How to remove a drain from the broken tub

Removing a broken tub drain is a simple job, depending on the type of drainage system your tub uses. There are different types of bathtub drains used in modern plumbing. The most common is the plunger.

A plunger drain has no visible way to stop water, such as a pull-up or raise-and-turn drain would. Instead, a plunger drain has a lever, easily recognizable as a metal lever on the wall of the tub, between the faucet and the drain that controls an invisible plunger under the drain.

Instructions

  1. Close the water source of the tub. Turn the knob on the back of the tub until it is tight and closed. You can check by turning on the water and making sure none are running from the faucet in the bath.
  2. Remove the screws on the cover surrounding the travel lever.
  3. Pull the cover and travel of the lever on the wall of the bath.
  4. TUG more and remove the coupling and plunger from your tub to expose the drain.
  5. Place handles of your pliers down the exposed drain. Slide the screwdriver into the drain between the gripper handles and use the screwdriver as a lever to unscrew the drain. The drain should come out easily. The first couple of laps can take some extra effort, but overall elimination should go smoothly.
  6. Use your brush and household cleaner to remove any obstructions while your plumbing is already exposed.

Tips & Warnings

  • There are several variations on the types of bathtub drains used, so make sure you know exactly what kind of drain your tub uses before removing any piece.