Installing a roller ball drain assembly requires basic plumbing knowledge and tools. Before starting, it is important to turn off the water main and remove any existing drain assembly. Here are some steps to follow when installing a roller ball drain assembly:
1. Begin by preparing the tailpiece. Attach the elbow to the tailpiece and secure it with an adjustable wrench.
2. Now, insert the roller ball drain trap body into the tailpiece with the air admittance holes pointed up. Connect the elbow securely to the side of the trap body.
3. Cut a piece of plastic tubing to the same length as the tailpiece and attach it to the trap body.
4. Then, attach the overflow drain line to the trap body or overflow body, depending on what kind of drain assembly you have.
5. Connect the provided extensions. Use adjustable pliers to tighten the extensions and the provided adaptors.
6. Now install the drain cap onto the trap body using a large adjustable wrench.
7. Turn the water main back on and check for leaks.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily install a roller ball drain assembly.
How do you hook up a push drain?
Hooking up a push drain is a relatively simple process and requires a few tools and supplies, including a drain body with a gasket, a tailpiece, a horizontal pipe, a p-trap with a clean-out plug, plumber’s putty, and nuts and washers.
First, place the drain body onto the sink, and thread the tailpiece into the drain body. Then, place the p-trap into the horizontal pipe by connecting the two ends together and tightening the nuts and washers.
Next, place plumber’s putty around the bottom of the drain body, and position it on the sink. Carefully push the drain body down to ensure a tight seal, and then install the horizontal pipe by connecting it to the tailpiece, ensuring that the p-trap sits below the sink drain, so that gravity can easily draw the water out.
Finally, tighten the nuts connecting the horizontal pipe to the tailpiece and install the clean-out plug.
Once the installation is complete, run some water down the drain to check for leaks. If no leaks are present, your push drain is successfully hooked up.
Do you have to use plumbers putty when installing a new tub drain?
Yes, when installing a new tub drain, you should use plumbers putty. Plumbers putty is a pliable or malleable material made out of a combination of materials, including clay, cheesecloth and linseed oil.
It is used to create waterproof seals in plumbing fixtures such as drains and pipes. When installing a tub drain, plumbers putty is applied to the underside of the drain flange to create a waterproof seal when the flange is tightened down.
Additionally, the use of plumbers putty creates a flexible seal to account for any minor movement of the drain flange when the tub is being moved around. Without this seal, there could be a leakage of water and the tub installation could fail.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to use plumbers putty when installing a new tub drain.
Should I use plumbers putty or silicone on tub drain?
That really depends on your specific situation and the type of tub drain you have. Plumbers putty is generally used for drains which have a rubber gasket, while silicone sealant is often used when there is no rubber gasket.
Plumbers putty is a flexible putty that is kneaded together and applied around the drain to form a seal, while silicone sealant is a more permanent, waterproof solution. If you’re unsure which product to use, it’s best to consult with a licensed plumbing professional who can inspect the tub drain and recommend the most appropriate material for your needs.
What should you never pour down the drain?
You should never pour any type of hazardous material down the drain. This includes cooking grease and oil, paints and thinners, bleach, drain cleaners, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids such as oil, fuel, transmission fluid, and antifreeze.
Even small amounts of these materials can cause problems for your septic system and with your local wastewater treatment facility. Additionally, things like fabric softener, hair, feminine hygiene products, cleaning wipes, food scraps, and paper towels should all be avoided as they can create blockages in plumbing pipes.
How tight should a tub drain be?
When it comes to knowing how tight a tub drain should be, it’s important to keep in mind that there should be sufficient slack in the pipes so that proper installation and function of the drain can occur, while still ensuring that it is secure enough that no water or debris is able to escape through it.
For best results, use a basin wrench or an open-end wrench to install and tighten the tub drain, making sure to not over tighten it. Start by hand-tightening the drain body directly to the tub, then use the basin wrench to secure the drain nipple, tightening until the drain is flush with the surface of the tub.
The most important factor to keep in mind is that when you tighten the drain, you should not make it so tight that it will be difficult to remove when needed.
If the drain is too tight, this could cause additional damage to the drain and potentially your tub as well. Make sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer for the best and safest results.
Should I caulk around tub drain?
Caulking around your tub drain is a great way to prevent water from seeping into the cracks and crevices of the tub and potentially causing damage to your bathroom floor. However, it is important to make sure the area is prepared properly before applying the caulk.
Begin by cleaning the area around the drain with a household cleaner, making sure to remove any dirt, mildew, or soap scum. After the area is dry, you can apply tape around the edges of the drain to help create a straight line for the caulk.
Then, use a silicone caulk to fill any gaps, slowly pushing the caulk gun along the edges of the drain as you go. Once the caulk has been applied, use a damp cloth to smooth it out. Make sure to allow adequate time for it to fully cure, usually 24 hours, before using the shower.
The caulk should last for several years before needing to be replaced.
Can I use clear silicone instead of plumbers putty?
Yes, you can use clear silicone instead of plumbers putty. Clear silicone has the advantages of being waterproof and resistant to high temperatures, so it is often used for sealing toilets, showers, and other bathroom fixtures.
It also forms a stronger bond than plumbers putty and is often less prone to cracking over time, which can be important in areas with direct water contact.
However, the biggest downside to using clear silicone instead of plumbers putty is its difficulty in removal. Once it has dried and formed a seal, it often has to be cut or chipped out of the area and may also require special tools or heat to break the bond.
Plumbers putty is much easier to remove, so in areas where making repairs is likely in the future, it may be the better choice. Additionally, unlike plumbers putty, clear silicone can discolor certain types of plumbing with age, so it is important to consider the environment before deciding on a sealant.
Are bathtub drains replaceable?
Yes, bathtub drains are replaceable. Depending on the style of bathtub you have, you may either need a universal type of drain, or one specifically designed for your model/style. Generally, replacing a bathtub drain is not a difficult project for the average homeowner.
However, for individuals who do not have plumbing experience, it is advisable to consult with a qualified plumber in order to ensure that the repair is done properly, the first time around.
If you decide to undertake this task yourself, the supplies you will need include a drain stopper, a tub wrench, channel-type pliers, a putty knife, a pair of pliers, caulking, silicone caulk, and a standard screwdriver.
The first step is to detach the old drain from beneath the tub, using a drain stopper. Once the old drain is removed, the next step is to apply a layer of silicone caulk at the bottom of the new drain, to create a seal.
Place the drain into the hole beneath the tub, and use the tub wrench to securely tighten it.
After the drain is fastened, use a putty knife to apply a layer of caulking around the area of the drain, and to create a watertight seal that will prevent future leaks. Once you are finished with the installation and caulking process, the next step is to test the drain by filling the tub with a few inches of water.
If the drain works effectively and the water flows down properly, you have successfully replaced the bathtub drain.
What is the drain assembly on a tub called?
The drain assembly on a tub is usually referred to as a bathtub drain. It is composed of three parts: the drain body which is the round cup that goes into the drain hole on the bottom of the tub; the trip lever which is the part you press down on to raise and lower the stopper to keep the water in the tub; and the overflow tube which helps prevent the tub from overflowing by allowing water to flow down it when the water reaches a certain level.
It is important to maintain the bathtub drain in order to keep your tub in good working condition for a long time. Regularly cleaning the drain and checking for any blockages can help prevent any serious problems from occurring.
Are tub drains a universal size?
No, tub drains are not a universal size. Different tubs have different drains sizes and styles. Most standard bathtubs have drain outlets that measure 2 inches in diameter, although it is not uncommon to find a 1.
5 inch, or even a 3 inch drain. An extra deep bathtub or claw foot tub may even have a 4 inch drain. In addition, tub drains come in various styles such as trip levers, lift and turn and toe taps, which have their own unique measurements and fitment requirements.
Therefore, it is important to always measure the size of the drain before selecting a replacement part.
Are all tub drains the same?
No, not all tub drains are the same. Some tub drains are equipped with a pop-up drain, which contains a stopper that lifts up and down to seal the drain and stop the flow of water. Other drains may have a pull-chain or lever plug drain, which operates manually when the user wants to close the drain.
Some tubs may even have a trip lever drain, which operates via a handle attached to a large arm, allowing the user to open or close the drain. Each type of drain requires specific installation steps, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.
Additionally, the size of the drain has to match the outlet in the tub, so it is worth measuring both the size of the drain and the size of the outlet before purchasing.
Is it easy to replace bath waste?
Replacing a bath waste can depend on the current type of waste installed. Some bath wastes are slightly easier to replace than others. Some simple designs might come with the bath, while more complex ones might require more specialised products.
However, it is a relatively simple task that does not involve any specialist tools. Generally speaking, once the old waste has been removed and the new bath waste is connected, the pipes can be secured and tested.
In essence, replacing a bath waste is a straightforward job that can be undertaken without any specialist tools by anyone who is competent with basic DIY. All it generally takes is time and patience – in particular, making sure that all plumbing is secure and no drips will occur after the new waste is in place.
With the right tools, this job is an uncomplicated job that anyone can do.
Are shower drains removable?
Yes, shower drains are removable. The type of shower drain you have will dictate the exact process for removing it, but it generally involves unscrewing the cover from the drain and then unscrewing the drain from the leak pan.
Depending on what type of drain you have, you may need to remove caulking, silicone, or caulk tape to help the drain come out of the pan. Additionally, you may need to remove the grate on the shower floor by unscrewing it.
Once the drain is out of the pan, you’ll be able to inspect it and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
What is the labor cost to remove and replace a bathtub?
The labor cost to remove and replace a bathtub will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of bathtub that needs to be replaced and its size, the complexity of the job, and the locality in which it is being done.
Generally, the labor cost to remove and replace a bathtub averages between $800 and $1,400 depending on these factors, with the cost usually around $1,050. To get an accurate estimate of the labor cost associated with removing and replacing a bathtub, it is best to contact a local, licensed contractor to discuss the project specifics and receive an estimate.