Ever stood in ankle-deep water during a shower, watching helplessly as hair and soap scum turn your relaxing ritual into a mini-flood? A clogged shower drain is a common household problem, but thankfully, it’s often something you can tackle yourself. While professional plumbers are always an option, understanding how to safely and effectively remove your shower drain can save you time, money, and the frustration of standing in a murky puddle.
A slow or blocked drain isn’t just an inconvenience; it can also lead to unpleasant odors, bacteria buildup, and even damage to your plumbing system if left unattended. Regular maintenance, including occasional drain removal and cleaning, is crucial for preventing these issues and maintaining a healthy and hygienic bathroom. Knowing the proper techniques can extend the life of your plumbing and keep your shower running smoothly.
What tools do I need, and how do I actually get the drain out?
What’s the easiest way to remove a shower drain?
The easiest way to remove a shower drain usually involves using a drain removal tool, often called a drain key or a dumbbell wrench. This tool is designed to fit into the crossbars of the drain strainer and allow you to unscrew it counterclockwise. Before you start, make sure to protect the shower floor with a towel to avoid scratches.
Once you have your drain removal tool, carefully insert it into the drain strainer’s crossbars. Apply firm, even pressure while turning counterclockwise. It’s common for older drains to be stuck or corroded, so you may need to apply some extra force. If it’s really stuck, try applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 around the edges of the drain and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before attempting to turn it again. The penetrating oil helps loosen any rust or debris that’s binding the drain in place.
If a drain removal tool doesn’t work, or if the drain doesn’t have crossbars, you can try using needle-nose pliers to grip the inner edges of the drain and turn it. As a last resort, for more stubborn drains, you might need to carefully use a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to tap around the edge of the drain to loosen it before attempting to unscrew it. Be extremely careful not to damage the shower pan during this process. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these methods, it’s always best to consult a plumber to avoid damaging your shower.
What tools do I need to remove a shower drain safely?
Removing a shower drain safely typically requires a few essential tools: a drain wrench (also known as a shower drain tool or tub drain wrench), a screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips head), pliers, penetrating oil, rags or paper towels, and potentially a hammer if the drain is particularly stubborn. Safety glasses and gloves are also recommended.
The drain wrench is the most specialized tool, designed with different sized ends to grip the crossbars inside the drain flange. These crossbars are what you’ll use to turn and unscrew the drain. Penetrating oil is crucial for loosening corrosion and rust that may be binding the drain in place. Apply it generously and allow it to soak in for at least 15-30 minutes before attempting to loosen the drain.
The screwdriver and pliers may be necessary for removing any screws or small parts holding the drain assembly together. The rags or paper towels are essential for cleaning up spills and protecting the shower surface from scratches while you work. Use the safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and the gloves to protect your hands and provide a better grip. Remember to exercise caution and avoid applying excessive force, as you could damage the drain fitting or the surrounding shower base.
How do I know what type of shower drain I have?
Identifying your shower drain type typically involves visually inspecting the drain cover and the surrounding area. Look for distinguishing features like screws, lift-and-turn mechanisms, snap-in designs, or the presence of a strainer basket. Knowing the brand or manufacturer can also be a helpful clue.
To accurately identify your drain, start by removing the drain cover if possible. Some covers are held in place by screws, while others simply snap into place or are part of a lift-and-turn mechanism. Once the cover is off, examine the drain body itself. Look for any markings or labels that indicate the manufacturer or model number. Common types include strainer drains (with a removable basket), lift-and-turn drains (which open and close with a twisting motion), toe-touch drains (activated by pushing down on the drain cover), and pop-up drains (often controlled by a lever). Sometimes, the shower drain will have a recessed area that you can put a flathead screwdriver or something similar in to leverage the drain out and up. If you are still unsure, consider comparing your drain to images or diagrams of common shower drain types online. Websites of plumbing supply stores often have detailed product descriptions and photos that can help you match your drain. If possible, consult the shower’s original installation paperwork. As a last resort, you may consider consulting with a qualified plumber. Providing them with photos of your drain can help them quickly identify the type and advise you on the appropriate removal procedure.
How can I avoid damaging the shower pan when removing the drain?
The key to avoiding shower pan damage when removing a drain is to apply steady, controlled force and use the correct tools. Avoid excessive force and leverage, which can crack or warp the pan, especially if it’s made of acrylic or fiberglass. Using heat judiciously and applying penetrating oil can also help loosen stubborn drains without damaging the surrounding pan.
When tackling a shower drain removal, start by identifying the type of drain you have. Many shower drains have a strainer that screws into the drain body. Attempting to force this out can damage the threads in both the strainer and the drain body, or worse, crack the shower pan. Use the correct tool for removing the strainer – often a strainer wrench or a set of internal pipe wrenches designed for this purpose. If the strainer is stuck, apply penetrating oil around the edges and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before attempting removal. Gentle heat from a heat gun or hair dryer can also help to loosen corrosion, but be extremely careful not to overheat the shower pan, especially if it’s acrylic or fiberglass, as this could cause warping or melting. If the drain body itself needs to be removed (usually from underneath the shower pan), support the pan from below if possible. This prevents stress fractures as you unscrew the drain body from the drainpipe. When unscrewing the drain body, use a wrench that fits properly to avoid rounding off the edges. If the drain is corroded, consider using a pipe wrench, but wrap the jaws with tape to protect the drain finish and minimize the risk of scratching the shower pan surface. Always work slowly and patiently, frequently checking for any signs of stress or cracking in the shower pan. If encountering extreme resistance, consult a professional plumber to avoid causing irreversible damage.
How do I clean the drain after removing it?
Once you’ve removed the shower drain, cleaning it involves removing any built-up hair, soap scum, and other debris. Use a combination of tools like a small brush, pliers, and potentially a drain snake or wire to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the drain body before reinstalling it.
Cleaning the drain thoroughly after removal is essential to prevent future clogs and ensure proper water flow. Start by visually inspecting the drain for any visible obstructions like hair clumps, soap scum buildup, or mineral deposits. Use pliers or tweezers to manually remove large clumps of hair and debris. A small, stiff-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush or a specialized plumbing brush, can be used to scrub away soap scum and grime from the interior and exterior surfaces of the drain. For stubborn blockages, carefully insert a drain snake or a stiff wire into the drain openings, twisting and pushing to break up and remove any remaining obstructions. Be cautious not to damage the drain’s threads or any delicate parts during this process. After removing the visible debris, rinse the drain thoroughly with hot water to flush out any remaining loose particles. You can also use a cleaning solution like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to help dissolve mineral deposits and deodorize the drain. Pour the mixture into the drain, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water. If the drain is heavily soiled, you might consider soaking it in a solution of warm water and a mild detergent for a while before scrubbing. Always wear gloves to protect your hands and dispose of the removed debris properly. Ensure the drain is completely clean and free of any obstructions before reinstalling it in the shower.
What type of sealant should I use when replacing the drain?
When replacing a shower drain, you should use a plumber’s putty that is specifically designed for plumbing applications. This putty provides a watertight seal between the drain flange and the shower base or pan. Avoid using silicone caulk or other types of sealants for this application, as they can be difficult to remove if the drain needs to be replaced again in the future, and may not provide as reliable a seal as plumber’s putty.
While plumber’s putty is the primary sealant for the drain flange where it meets the shower base, you may also need a thread sealant for the drainpipe connections underneath the shower. For threaded drain connections (like those using PVC or metal pipes), use Teflon tape (plumber’s tape) or a pipe joint compound (pipe dope). Teflon tape is applied by wrapping it clockwise around the threads of the pipe before connecting it to the drain fitting. Pipe joint compound is brushed onto the threads. These sealants help prevent leaks at the threaded connections. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the plumber’s putty and the thread sealant. Proper application is critical to ensure a watertight seal and prevent future leaks. Too much sealant can be as bad as not enough, so apply a consistent and appropriate amount based on the drain and sealant instructions.
And that’s it! Hopefully, you’ve now got a sparkling clean shower drain and a shower that’s draining like a dream. Thanks so much for giving this a try! Feel free to swing back by anytime you’ve got another household mystery that needs solving - we’re always adding new tips and tricks to make your life a little easier.