addressed this and gave me the confidence to dive in. This was definitely an unexpected repair so I’m currently carrying minimal tools, but luckily my “just in case/expect the unexpected” tool box that I keep in my truck had a small pair of channel locks that I JUST put in there, as well as a 12” pry bar. I easily got the drain out using your method, and yes- the last installer placed the gasket on the wrong side of the tub 🤦🏻‍♀️. Haven’t taken the overflow cover off yet but I can only presume I’ll find that gasket on the inside of the tub as well. Your vid saved me from needing to make multiple trips to the closest major hardware store which is located nearly 40 minutes from my job site. Again, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for a thorough video that clearly explains the drain replacement process from start to finish, covers potential issues, and gives some tips/tricks/advice on the job in general but also for handling the most common of problems. I hereby do solemnly swear not to put the gasket in wrong!! 😉😁 PS: now I’m super curious about the status of the gaskets in my tub drains at home lol!

[@TheMiketwo]

This was great, i really like how you talk and present the steps at a good pacing. Many videos out there skip steps or just go thru them to quick forgetting the reason people watch these is because they don’t know much or want to learn more.

[@hughwynn6193]

I must say this is the best video on KZbin showing how to replace a bathtub drain and overflow

[@ronevans6041]

EXCELLENT VIDEO: Love how you show realistic 'surprises', wrestling, jiggering and some of the headaches of previous installs. So many videos just so this pretty and easy install where everything was done right. So informative and useful how you show real challenges of this kind of repair.

[@jameszarlengo8794]

This is a very clear and easy to understand video for my bathtub drain replacement. The video itself is perfectly filmed to show the details of the parts, making it easy to understand his instructions. As I removed my tub drain, I compared mine with the photos, and was able to cross-check my work all the way through my repair. That rubber gasket is really important - it goes under the tub, with the ridges point up, before you put the drain itself in. And that drain shell gets a nice "snake" of plumber putty all the way around, so that it seals in the as it threads down into the tub. As you thread and tighten the drain into the tub, the plumbers putty from the top, and the rubber seal from beneath the tub, "sandwich" the tub itself in-between. that what gives you your water seal. It's amazing how this video got me right through the project. I also note that the manufacturers videos (and there were a bunch of them), left me completely confused. Just follow this video and you'll be fine.

[@signsofautumn1]

Thank you! I appreciate you getting right to the point and not adding all kinds of in between useless words that only confuse a person that’s not a professional. You made it simple, clear, easy and possible for me to understand and I’m a stay at home mom teaching myself I rarely subscribe to KZbinrs , but you I will

[@k_y_o_t_e_e_6386]

This is a project that I will be taking on in the next couple of days, so I've been checking a number of how-to videos on KZbin. This video here is hands down the best one. So clear and well explained. I am actually looking forward to tackling this project now. Thanks.

[@JLF201]

Thank you! Seeing the big picture, being introduced to the tools, and actually seeing the changes done is so very helpful.

[@simplysimple7628]

People like yourself are a godsend. Really. I’m a pretty good “fix-it myself” type of homeowner but little details are easily mistaken. Especially those gaskets.

[@truthancisco]

By far the best video out there on drain removal. I loved the plumbing mock-up, so helpful!!!

[@PBottomPoochies]

Agreed!

[@wileecoyoti]

Yeah I don't normally comment on these kinds of things but I stopped in trying to figure out what side the ridges were supposed to face. Found myself watching something totally informative and professional, this old house level. Thank you for putting this together!

[@helentrammell766]

Yes it was & no trying to be cute when all I need is info

[@miroslawsita7062]

Excellent video. The master plumber really knows, his own profession. He is very smart and intelligent. Thank You for a first rate lesson-Polish handyman from Florida

[@byrondelgado5521]

Great video, thank you for going over the basics and not skipping over the placement of the drain washers.

[@farookjahoor4977]

By far the best I've ever seen on this topic. Thanks! As expected when I changed mine about 6 years ago the overflow washer was not even sitting flat. Luckily the tub was never filled for baths.

[@mburns1679]

I'm a diy lady. I painted my green tub white. Had to remove the tube drain. I don't remember a washer. Freaked me out how the pipe moved around. Wasn't sure where the washer went and whether to use putty. I'll watch the video again then insert new tub drain. Was stressing but im feeling better. I've looked at several videos and this was the only that cleared up my confusion. So relieved.

[@wulimu]

Thank you for sharing the video. I was able to replace mine. It was harder than it looks like in the video, even with the extractor. The rust was bad. Tips for other people: make sure you change the tub drain at the first sign of rust. It only gets worse.

[@zan5051]

I've found your plumbing replacement videos informative and succinct, thank you! I had the t-members in my drain break off today, and I feel confident in doing my own replacement now!

[@surfearth1]

Great video. I like the extra details of how much putty to use and about replacing the washer under the tub. I can see why people incorrectly install this as the one I bought makes no mention of what to to with it within its instructions. Thanks again!

[@karenbearden6198]

Thanks for the comprehensive lesson on tub drain/overflow installations!! As a diy'er, my "want to" far exceeds my skill. I get confused about the which way to lay the gasket, which you've shown clearly on several styles. Thanks!!!

[@PamelaKG]

Thank you so much! I thought I was going to have to replace my entire tub. I am so grateful to all who share their knowledge!

[@Mrlittlewally]

WOW! Possibly the best DIY video ever recorded on the internet. Clear and concise and the video matched what you were doing! Keep up the excellent work. And thanks for your help in getting my project done right!

[@alexeikoulev4105]

😊😢7😮😂❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@anastasiakorochanskaya2578]

Thank you so much for the extremely helpful and easy to follow instructions! I feel a lot more confident tackling this project on my own thanks to you!

[@tonyafinnegan8935]

Thanks to your video, I replaced my toe-tap drain with broken cross bars! Thank you!!

[@TheDrdawson]

That was fascinating! Thank you. I am a non-Plummer kinda gal and was perplexed about how to replace a damaged tub drain

[@justonemori]

Wow. This is going to save me a bunch of money over paying a plumber. Time to watch more of your videos, thanks!

[@halbui5900]

Great video! I am glad that you've pointed out which side of the tub the washer should be on, can't wait to change mine except I have to sand and resurface the tub first where it is rusted around the drain. If you do have that video I'll definitely check it out. Thanks.

[@mattanderson3141]

The quality of instruction of this video should be the standard for all diy videos. Great job!

[@ticoporter665]

Great video and instruction! I just bought a new home and there is no installed tub stopper. I feel confident after seeing your video that this is definitely a project I can do myself first time.

[@mattc350]

very helpful, thank you. Didn't have to make multiple trips to hardware store because I saw the extractor in use and went straight to that for my 25yr old tub/drain. appreciate it!

[@WVReptileGuy]

Man I just have to say your video was the best instruction video I found. I had no idea that rub gasket went between the drain under the tub. I replaced the drain insert and it was still leaking and your video helped me fix it up. Thanks

[@helentrammell766]

Great video! Direct, good visuals, no foolishness just “how to get it Done”! Thank you!

[@toddarnold2686]

This is an incredibly useful and well-done video. It covers multiple common scenerios, as well as the "gotchas" that you may run into in the removal and installation processes. It's all shown in very clear video that is very well narrated.

[@horsehorsehorsehorsey7940]

Thank you for posting this! As a single mom I need to be able tp do stuff myself and this was a lifesaver.

[@IZO_9]

I love the fact that someone replacing drains is entertaining for me

[@alexdelara9858]

Possibly, one of the best videos for this type of job ! Thank you.

[@niceguy191]

I looked around KZbin for a video on this and yours is by far the best one. Informative, shows a couple of examples, great lighting and filming so it's clear what's going on. Great job

[@JuniorTennis]

Unbelievable how thorough your videos are. Most of the time I am yelling at DIY videos, "Yeah, but what about______." But every time I started to yell watching this video the clarification or exception to the rule was already starting. Thanks for being methodical! I rarely subscribe to channels but did so here.

[@IKay-ho7qo]

tx for the video... very helpful... I must admit I am one of those guys who installed the gasket on top...now I know better :)

[@alexphotoslc]

Video of great help. Just bought a place and it's a mess. Drain wasn't even screwed fully to sandwich correctly the tub and it was leaking in the crawl space. Home inspector missed this one.. Thank God don't have neighbors or other complications..

[@bambamnj]

This is a pretty good video. I have dealt with a lot of older homes and installing a pop-up drain is usually one of the best fixes for older bath tubs. I just hate dealing with the up down drain shut-offs and all the linkage and crap that goes along with it. The one thing about this replacement is that sometimes it is very difficult to get the old drain out. Mineral deposits lock those things into place and you have to deal with the limited room that you have, to work with inside the tub, but with perseverance and a bit of muscle you can usually get them loose. Some commons mistakes that people make is that the black rubber gasket goes below the tub, not between the upper part of the tub and the drain. These gaskets are flexible so you can usually work them into place even if you can't get under the tub. just gently fold then up a little and slide them into the drain hole and work it into place before you try to screw the drain into place. I love the pop-up drains (also called toe tap drain). The other mistake is to not forget to put plumbers putty around the top of the drain hole before you go and screw in the new drain (this guy also mentioned silicone but I have never used that). There are two types of pop-up drains, one where you have to manually lift the top (I have only used these in sink drains) and the type that I always use which is spring loaded and all you have to do it tap it with your toe to either open or close (hence the name "toe tap drain") and yes, there are two sizes so if you are unsure, get one of each size and have them both handy when you do your project. I learned the hard way and had the wrong size then had to put my project on hold for a week until I was able to order and receive the correct size. I usually buy the pieces separately but it was interesting to see that he got a kit that included the pop-up and the overflow cover in one box. I will be looking for this next time I have to do this, just to see if it saves me money. I have both of the tools that he showed, the tub wrench and the tub drain extract tool. They are life savers. Also, on the tub wrench, there are holes. If you have a really big screw drive, that will slide into these holes, it help to give you more leverage when you have an old drain that is being stubborn. The drain he shows in this video came out pretty easily, just be warned that sometime these little bastards can be a real PIA but they will come loose.

[@akw9606]

That tip about putting the rubber, folded, under the drain, just saved me a ton of time. I was wondering how that would work.

[@JohnsonCountyMission]

There’s one issue not addressed, what if you can’t dig out the old gasket? Mine crumbles and the pipe below the gasket is metal, not very flexible (like PVC) to increase the gap to a) get the old gasket out and b) insert the new one.

[@monicasmm]

@@JohnsonCountyMissionI’m having this problem too, how did you resolve it?

[@joshj867]

Thank you so much for making this video. I changed my first tub drain yesterday, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks again, and keep up the great work! 🇺🇸

[@coolraul07]

Just replaced a tub spout due to a broken diverter, so this showed up in my feed as well. Great reference vieo that I'll bookmark until the time is right.

[@patrickwilson9833]

Great job ...love how you instruct on many different methods in doing the job.

[@mpasaa]

Great videos. I've come across MANY crappy installs for various things in the house we bought new. I'm sure at some point I will be tackling drains like this and I am willing to bet the builder installers put the gaskets on the wrong side given how many other things they did wrong or lazily....thx for a concise video on a job most of us rarely need to do.... helps to refresh especially if newer tools or methods are now available that didn't exist 20 years ago....

[@jaimecarbone6580]

Excellent video, this gentleman is Ace explaining and showing how, definately thumbs up!

[@re-recordingmixer]

Thank you for this, SUPER informative. I would have never known the gasket was for under the tub, and even what that meant. I feel like I leveled up watching your video and getting the project done!

[@joemufuglioni8417]

Excellent video. Complete instruction for two types and all the cautions you should avoid!

[@ninako9304]

Best video for drain replacement. I watched many drain replacement video but always had a questions but watching your video, no questions. Good job !

[@waynesummers921]

Outstanding video for the clarity of picture and speech .Glad no background music. Thanks

[@misterbungle3251]

Excellent tutorial. I was concerned that I would need access to the underside of the tub to replace the drain. I'm glad to find that I won't.

[@Ratlins9]

This is a superb video. Your narration, camerawork and showing the various tools and different type of tub drains made this a comprehensive video. Thanks and I’m now a subscriber.

[@Ks-di3xs]

Best video ever watched on plumbing. Great job. Now I feel confident in doing this. Thank you.

[@cgreen6369]

I came here to figure out why my renovations guy (who hires a professional plumber for any plumbing work) says he'd rather not have the drain replaced (I'm switching to black matte). I live in a hi rise condo; maybe that's the reason, but you make it look pretty simple. I'm sending him your video. Thanks!

[@bigguy9128]

Thank you. Fixed my tub drain by following this information.

[@nataliefrobertson]

This was the best how to video I’ve seen for this project. Thanks for not skipping any steps.

[@mitchellclements5600]

Awesome video. I had water in the liner. Almost 3 gallons. Was able to drain water after watching this! The more you knowwwww

[@jaimehawkins4662]

This is exactly what we are dealing with in the home we just bought! Hoping this fix helps! :)

[@chaoswrangler]

Thanks for all the great info. Including small details like which directions gaskets should be facing.

[@terese3004]

After watching this video, I did my first replacement today, and it went great. Thank you!

[@freddy449]

Well done and informative! You are very well spoken and thorough in your technical information. Key word is "thorough". Thank you.

[@oPiggySue]

FYI your affiliate links are broken. Thank you very much for the excellent video! I'm not a fan of spending the first few minutes describing stuff myself, I skip to just getting into the work. But some people seem to need that I guess. Good work!

[@knagl]

This video is great. A friend of mine just inadvertently unscrewed his drain while trying to get the stopper out to clean out hair and debris, and I thought he was going to need to call a plumber. This video showed exactly what he needs to do to put it back together. Added bonus: the gasket was installed incorrectly, and now he knows how to properly fix it. Great video!

[@brianlarocca4390]

Fantastic help. Very well paced and shows exactly what you need to do the job with helpful hints.

[@GoldDragon101]

I think I will do this at some point. My bathtub drain is rusty and I’m concerned for leaks so this was very informative.

[@MrPhillAsh]

A great video. Finally one which shows the actual practical problems you face and the right tool to remove the drain!

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

Have encountered the problem with an old gasket that had to be installed behind the tub and fought it tooth and nail to get one in. The tip about using the screwdriver to make room for its insall is so simple it is genius!!

[@igloo98]

excellent video! "Don't crack the tub" Love that. The info about the rubber washers is great. thank you.

[@stickdweller]

Why is this so satisfying to watch? A professional at work.

[@tommymedwetz676]

What a great video. Very informative and clear. I will start my bathtub project tomorrow. I'm glad the washers were installed incorrectly because now I'll know what to do (I KNOW my tub was probably installed incorrectly too). I bookmarked this so I can refer back to it often. I will definitely check out your other videos.

[@eileenglynn2698]

your explanations are simple, but thorough. thanks for the detail on the screws and threads.

[@anthonyvee]

Very nice and nicely explained! Thank you. Out tub, has a "toggle lever" on the top overflow hole cover to stop the water from going down when in the up position, if i remember right. I take it that's a bit more involved....

[@miltonweiss993]

One of the best "how to" videos I have ever watched.Thanks

[@TheJSkiddy]

Thank you so much for this. The previous owners of our home didn't isntal/seal the tub properly and it feels like we're walking on a waterbed whenever we're in the shower. This is my project tomorrow and helps so much!

[@CW-qt1qv]

Gets me learning how to do a home repair the right way only to find during the process it was done ...eerr... "incorrectly" the last time. Thanks for this video. Produced well and concise.

[@randomnamehere1776]

This was very helpful and just relieved a ton of stress for me. These are the kinds of videos that really do help.

[@halkennedy6353]

That was great - thanks! Glad to see you do it twice and sort out the washers....

[@dale120454]

Well thought out video. I would add that I always pipe dope the threads feeding into the tub shoe, not as a sealant but as a lubricant to help ensure against cross threading. Those fine threads are easy to cross.....also, a future video might include using a sawsall to remove the strainer in an ancient cast iron tub where the thing is not gonna extract using any method you presented. I know you have run into that if you have been doing it for awhile. Again, good video and very informative.

[@GoutamDAS-ls1wb]

Thank you so much for posting these very useful, educational videos. This will help save me a lot of headaches and money in the future. How frequently do these tub drains need to be replaced? I have not touched the plumbing in my home for over 5 years and I think I should replace the shower and tub drains now.

[@MargieLivingston-kr8lw]

Your directions were right on the money, and we saved a bundle with your great explanations. Many thanks!!

[@DecisivePointGames]

Fantastic, comprehensive video. This answered all of my questions and taught me even more. Many thanks.

[@vincepedraza2826]

Just what I was looking for to replace some tub/shower drain plugs. Well explained and great editing.

[@rampanttricky17]

The info I needed -- and more! He included the information I would have needed (if i ran into a snag) as well. That (likely) snag being a stuck or broken threaded drain Flange/insert -- that could not be removed using the long-nose-plier method. Our house was built in 1993 -- considered "kinda new" for Maine -- but long enough ago to have decades of wonky "code/shmode" renovation/repairs done WITHOUT the help of great VIDEO CREATORS on KZbin.

[@PaulAnabellaLewin]

Thanks for the video. I was looking at the video and pictures of the link you provided for the Universal Tub Drain and others from the manufacturers and they show the gasket on top instead of the bottom of the tub. This is probably the reason there is so much confusion of where it is suppose to go.

[@davesmith3567]

The best tutorial I have found on the "theory" and practice of tub drain replacement. Thanks.

[@gilbertrobles1374]

A thorough and complete video. Thank you. I can't wait for tomorrow when the box store opens.

[@HeatherLawrence-yy7no]

This video was VERY informative! I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom, and have never installed a new drain. This showed me exactly what I needed to know! Thank you!

[@Lizwindsor]

This video is 👍. So helpful, right to the point and clearly shows expertise! Thank you! 🙏🤑

[@FOS91]

My girlfriend and I just moved in our first house and we have some fix to do. I never got the chance to do DIY project, tomorrow I'll try to change the drain myself thanks to your video.

[@mattmck5496]

Thank You That was the very best,and high quality video out of all the plumbing / DIY channels, I have seen..

[@kentinspacetime5378]

Wow - the perfect instruction video. You are the gold standard!

[@horshu00]

I am MUCH less afraid now 😄 Very helpful, sir. Thanks, from the new owner of an older home....

[@Vic1206]

2 min in and am going to leave this to an expert! Thanks!

[@stevenhaff3332]

Thank you for your detailed and thorough tutorial. This is more than helpful, great job.