A tub drain is one of those things you don’t think about until it starts causing problems.
Maybe the water takes forever to go down, maybe there’s a faint leak you keep pretending isn’t there, or maybe the drain just looks old and grimy no matter how much you clean it.
The good news is, replacing a tub drain isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds.
You don’t need special plumbing skills or a full weekend blocked off.
With a few basic tools and a little patience, this is a project you can knock out in under an hour.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to replace a tub drain like a PRO.
#1. Gather Your Tools First
Before touching the drain, take a minute to get everything ready. This saves you from running back and forth mid-project with wet hands and mild frustration.
Having the right tools nearby makes the whole thing smoother.
Here’s what you’ll usually want on hand:
- Tub drain wrench or drain extractor
- Adjustable pliers or a wrench
- Plumber’s putty
- Old rag or paper towels
- Your new tub drain
That’s it.
If you don’t have a drain wrench, don’t panic. Some people improvise with pliers or even a screwdriver and careful leverage, but a proper drain wrench is cheap and makes life easier.
It’s one of those tools you’ll probably use again someday and feel smug about owning.
Once everything is laid out, take a quick look at your tub drain and get familiar with it. Old drains can be stubborn, crusty, or just plain rude, so knowing what you’re dealing with helps mentally prepare you.
Also Read: Drain In Bathtub Won’t Drain
#2. Remove The Old Drain Stopper
Next up is removing the drain stopper.
This part varies a lot depending on the style of your tub, so don’t be surprised if it looks different from someone else’s.
Some stoppers twist right off, some lift out after loosening a tiny screw underneath, and others have a knob on top that unscrews first. Go slow here. If there’s a set screw, grab a small screwdriver and loosen it gently.
You don’t need to remove it completely, just enough to slide the stopper off.
Once it’s out, set it aside somewhere safe. No one wants to fish a metal stopper out from behind the toilet later.
With the stopper gone, you’ll finally see the drain clearly.
This is where the real work starts, and honestly, it’s not that bad.
#3. Unscrew The Old Tub Drain
This is usually the most challenging part of the whole job, mostly because old drains tend to cling to life like they’re personally offended by replacement.
Insert your tub drain wrench into the drain so it catches the crossbars inside.
Make sure it’s seated properly before applying pressure.
Turn counterclockwise. At first, nothing might happen. That’s normal. Take a breath, apply steady pressure, and keep going. Avoid jerky movements or forcing it too hard, because that’s how things crack or slip.
Once it starts turning, you’ll feel a weird sense of victory.
Keep twisting until the drain lifts out completely. When it does, expect it to look kind of gross.
Years of soap, hair, and minerals have a way of building character. Drop it in a bag or trash it immediately if you’re squeamish.
Also Read: Can You Put Drano In Clogged Toilet
#4. Clean The Drain Opening
Now that the old drain is out, resist the urge to rush ahead.
Cleaning the drain opening is more important than it seems.
Old plumber’s putty, grime, or rust can mess with the seal of your new drain and lead to leaks down the line.
Use a rag or paper towel to wipe around the opening. Scrape off any hardened putty gently. You don’t need to make it sparkle, just clean and smooth enough so the new drain sits flush against the tub.
Take a moment to inspect the area.
If you see cracks in the tub or obvious damage, pause the project.
A new drain won’t fix structural issues, and it’s better to notice now than after everything is installed.
#5. Prep The New Drain
This step is quick but crucial.
Grab your plumber’s putty and roll a small rope between your palms, kind of like you’re making playdough snakes. The goal is an even ring that fits neatly around the underside of the drain flange.
Press the putty onto the bottom of the new drain. Don’t overdo it.
You want enough to create a watertight seal, not so much that it squeezes out everywhere and makes a mess.
Some modern drains use rubber gaskets instead of putty. If your drain came with one, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The idea stays the same: create a tight seal that keeps water where it belongs.
#6. Install The New Tub Drain
Place the new drain into the opening and start threading it in by hand. This helps avoid cross-threading, which can cause leaks or damage.
Once it’s snug by hand, use your drain wrench to tighten it the rest of the way.
Go firm, not aggressive. You want it secure, but cranking it too hard can crack the tub or strip threads.
As you tighten, you’ll notice plumber’s putty squeezing out around the edge. That’s a good sign. It means the seal is forming well.
Also take a second to admire your work. You’ve officially replaced a tub drain, which is more than most people can say.
#7. Clean Up Excess Putty
Wipe away the excess putty with your rag or paper towel.
It should come off easily, leaving a clean, finished look.
Don’t wash it down the drain just yet. Give the putty a little time to settle.
This is also a good moment to reinstall the drain stopper if you’re reusing it. Slide it back into place, tighten any screws, and make sure it moves smoothly.
If you’re upgrading to a new stopper, follow its instructions and test it a couple of times to make sure it seals properly.
Also Read: Pex A Or B For Main Water Line
#8. Test For Leaks
The moment of truth.
Run water into the tub and let it sit for a few minutes. Watch closely around the drain.
Look underneath the tub if you have access, or keep an eye out for moisture around the drain area. Then let the water drain. Check again. Everything should stay dry and drama-free.
If you see a slow leak, don’t panic. It usually means the drain needs a tiny bit more tightening or the seal didn’t sit quite right.
Catching this now saves you from bigger problems later, so take your time with this step.
Bottom Line
Replacing a tub drain is one of those DIY projects that sounds intimidating but ends up being surprisingly manageable.
It doesn’t take long, it doesn’t require advanced skills, and the payoff is immediate.
No more leaks, better drainage, and a tub that feels refreshed without a full renovation.
The key is going slow, using the right tools, and not forcing anything. Most mistakes happen when people rush or muscle through resistance instead of easing into it.
So next time your tub drain looks sad or starts acting up, you’ll know exactly what to do.
And there’s something deeply satisfying about fixing a problem with your own two hands, then standing back and thinking, yeah, I handled that.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Drain Cleaning
