How to Replace a Worn-Out Shower Drain
Thinking about replacing that old shower drain? It can feel a bit scary at first, right? But honestly, it’s totally doable. You just need the right tools. Get some materials ready. And add a little patience to the mix. Anyone can take on this home project. Drains get clogged over time. They corrode or get damaged. This leads to leaks, yucky smells. Water sits there on the floor. Knowing how to replace it right saves you hassle. It saves you money later too. It’s genuinely troubling when a bad drain messes things up.
Understanding the Parts You’ll See
Let’s see… before we jump into swapping it out. It’s good to know what makes up a shower drain. A regular drain has a few bits and pieces. There’s the main drain body. Then the cover you actually see. There’s also a strainer inside. And a flange or a gasket. Each part helps water go down. They work together for smooth flow. Knowing how they connect helps. It shows why replacing is needed. It makes installing the new one easier.
Tools and Stuff You Need
Okay, so you’re going to need some basic stuff. Get these items ready before you start. First, grab a replacement drain kit. It usually has the body, cover, and seals. Pick one that works for your shower. You’ll also need plumber’s putty. This makes a tight, waterproof seal. It goes between the drain and the floor. A screwdriver is next. Flathead or Phillips works for the old cover screws. A pipe wrench helps loosen the body. It detaches it from the pipes below. Got caulk around the old drain? You might need a utility knife. Pliers can help grab old bits too. Just little things to pull parts out.
Let’s Do This: Step by Step
Okay, here’s how you swap it out. First thing, turn off the water. Shut off the supply to your shower. Keep towels or a sponge handy too. They catch any drips still there. Now, get that old drain cover off. Use your screwdriver on the screws. If it’s stuck, gently pry it. A utility knife works well for that. Cover off? Great. Time to get the drain body out. Unscrew or detach it next. Grab that pipe wrench. Turn it counterclockwise. Buildup making it stick? Use the utility knife again. Cut away any gunk or old caulk holding it. It might take a little effort. Old drains can be stubborn things.
Got the old drain out? Now clean that space really well. Get rid of all the junk. Scrape away old putty or caulk. A clean spot is important. It makes sure the new drain seals right. Time for the new drain! Put plumber’s putty all around the edge. Place the new body in the hole. Press it down firmly. Make sure it’s sitting flat. It needs to be even with the floor. Now, thread the drain body into the pipes. Use the pipe wrench to tighten. Be careful here though. Don’t tighten too much! You could crack the drain. Or even the shower floor. That wouldn’t be good at all.
New drain secured? Put the new cover on now. Fasten it with the screws. Check it’s sitting flush. It should be level with the floor. Almost done! Turn the water back on first. Check for any leaks right away. Run some water through the drain. Just make sure it’s working like it should. Pretty cool, right? You just did it.
Keeping Your New Drain Happy
You replaced the drain! Awesome job. Now, let’s keep it working great. Regular cleaning is super important. Take the cover off every now and then. Clear out any hair or stuff that piles up. Thinking about using a drain strainer? That’s a good idea. Strainers catch bigger things. They help stop clogs before they start. It’s a simple step. It really makes a difference.
Wrapping Up
Replacing an old shower drain? It really is a project you can handle yourself. It makes your shower way better. When you know the parts, and follow these steps, you’ll get it installed right. This doesn’t just make your shower work better. It can also stop future plumbing problems. That saves you headaches. And saves you money down the road. I believe you can totally do this.
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