Replacing a Tub Drain: Bathtub Drain Removal and Replacement 

𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 Universal Tub Drain geni.us/YjA56KK​ Tub Drain Wrench geni.us/fAsfdE​ Tub Drain Extractor geni.us/s9GR​ Plumber’s Putty geni.us/5N4O0 Disclosure: Pros DIY is an Amazon Associate. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

No bullshit, no unnecessary talking. Super informative Thanks Dude!

Best tip in this video is the gasket being under the hole cutout and not on top. I'd bet lots of installers have done this wrong and as a homeowner repair I might have just replaced everything back the way it was thinking it was right. Great video.

Hi all, this came to my feed. Thanks for sharing your tips! I want to say to some folks with an older home (40-50 years+) there were some different combos of thread. Can't source them anymore. Before you do the disassembly, thinking you can just pop out the insert from the tub side, and find a modern replacement of either thread type, nope! So then, you need to replace a lot more. Also note, that during initial install, tubs are fitted with the drains and then put in place. I mention this, because in trying to retrofit a replacement, there may not be room to easily remove the subfloor facing portion. I found this out when moving to our new-to-us 50 year old place. Drain had it's cross protection broken out on the tub side, and I have little naughty kids, so I wanted a new secure one. I scored it and got it out, and not nobody had a drop in replacement. Not even the trade stores that I couldn't buy from anyway. I needed to cut away some framing that had been built around the plumbing when the tub was initially dropped in just to access removing the drain from the bottom side. This put my main bath out of commission for a week while I went though all this investigation. Just sharing to prevent headaches and scope creep!

This is literally the best tutorial on replacing the bath tub drain and gaskets. You are stellar at this! Awesome camera shots, quality, and superb editing and narration. Thank you so much for explaining where the gaskets go!!! I need to replace my tub drain and had no idea where this rubber gasket went. Thanks boss :)

Great video, thank you for going over the basics and not skipping over the placement of the drain washers.

The right tools and a little know how, especially to tackle those "unforeseen contingencies/snafus", makes all the difference. This is a well produced and presented video. ✌🏽👍🏽

Having done a few of these myself over the years, I wish I had found this video before my first one. I know this video is a couple years old, but this is absolutely the best DIY video I have ever seen. Completely thorough, no questions left unanswered. Clear descriptions and illustrations of each part and how it should be installed - BRAVO!

Thank you. Fixed my tub drain by following this information.

I'm a diy lady. I painted my green tub white. Had to remove the tube drain. I don't remember a washer. Freaked me out how the pipe moved around. Wasn't sure where the washer went and whether to use putty. I'll watch the video again then insert new tub drain. Was stressing but im feeling better. I've looked at several videos and this was the only that cleared up my confusion. So relieved.

Wow. This is going to save me a bunch of money over paying a plumber. Time to watch more of your videos, thanks!

This was great, i really like how you talk and present the steps at a good pacing. Many videos out there skip steps or just go thru them to quick forgetting the reason people watch these is because they don’t know much or want to learn more.

I must say this is the best video on RU-vid showing how to replace a bathtub drain and overflow

Watched like ten tub drain replacement videos and this one was miles better than any of them. Well done. Detailed explanations and "why" not just "how" provided.

Thank you! I appreciate you getting right to the point and not adding all kinds of in between useless words that only confuse a person that’s not a professional. You made it simple, clear, easy and possible for me to understand and I’m a stay at home mom teaching myself I rarely subscribe to RU-vidrs , but you I will

EXCELLENT VIDEO: Love how you show realistic 'surprises', wrestling, jiggering and some of the headaches of previous installs. So many videos just so this pretty and easy install where everything was done right. So informative and useful how you show real challenges of this kind of repair.

Thank you for a high quality, thorough walk through for the tub drain replacement! I’m currently on a job site with a rusted out tub drain that I need to replace and although I’m relatively handy, I haven’t done this before. I’m here to paint and clean lol, not moonlight as a plumber 😆 However, I’m capable of doing the replacement so I figured I’d just take care of it for my client, but I prefer to take on new jobs with as much information about what to expect as possible. My philosophy is anyone can start DIYing a job like this, but what separates the “can do’s” from the “can not do’s” is the ability to anticipate different potential issues/problems and then determine if you have the skill set to fix whatever THAT might be. Your vid addressed this and gave me the confidence to dive in. This was definitely an unexpected repair so I’m currently carrying minimal tools, but luckily my “just in case/expect the unexpected” tool box that I keep in my truck had a small pair of channel locks that I JUST put in there, as well as a 12” pry bar. I easily got the drain out using your method, and yes- the last installer placed the gasket on the wrong side of the tub 🤦🏻‍♀️. Haven’t taken the overflow cover off yet but I can only presume I’ll find that gasket on the inside of the tub as well. Your vid saved me from needing to make multiple trips to the closest major hardware store which is located nearly 40 minutes from my job site. Again, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for a thorough video that clearly explains the drain replacement process from start to finish, covers potential issues, and gives some tips/tricks/advice on the job in general but also for handling the most common of problems. I hereby do solemnly swear not to put the gasket in wrong!! 😉😁 PS: now I’m super curious about the status of the gaskets in my tub drains at home lol!

Thank you! Seeing the big picture, being introduced to the tools, and actually seeing the changes done is so very helpful.

Excellent video. The master plumber really knows, his own profession. He is very smart and intelligent. Thank You for a first rate lesson-Polish handyman from Florida

This is a project that I will be taking on in the next couple of days, so I've been checking a number of how-to videos on RU-vid. This video here is hands down the best one. So clear and well explained. I am actually looking forward to tackling this project now. Thanks.

By far the best video out there on drain removal. I loved the plumbing mock-up, so helpful!!!

Thank you so much! I thought I was going to have to replace my entire tub. I am so grateful to all who share their knowledge!

tx for the video... very helpful... I must admit I am one of those guys who installed the gasket on top...now I know better :)

Thank you so much for the extremely helpful and easy to follow instructions! I feel a lot more confident tackling this project on my own thanks to you!

I've found your plumbing replacement videos informative and succinct, thank you! I had the t-members in my drain break off today, and I feel confident in doing my own replacement now!

WOW! Possibly the best DIY video ever recorded on the internet. Clear and concise and the video matched what you were doing! Keep up the excellent work. And thanks for your help in getting my project done right!

This is a very clear and easy to understand video for my bathtub drain replacement. The video itself is perfectly filmed to show the details of the parts, making it easy to understand his instructions. As I removed my tub drain, I compared mine with the photos, and was able to cross-check my work all the way through my repair. That rubber gasket is really important - it goes under the tub, with the ridges point up, before you put the drain itself in. And that drain shell gets a nice "snake" of plumber putty all the way around, so that it seals in the as it threads down into the tub. As you thread and tighten the drain into the tub, the plumbers putty from the top, and the rubber seal from beneath the tub, "sandwich" the tub itself in-between. that what gives you your water seal. It's amazing how this video got me right through the project. I also note that the manufacturers videos (and there were a bunch of them), left me completely confused. Just follow this video and you'll be fine.

Great video! Direct, good visuals, no foolishness just “how to get it Done”! Thank you!

People like yourself are a godsend. Really. I’m a pretty good “fix-it myself” type of homeowner but little details are easily mistaken. Especially those gaskets.

Unbelievable how thorough your videos are. Most of the time I am yelling at DIY videos, "Yeah, but what about______." But every time I started to yell watching this video the clarification or exception to the rule was already starting. Thanks for being methodical! I rarely subscribe to channels but did so here.

By far the best I've ever seen on this topic. Thanks! As expected when I changed mine about 6 years ago the overflow washer was not even sitting flat. Luckily the tub was never filled for baths.

Possibly, one of the best videos for this type of job ! Thank you.

I love the fact that someone replacing drains is entertaining for me

very helpful, thank you. Didn't have to make multiple trips to hardware store because I saw the extractor in use and went straight to that for my 25yr old tub/drain. appreciate it!

I looked around RU-vid for a video on this and yours is by far the best one. Informative, shows a couple of examples, great lighting and filming so it's clear what's going on. Great job

Best video ever watched on plumbing. Great job. Now I feel confident in doing this. Thank you.

Thanks for the comprehensive lesson on tub drain/overflow installations!! As a diy'er, my "want to" far exceeds my skill. I get confused about the which way to lay the gasket, which you've shown clearly on several styles. Thanks!!!

Great job ...love how you instruct on many different methods in doing the job.

The quality of instruction of this video should be the standard for all diy videos. Great job!

What a great video. Very informative and clear. I will start my bathtub project tomorrow. I'm glad the washers were installed incorrectly because now I'll know what to do (I KNOW my tub was probably installed incorrectly too). I bookmarked this so I can refer back to it often. I will definitely check out your other videos.

Awesome video. I had water in the liner. Almost 3 gallons. Was able to drain water after watching this! The more you knowwwww

Great video! I am glad that you've pointed out which side of the tub the washer should be on, can't wait to change mine except I have to sand and resurface the tub first where it is rusted around the drain. If you do have that video I'll definitely check it out. Thanks.

Excellent video, this gentleman is Ace explaining and showing how, definately thumbs up!

That was fascinating! Thank you. I am a non-Plummer kinda gal and was perplexed about how to replace a damaged tub drain

Man I just have to say your video was the best instruction video I found. I had no idea that rub gasket went between the drain under the tub. I replaced the drain insert and it was still leaking and your video helped me fix it up. Thanks

Great DIY video. This will save me a nice sum of money by being able to do it myself and do it correctly.

Just what I was looking for to replace some tub/shower drain plugs. Well explained and great editing.

Thank you for sharing the video. I was able to replace mine. It was harder than it looks like in the video, even with the extractor. The rust was bad. Tips for other people: make sure you change the tub drain at the first sign of rust. It only gets worse.

As many have stated, fantastic video. Great visuals and explanations as well as little details (such as the ridges on the gasket and which side to face down). I'm going to attempt to repair a leaky drain valve so this gave me a lot of confidence. Much appreciated!

This video is 👍. So helpful, right to the point and clearly shows expertise! Thank you! 🙏🤑

This is a superb video. Your narration, camerawork and showing the various tools and different type of tub drains made this a comprehensive video. Thanks and I’m now a subscriber.

Thank you for your detailed and thorough tutorial. This is more than helpful, great job.

This is an incredibly useful and well-done video. It covers multiple common scenerios, as well as the "gotchas" that you may run into in the removal and installation processes. It's all shown in very clear video that is very well narrated.

Thanks for the helpful tips. Good job.

Very informative and well-demonstrated video! Thank you for taking the time to do it!

This video was VERY informative! I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom, and have never installed a new drain. This showed me exactly what I needed to know! Thank you!

What a great video, clear concise and leaves no unanswered questions! 👍🏻

Thank you for making this video. It was very informative. I didn't even know there were different drain sizes so thank you for explaining that

Great video. I like the extra details of how much putty to use and about replacing the washer under the tub. I can see why people incorrectly install this as the one I bought makes no mention of what to to with it within its instructions. Thanks again!

A great video. Finally one which shows the actual practical problems you face and the right tool to remove the drain!

Thank you. This is a very well put together video and made replacing the old drain in our tub a breeze.

Excellent tutorial. I was concerned that I would need access to the underside of the tub to replace the drain. I'm glad to find that I won't.

Best video! So detailed and shows all the different types of stoppers. Very helpful!

Thank you for posting this! As a single mom I need to be able tp do stuff myself and this was a lifesaver.

Great video. I've been wanting to do this and your video gives me the motivation to get it done properly.

FYI your affiliate links are broken. Thank you very much for the excellent video! I'm not a fan of spending the first few minutes describing stuff myself, I skip to just getting into the work. But some people seem to need that I guess. Good work!

Outstanding video for the clarity of picture and speech .Glad no background music. Thanks

Thank you for posting!! This is exactly what I needed!

2 min in and am going to leave this to an expert! Thanks!

Your directions were right on the money, and we saved a bundle with your great explanations. Many thanks!!

This guy has lots of experience. Not a lot of people can squeeze that gasket s behind the tub with minimal space.

That was great - thanks! Glad to see you do it twice and sort out the washers....

Gets me learning how to do a home repair the right way only to find during the process it was done ...eerr... "incorrectly" the last time. Thanks for this video. Produced well and concise.

Well done and informative! You are very well spoken and thorough in your technical information. Key word is "thorough". Thank you.

Very well explained. Clear and concise instructions. Boosted my confidence to do it myself.

excellent video! "Don't crack the tub" Love that. The info about the rubber washers is great. thank you.

Great description with two options, direct and to the point. Thanks!

your explanations are simple, but thorough. thanks for the detail on the screws and threads.

I am MUCH less afraid now 😄 Very helpful, sir. Thanks, from the new owner of an older home....

Thank You That was the very best,and high quality video out of all the plumbing / DIY channels, I have seen..

Excellent! Possibly the best DIY video I have seen.

"PLUG THE DRAIN SO NOTHING FALLS DOWN..." No truer words spoken!

The best tutorial I have found on the "theory" and practice of tub drain replacement. Thanks.

Thank you! I'm a new homeowner so your video helped me understand what I need and what to do to install the parts. I own a condo built in 1995. It's got a lot of wear and tear. I recently removed the overflow faceplate and it's incredibly rusty!!! The foam ring is definitely inside which is cool but it's all crunchy and dried up. The drain is currently chipped and has a Danco pop up stopper. I'm not sure how the washer will look when I remove it but we will see!

Thank you bud! Great video to sharpen my rusty plumber helper skills in my new home! :)

This was very helpful and just relieved a ton of stress for me. These are the kinds of videos that really do help.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! A video without music!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to your video, I replaced my toe-tap drain with broken cross bars! Thank you!!

Thank you, sir, for wondering, clear and understandable video! That was exactly what I was looking for, to help my home improvement process :)

This is a pretty good video. I have dealt with a lot of older homes and installing a pop-up drain is usually one of the best fixes for older bath tubs. I just hate dealing with the up down drain shut-offs and all the linkage and crap that goes along with it. The one thing about this replacement is that sometimes it is very difficult to get the old drain out. Mineral deposits lock those things into place and you have to deal with the limited room that you have, to work with inside the tub, but with perseverance and a bit of muscle you can usually get them loose. Some commons mistakes that people make is that the black rubber gasket goes below the tub, not between the upper part of the tub and the drain. These gaskets are flexible so you can usually work them into place even if you can't get under the tub. just gently fold then up a little and slide them into the drain hole and work it into place before you try to screw the drain into place. I love the pop-up drains (also called toe tap drain). The other mistake is to not forget to put plumbers putty around the top of the drain hole before you go and screw in the new drain (this guy also mentioned silicone but I have never used that). There are two types of pop-up drains, one where you have to manually lift the top (I have only used these in sink drains) and the type that I always use which is spring loaded and all you have to do it tap it with your toe to either open or close (hence the name "toe tap drain") and yes, there are two sizes so if you are unsure, get one of each size and have them both handy when you do your project. I learned the hard way and had the wrong size then had to put my project on hold for a week until I was able to order and receive the correct size. I usually buy the pieces separately but it was interesting to see that he got a kit that included the pop-up and the overflow cover in one box. I will be looking for this next time I have to do this, just to see if it saves me money. I have both of the tools that he showed, the tub wrench and the tub drain extract tool. They are life savers. Also, on the tub wrench, there are holes. If you have a really big screw drive, that will slide into these holes, it help to give you more leverage when you have an old drain that is being stubborn. The drain he shows in this video came out pretty easily, just be warned that sometime these little bastards can be a real PIA but they will come loose.

Thank you so much for being so thorough and informative! Brilliant!

This was so extremely informative! Thank you so much.

Great video with lots of detail on the tub drain assembly. Thanks!

Very clear video - the drain mock-up was a good touch. Well done.

Why is this so satisfying to watch? A professional at work.

This video is great. A friend of mine just inadvertently unscrewed his drain while trying to get the stopper out to clean out hair and debris, and I thought he was going to need to call a plumber. This video showed exactly what he needs to do to put it back together. Added bonus: the gasket was installed incorrectly, and now he knows how to properly fix it. Great video!

Always wandered how to change them, great job algorithm! Thanks for the video!

Wow - the perfect instruction video. You are the gold standard!

The info I needed -- and more! He included the information I would have needed (if i ran into a snag) as well. That (likely) snag being a stuck or broken threaded drain Flange/insert -- that could not be removed using the long-nose-plier method. Our house was built in 1993 -- considered "kinda new" for Maine -- but long enough ago to have decades of wonky "code/shmode" renovation/repairs done WITHOUT the help of great VIDEO CREATORS on RU-vid.

Great video and properly demonstrating as he goes. Brilliant video, well done!!