No one wants to see problems in their daily use. Also, it feels awful when someone wants to enjoy a cozy bath after a long day, but the bathtub does not work well. Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a plumber to fix it. You can solve any bathtub drain kit problem yourself. Just read this guide to the end.
Common Problems Of Tub Drain Kit
The most common problems of tub waste drain kits are leakages, clogging, sticky lever and stopper, and others. Some of these issues arrive after a period of use. But most of these problems are caused because of the user’s unawareness. However, you can still fix the drain kit problems even if it has gone worst.
To fix the bath waste drain kit problems, you’ll need at least some basic knowledge of its functions. There is nothing to worry about, and we have your back. You can read our guide about bathtub drain functions if you are a complete novice. Then you start making things right.
How To Fix Bathtub Drain Problems
As you already know, different types of tub drain kit problems arise depending on the uses. So, here are the solutions according to the particular issues:
Fix The Stubborn Stopper
The stopper becomes stubborn due to chemical build-ups or internal inconsistencies. Most of the time, a good cleanup helps a lot; otherwise, replacing is mandatory.
You have to extract the stopper from the drain kit to repair it. But sometimes, it’s quite difficult to remove it from the mechanism. In this circumstance, you can follow this stopper removing guide to get some help. After removing the stopper, submerge it into a chemical removal solution. Then clean it properly using a bristle brush. Moreover, you can apply some grease or something similar to the stopper to make it more flexible.
Above all, if the stopper mechanism is still working well, reinstall it and give it a try. Now, if it works well, leave it; otherwise, replace it.
Fix Drain Kit Leakage Problem
A tub waste drain kit can leak from two places, from the faceplate and below the tub (from the main drain). Here’s how you can stop these leakages:
Leakage From Faceplate
The faceplate leaks due to a damaged washer or if there is no washer. So, you have to install a rubber washer behind the faceplate or make a replacement to stop the leaks.
To do it, firstly, loosen the faceplate screws using a screwdriver and unlock them from the tub. Then remove the old washer (if any) and place the new washer behind it. Here, make sure that the thick part of the washer stays below. After that, attach the faceplate again using the loosened screws. Tighten the screws as much as you can to make a perfect seal.
Leakage Below The Tub
Poor installation is the only cause of this issue. Maybe the installer did not seal the main drain properly while installing. That’s why it’s leaking below the tub. You’ll need some putty or silicone gel to fix this.
Firstly, remove the stopper from the main drain. Secondly, use a drain removal tool to undo the spins of the main drain basket and remove it from the tub. Then clean the tub drain entrance. Next, apply some plumber’s putty or silicone gel around the drain hole. After that, attach the drain basket there and make the spins tight enough. Finally, clean the putty leftover from there and reattach the stopper.
Fix Slow Draining Or Clogged Bathtub Drain
A bathtub starts to drain slowly if its kit is clogged from the inside. The reason behind clogging can be anything like hair and dirt entries, chemical build-ups, soap leftovers, and more. There are two ways to unclog a tub waste drain: the natural solution and the manual process (plumber’s snake).
Natural Solution
In this natural way of unclogging the tub drain, you’ll need a cup of baking soda along with a cup of white vinegar. To unclog the drain, pour the baking soda into the main drain opening. Then pour a cup of white vinegar and leave it for five minutes. After that, run the hot water faucet for two minutes.
This process is effective when the drain has issues with the soap or chemical build-ups. In case of hair and dirt clogging, follow the manual method below.
Manual Unclogging Process (Plumber’s Snake)
The plumber’s snake is a drain cleaning tool. It’s a wire with a bent tip. You can easily grab it from any plumbing store. Or you can make your own by bending the tip of a stiff wire.
To clean the drain, first of all, remove the stopper from the main drain. Then unscrew the faceplate and pull all its components out. Make sure nothing falls inside in the drain while doing it. Now insert the bent side of the snake into the main drain and push it till it hits the end. Next, twist it there 2/3 times to grab all the hairs and dirt properly. Finally, pull the snake out and clean it.
Repeat these actions until the drain is free of debris. Also, do the same thing from the overflow side for better cleaning.
[Note: The wrong position of the plunger can be a reason for slow drainage. So, check that the plunger is sitting in the correct position (outlet of the main drain pipe). If not, adjust the rod connection to perfect it.]
Fix The Bathtub Sticky Trip Lever
The trip lever of a bathtub drain kit sometimes acts sticky. This is an indication that it needs cleanup. Here’s how:
Firstly, unscrew the faceplate screws using a screwdriver. Meanwhile, hold and prevent the screws from falling into the drain. After that, carefully pull and remove it along with all the elements (rod, plunger). Then extract the features and clean them off to remove all the debris.
Next, reattach the elements with the lever and adjust the plunger for a perfect seal position. Also, apply some grease on the joints, especially on the faceplate trip lever. Lastly, reinstall the mechanism inside the overflow by inserting it and screwing up the screws.
So, these are the common bathtub drain kit problems and their solution. Hopefully, you can now easily repair or fix any of your tub drain issues. If you need any further help, don’t forget to reach the experts. Good Luck.
