A tip toe drain is a specialized type of sink or bathtub drain mechanism. It’s different from a regular drain in that the interior of the drain slopes up, rather than down. This allows water to flow through the drain even when there is an obstruction in the pipe such as clogged hair.
The tip toe drain works by enabling the water to continue to pass through the drain even with the obstruction in place. The extra path created by the slope allows water to bypass the obstruction and empty out of the drain completely.
Tip toe drains are also often used in bathrooms and feature a much smaller opening than a standard drain. This can make them a great solution for households with small children as the small opening minimizes the risk of a child slipping their fingers down the drain.
How does a toe touch drain work?
A toe touch drain is a common sink drainage system typically used in residential areas. It consists of a drain stopper, an arm connected with a rod and a knob on the sink. To use the toe touch drain, you press down on the knob with your toe, which pulls up the drain stopper inside the drain and allows water to flow down the pipes.
When you release the knob, the stopper falls back into place, blocking the flow of water and allowing it to remain in the sink. The arm then lifts the stopper back up when the knob is pressed again. This process is useful when it comes to filling the sink with water or emptying it.
The toe touch drain is also beneficial in that it provides a hands-free way of controlling the drain.
How do I remove the tip from my toe drain?
Removing the tip of a toe drain is relatively straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete. The first step is to disconnect the drain by unscrewing the connecting nut and pulling it away from the pipe.
Next, you should use a flat head screwdriver to loosen the toe drain tip. Pry it off using the screwdriver until it is loose enough to pull off with your hands. Finally, you should clear out any debris around the area and reattach the drain.
What are the different types of bathtub drain stoppers?
There are three main types of bathtub drain stoppers: Toe-tap, lever and twist & turn.
Toe-tap stoppers are operated by pressing down with your foot on a small valve located near the drain hole. These are usually found on older models and can become difficult to use over time due to wear and tear.
Lever stoppers are operated by a handle located next to the tub and require a downward pressure to engage the stopper. Lever stoppers are great for those who have less mobility or difficulty reaching their feet.
Twist & turn stoppers are operated with a knob located next to the drain hole. By turning the knob in either direction you can engage or disengage the stopper. This is the most common type of drain stopper and is the most popular choice because it is easy to use and reliable.
In addition, some manufactures offer additional stopper options such as pop-up and plunger types. The pop-up type is operated by pushing and/or pulling a small lever located on the side of the tub. The plunger stopper is operated by pushing down on a plunger-like device that is located near the drain hole.
Other options include combination stoppers which combine different elements from the above types. Manufacturers also offer suction and drain plug stoppers. Suction stoppers are connected to the drain with a strong suction cup and the drain plug type is operated by a small plug located at the base of the drain.
It is important to note that manufacturers offer different sizes, colors and materials to match your current bathroom decor. When selecting a stopper make sure to measure your drain hole carefully and shop around to get the best price.
No matter which type of stopper you choose, proper installation and maintenance will ensure your tub is free from any drainage issues.
Do you need a sock on drain pipe?
Yes, you may need a sock on drainpipe if the drainpipe is connected to a sump pump that collects water from a damp basement floor. The sock will act like a filter, catching any debris and sediment that might otherwise be pumped into the sump.
It’s also important that the mesh size of the sock is small enough to capture any sediment but not so small that water can’t travel through it. If the sock is too small, it will eventually block the pipe.
Installing a sock on the drainpipe near the sump pump is a simple step that can help protect your sump pump from debris and buildup while ensuring water can continue to enter the pump.
What kind of bathtub stopper do I have?
The type of bathtub stopper you have likely depends on the age of your tub and your plumbing setup. For older baths, the most common type of stopper is a twist and lift stopper, which looks like a big metal or rubber knob on the bottom of your tub.
When you twist it, it will raise a stopper up out of the drain. More modern bathtubs, however, often come with a pop-up stopper. This type of stopper is typically operated by a lever or knob located on the wall of your tub, near the faucet.
Pressing the knob or lever will cause a stopper to spring up out of the drain. If your bathtub is decade or two old, it may also have a trip lever stopper, which consists of a lever attached to a chain.
Pulling the lever will raise the stopper, while pushing the lever down will cause it to drop and block the drain. If you’re still unsure of what kind of stopper you have, it could be helpful to remove the stopper and look for any identifying markings or numbers on it that can help you match it to a replacement online.
Are bathtub drain stoppers universal?
No, bathtub drain stoppers are not universal. Different bathtub and drain manufacturers use different types of stoppers, so you’ll need to select one that is compatible with your bathtub. The most common types of bathtub stoppers include trip lever stoppers, lift and turn, twist and turn, push and pull, and toe touch.
When purchasing a new shower drain, make sure to read the specifications and look for compatible bathtub stopper models.
How do you unclog a bathtub drain with a non removable stopper?
If you have a bathtub with a non-removable stopper, unclogging it may require a bit more work. The first step is to remove the overflow plate – this is the circular plate which is just above the tub in the wall.
Underneath the overflow plate you should see a small slot. This slot typically turns counterclockwise and, when it turns, releases the mechanism that is connecting the overflow plate to the drain and the stopper.
Be sure to use a flashlight to examine the slot if you cannot see it properly.
Once the slot has been successfully turned, it should release the stopper from the drain. After that, use a plunger to try and create suction which can dislodge whatever is clogging the drain. If this does not succeed, then you can use a plumbing snake to go down the tub drain and unclog the debris.
This can be a tedious process and may require some elbow grease to clear the drain. You may also want to try pouring a combination of hot water and baking soda down the drain to see if that helps.
Finally, once the tub has been unclogged, be sure to put the overflow plate back on and replace the stopper correctly. It is important to do a final check to ensure that no debris is left behind in the drain that could cause another blockage.
What will dissolve hair in a drain?
A combination of boiling water and a chemical drain cleaner with enzymes can dissolve hair in a drain. Boiling water breaks down oils and greases that can collect in a drain and can help loosen hairs that are stuck in the pipe.
Depending on how long the hair has been in the drain, hot water alone may not be enough. Chemical drain cleaners often contain enzymes that break down organic material, including human hair. Pouring a drain cleaner directly into the drain, leaving it for a few minutes, and then flushing it with hot water should dissolve any hair in the drain.
What is the home remedy to unclog a bathtub drain?
A home remedy to unclog a bathtub drain is to first remove the tub’s strainer or stopper, if possible. Then, form a plunger seal by filling the tub with a few inches of water and placing the plunger cup over the drain.
Plunge the drain for about 20 seconds. If that doesn’t work, try to remove the obstruction using a bent wire hanger. Unbend the wire to form a long thin probe, then push it down the drain and work it around to try and snag whatever is causing the clog.
If this also doesn’t work, use a drain snake or an auger. Insert the snake or auger into the drain and feed it all the way down the line until you encounter the obstruction. Turn the handle to grab onto the clog and remove it.
If the clog is severe or the snake or auger isn’t strong enough to break it up, consider using a chemical drain cleaner according to the product’s instructions. If you don’t have any drain cleaners on hand, pour a few cups of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar directly down the drain.
Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
How do you unclog a deep clogged bathtub?
Unclogging a deep clogged bathtub requires a few steps to try over a moderately short amount of time to resolve the issue. First, you should try using a plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog. If that fails, you may need to attempt a chemical drain cleaner.
It is important to follow all safety instructions on the package and use a smaller amount if it is a deep clog. Use hot water after 10-20 minutes to help activate the chemicals. If this still fails to move the clog, you may need to try a zip-it or auger.
Insert the tool into the drain and twist it back and forth to attempt to dislodge the clog. If this still fails, you may need to call a professional plumber, as the clog may be out of the reach of household tools or run the risk of damaging your pipes and fixtures.
How do you unclog an inaccessible drain?
If you are dealing with an inaccessible drain, then a few different methods can be employed to attempt to unclog it. The first, and easiest option, is to attempt using a drain snake or an auger to see if you can reach and clear the clog.
If you have a metal snake, then insert it into the drain pipe, grab hold of the clog with the snake, and then slowly pull it out. If you have a plastic snake, then insert it into the pipe, twist it around until the clog loosens up and then slowly pull it out.
If a snake is not an option, then you can attempt to flush out the clog. To do this, pour boiling water into the drain, which can help free up the clog. Alternatively, you can also make a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, pour it into the drain and then cover the drain with a wet cloth and let it sit for several hours.
The baking soda and vinegar will fizz and can help break up the clog. If all else fails, then you may need to call a professional to see if they can manually extract or cut away the clog using specialized tools.