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Cleaning a Tub Drain

Plumbing, Repairs and Installation Published 09/19/2007 by Danny Lipford

Cleaning a Tub Drain

A slow running or clogged tub drain can be really annoying and turn your bath or shower into a less than idyllic experience. Fortunately, it’s usually a simple problem to fix.

Start by removing the screws on the drain’s overflow escutcheon plate.

Remove the screws from the drain's overflow escutcheon plate.

Next, pull the drain assembly out of the overflow pipe.

Pulling the drain assembly out of the overflow pipe.

Clean any hair and debris from the drain bail.

Cleaning hair and debris from drain bail.

A two-foot long flexible rod with tiny bristles on the end, known as a drain stick, is used to remove any additional gunk from the drain.

Two-foot long flexible rod with tiny bristles on the end, known as a drain stick.

The rod is inserted in the drain, and any remaining trash is fished out.

Inserting the drain stick in the drain.

The drain can be cleaned out even more by removing the drain grate.

Removing the drain grate.

Use the drain stick to clean inside it while flushing it out with water.

Flushing with water.

Once the drain is running freely, reassemble the drain assembly and grate.

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3 Comments to “Cleaning a Tub Drain”

chargerplates Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 2:31 am

A two-foot long flexible rod with tiny bristles on the end, known as a drain stick, is used to remove any additional gunk from the drain.
I can’t see the pics??!~
john bogos Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 2:50 am

need to replace tub drain and outer ring.
Steve Sunderhaus Says:
April 19th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

If I unscrewed the tub drain screws, pulled the section out and it didn’t have the bail on it, how can i get it out? Drains very slow and standing in water during a shower.