Repair Broken Tub Drain

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-313 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest fix a broken bathtub drain. Part of the plunger mechanism had come loose and was blocking the drain. Harrison shows how to fish it out and replace the broken parts. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

wire hanger
needle-nose pliers
slip-joint pliers
screwdriver
putty knife
towel
plumber's putty
heat proof grease
overflow plunger
trip lever
linkage

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
Steps:

1. Straighten wire coat hanger and bend one end into a makeshift fishing hook. Now go fishing in the drain to remove the broken drain pieces. Feel around until you manage to fish out the broken pieces (figure A).

2. Compare the old plunger with the replacement part and make sure they are the same size (figure B). If your old plunger is still in good shape, you may want to reuse it. Just replace whatever parts of the assembly you need.

3. Clean up the old plunger if you're going to reuse it so it will seat properly in the drain. Rub some plumber's grease along the edge before reinstalling (figure C).

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Figure D
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Figure E
4. Link mechanism to new overflow plate and secure with supplied pin (figure D).

5. Feed new plunger mechanism back into position (figure E). Secure overflow plate with screws.

6. Test the drain to make sure it works by closing it and filling the tub with some water.

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Figure F
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Figure G
7. Remove the plate and seal the seam with a bead of plumber's putty (figure F). Be sure to leave the overflow area open at the bottom of the plate.

8. Reinstall the plate, secure with screws, then cut away the excess putty (figure G).

Also in this Episode
Help Around the House : Episode ARH-313
•Repair Broken Tub Drain
•Level Foundation for a Garden Shed
•Reinforce Attic Stairs
•Toolbox: Wire Mesh