A bathtub drain is usually connected to the waste line underneath the tub, which then typically connects to the drain pipe leading out of the home’s plumbing system. To connect the drain, a rubber seal gasket is placed onto the underside of the tub and the threads of the bathtub’s drain are matched up with the threads on the drain pipe.
Once the pipes are threaded together, plumbers’ putty is applied to seal the joint and a brad or two is used to hold it in place. The overflow tube is connected to the same pipe and will be mounted directly to the wall.
Finally, a drain head or strainer, which is generally part of the drain assembly, is connected from the top of the tub and the gap is sealed with plumbers’ putty.
How do you install a new bathtub drain?
Installing a bathtub drain is a relatively straightforward project, but you should always make sure to use the proper safety equipment and techniques to ensure your safety. Before starting, gather the necessary materials, such as a drain assembly, a hacksaw, PVC primer, PVC cement, and a rubber or foam gasket for the drain.
Step 1: Turn off the water and drain the existing tub.
Step 2: Begin by removing the existing tub drain. Use a hacksaw to cut through the old drain pipes and to remove the old drain.
Step 3: Measure the distance between the drain pipe holes and then measure and cut the PVC drain pipe to size.
Step 4: Apply a layer of PVC primer to the drain pipe and to the new drain assembly.
Step 5: Insert the drain assembly into the drain pipe and then apply PVC cement around the drain pipe. The cement will help create a watertight seal.
Step 6: Place a rubber or foam gasket onto the drain assembly and into the tub.
Step 7: Bolt the drain assembly into the tub with the provided screws.
Step 8: Connect the drain pipe to the drain assembly.
Step 9: Turn the water back on and test the drain for any leaks.
After all the steps are completed, you should have a new bathtub drain installed and ready for use!
How does a bathtub drain mechanism work?
A bathtub drain mechanism works by using a system of pipes and a stopper that works in conjunction with gravity to allow you to fill and drain your bathtub. The drain is usually located near the bottom of the bathtub, and typically includes a removable stopper that plugs into the drain.
This stopper prevents water from running out of the drain while the bathtub is filling. When the bathtub is full, the stopper can be pulled up to allow the water to flow out and be replaced by new water when desired.
The bathtub stopper is connected to a mechanism below the bathtub, typically within a pipe, which manages the flow of water. This system often includes a drain trap, which is either a pipe that puts a slight bend in the main pipe or a container that takes wastewater and holds it before it moves on.
The drain trap also prevents any odors from coming back up from the drain and into the bathroom.
At the bottom of the bathtub’s drain mechanism, a drain vent is located which allows air to enter the drain system, enabling the water to move freely down the pipe and out of the house. This vent is controlled by a plug or lever that can be used to completely seal the vent and stop all water flow.
By utilizing pipes, a stopper, and gravity, the bathtub drain mechanism allows users to control the flow of water while they fill and drain their bathtub.
What is the drain assembly on a tub called?
The drain assembly on a tub is known as the bathtub drain. It typically consists of a tailpiece, a drain pipe, and a strainer. The tailpiece is the pipe that extends from the bottom of the tub to the drain wall and provides support for the strainer.
The drain pipe is the part that connects the tailpiece to the drain elbow in the wall and is typically made of either ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) plastic. The strainer is the part that rests on the floor of the tub and is designed to catch debris and prevent it from entering the drain pipe.
The strainer also includes the drain stopper, which is used to stop the water from draining from the tub.
Do you have to use plumbers putty when installing a new tub drain?
When installing a new tub drain it is recommended to use plumbers putty to ensure a water-tight seal. Plumbers putty should be placed between the drain flange (also called the drain shoe) and the bottom of the tub.
Plumbers putty is a soft, pliable material which when placed between the drain flange and the tub will form a water-tight seal. It is important to install the drain flange before applying the plumbers putty.
Make sure to carefully read all of the installation instructions which should be included with the tub before installing. After the plumbers putty has been applied, the tub drain can be inserted into the drain flange and then tightened using the provided screws.
The putty will help to create an air-tight seal which should help to prevent water from leaking out of the tub drain. It is important to use the correct amount of putty, as using too much can make it difficult to achieve a proper seal.
Is it hard to change a tub drain?
Changing a tub drain can be a difficult job, depending on your level of plumbing experience. If you are an experienced plumber, you should be able to evaluate and change a tub drain in less than an hour.
If you are not a professional, however, it may take considerably more time and effort to tackle the project. It is important to understand the plumbing basics before attempting to install a new drain, since mistakes could lead to costly repairs down the road.
The most challenging part of changing a tub drain is typically removing the old drain, which may be corroded due to years of use or built up mineral deposits. If you are having trouble, you can always consult with a professional to get the work done correctly.
How do I add a new drain to an existing drain?
Adding a new drain to an existing drain can be done in a few simple steps:
1. Determine the location of the new drain and mark it. Make sure to pay attention to the local plumbing codes and regulations when deciding the drain location.
2. Cut the pipe for the new drain with a pipe saw at the designated location.
3. Install the new drain pipe by fitting the two pieces together and securing them together with a crimped coupling and pipe clamp.
4. Connect the new drain pipe to the existing drain by affixing a Y-fitting to the existing drain. Make sure that the seal is secure using pipe dope or a pipe joint compound.
5. Finally, connect the new drain pipe to the main drain system by creating an air-tight joint between the main drain pipe and the Y-fitting. You can use pipe glue or sealant to make sure that the joint is sound and won’t leak.
Once the necessary steps have been taken, the new drain should be ready to use once you turn the water system back on. Testing the new drain connections is highly recommended to make sure that the installation went right.
Are all the drain pipes connected?
No, not all of the drain pipes are connected. Generally, the plumbing of a home is a series of interconnected pipes running from the main water supply to the fixtures and appliances. The drain pipes run from the fixtures and appliances to an external septic tank, holding tank, or public sewer system.
This means that the drain pipes of some of the fixtures and appliances within the home may be connected to one another, but not all of them will be connected to the outside system. In certain cases, an additional pipe may be used to connect two fixtures and appliances together.
Additionally, the drain pipes that are connected to the outside septic or sewer system will not all be connected to each other since they will run in their own individual route and their own separate entry point.
Where does bathtub drain go?
The bathtub drain is connected to a plumbing fixture known as the drain waste vent system. The drain waste vent system is designed to allow water to flow down the drain and away from your home. It typically consists of a series of pipes leading from the bathtub drain and connecting to a main sewer line or septic system.
Along the way, the pipes may pass through different fittings, including a P-trap and vent stack. The P-trap, or j-bend, is designed to trap any large objects that may go down the drain, such as small toys or items.
The vent stack, meanwhile, is designed to allow air to escape from the pipes, which assists with drainage and prevents potential backups. Ultimately, all of the pipes lead to the main sewer line or septic system, where the waste water is transferred to a treatment facility.
Is a tub drain and a shower drain the same size?
No, a tub drain and a shower drain are not the same size. Tub drains typically measure anywhere from two to three inches in diameter, while shower drain sizes may vary from two inches up to four inches.
Additionally, there are an array of shapes, from round to multiple-sided styles, which can affect the overall size. For example, the two-inch round style may provide greater drainage than the three or four inch square or rectangular style.
Therefore, it is important to consider the size of both the drain pipe and the drain in order to ensure the best fit and capacity for your needs.
Can a shower and tub share the same drain?
Yes, a shower and tub can share the same drain, but it requires careful consideration of several factors. These factors include the position of the existing drain, the strength and height of the water pressure, as well as the type of drain system you currently have.
Plumbers will commonly install a shower and tub in a shared area, at which point they’ll connect the existing plumbing to the shared drain. This is especially true in small bathrooms, where space is limited, as the shared drain can help save on the need for extra plumbing components.
To ensure the shared drain meets your needs, talk to a professional beforehand and ask them to assess your current situation and determine the best approach. They can also advise you on the necessary components required for a successful installation.
How does the drain in a bathtub work?
A bathtub drain works by using a combination of gravity, pipes, and a stopper to move water from the bathtub out of the house. The bathtub is designed with a sloping bottom and a drain outlet near the lowest part.
This ensures that water that is in the bathtub naturally flows to the lowest point. The pipes beneath the bathtub conduct the water out of the house by connecting to the drain outlet. The stopper is used to block the drain and prevent water from flowing out.
When the stopper is opened, the water is able to flow freely out the drain. Different types of bathtub drains have different mechanisms for stopper activation. Some drains have a lever that is used to open and close the stopper, while other drains have a knob or a toggle switch.
Regardless of the type of stopper, the basic principle remains the same: preventing water from exiting the bathtub while allowing it to drain out when the stopper is released.
How do you fix a drain lever in a bathtub?
Fixing a drain lever in a bathtub requires a few tools, a set of pliers, a screwdriver, and plumber’s putty.
Start by lifting the stopper out of the opening of the tub drain by grasping it firmly with the pliers and turning it clockwise. Lift until the lever is also removed from the drain along with the stopper.
Get rid of the existing plumber’s putty from the base of the lever. Clean both the top of the sink and the edge of the lever thoroughly for a good seal.
Then, form a ring of fresh plumber’s putty around the base of the lever. Place the lever in the proper location and press firmly to ensure the putty is pressing against the sink edge.
Tighten the screws to keep the lever in place. Before you finish, make sure the lever functions and that the stopper comes up when the lever is lifted and goes back down when the lever is pressed.
Once everything is in place, your drain lever should be fixed and ready to go.
What causes a bathtub to not drain?
A bathtub not draining can be caused by a variety of things. The most common causes are a clogged drain, a broken drain stopper, a broken plumbing vent, or a leaking pipe.
A clogged drain is usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, or other debris that’s preventing water from going down the drain. You can try to unclog the drain yourself using hot water, a plunger, or a chemical drain cleaner.
If the clog persists, you may need to hire a professional plumber.
A broken drain stopper is also a common cause of a bathtub not draining. You may need to replace or repair the broken or stuck stopper in order to get the water to flow freely.
A broken plumbing vent is another reason why a bathtub may not drain. This is because a vent helps regulate air pressure in the plumbing system, so a blocked or broken vent will prevent the water from draining properly.
You may need to hire a plumber to diagnose and repair the problem.
Finally, a leaking pipe can also cause a bathtub not to drain. You’ll first need to determine what type of pipe is leaking. If you have a galvanized steel pipe, it may be corroded and need to be replaced.
If it’s a more modern material, such as PVC, you may just need to repair or replace the seals. Whichever it is, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to repair the leak.
Does bath water go down the same drain as toilet?
No, bath water should not go down the same drain as toilet water. It is not safe for the plumbing system for these two to mix. Toilet drains take waste and include special piping that is designed to transport such materials from the building to the municipal sewer system.
Bath drains are designed to move only water from the bathtub to the municipal sewer system, and any other material, such as hair, soap, etc. should not go down the drain. If these two kinds of water are allowed to mix, it can cause a backup for both the toilet and the bathtub, which can lead to costly damages and potentially hazardous bacteria.