Users' questions

How do you open a bathtub drain trap?

How do you open a bathtub drain trap?

Remove the knob on the top of the stopper. Hold the body of the stopper in place with one hand and with the other hand unscrew the knob by turning it counter-clockwise. If the knob will not unscrew, then wrap the rag around the knob and use the pliers to help remove the knob.

How do you fix the P-trap in a bathtub?

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix to this problem: just fill the P-trap with water again. To do this, walk around your home with a pitcher of water and pour water down every drain you can find. Showers, bathtubs and sinks that see regular use probably have water in the P-trap already.

What kind of trap do you use for a bathtub?

P-Trap
Use a P-Trap The proper size for both a bathtub drain and trap is 1 1/2 inches in diameter, regardless of the bathtub size. The type of trap used on a tub drain is a p-trap. Because they are the same size, the trap will glue directly onto the PVC drain pipe without the use of adaptors or fittings.

Does a bathtub need a p-trap?

P-traps are S-shaped pipe components that keep toxic sewer gases from escaping into your residence. They are required on all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs and showers. Toilets have built-in traps. Tub and shower traps usually aren’t accessible, however, so they are designed to be permanent.

Why does my bathtub drain so slow?

Slow drains can have several causes, though in a bathtub the most common culprits tend to be bath products and loose hair. Fun smelling bath salts and skin softening bath fizzies might turn a simple bathtub into a spa experience, but they can also lead to a slow buildup of residue in the pipes, constricting water flow.

How do you unclog a bathtub drain naturally?

Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain:

  1. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
  2. Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
  3. Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Pour boiling water down the drain again.

Why does my P trap stink?

A dried p trap will result in a sewer odor emitting from a sink that maybe hasn’t been used in a while. A p trap is designed to use water to block the sewer gases from leaking up the drain. If a sink’s p trap dies out this can result in a drain that smells bad.

How do you fix a smelly P trap?

To eliminate odors coming from a dry p-trap, pour half a gallon of water into the trap to restore the barrier. It will prevent the odors from seeping through the drain. Another helpful method is to add a cup of white vinegar bleach to get rid of larvae and slow down the evaporation.

How far can p-trap be from tub drain?

24 inches
According to the International Residential Code, the maximum vertical distance between the sink drain and the entrance to the p-trap is 24 inches.

How to replace an old bathtub drum trap?

Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to replace an old bathtub drum trap with a new PVC P-trap. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

How to remove old seal from bathtub drain?

1 Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife. 2 Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. 3 If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well.

What’s the best way to clean a bathtub drain?

Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda. If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces as well. Next we will cover how to replace a bathtub drain.

How do you replace a trip lever bathtub drain stopper?

Instructions. First, remove the cover plate on tub’s overflow opening. Extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening. Clean off the plunger; debris or corrosion may be preventing it from moving smoothly in the overflow tube. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, the entire assembly should be replaced.