The drain is designed not to cause a leak, so it is actually screwed into the drain pipe. The plumber’s putty is applied to the bottom portion of the drain flange before being screwed into place. This is why removing shower drain cover is not always easy. However, this article makes the process much simpler. MidCity Plumber gets assure that your project will go as planned.
Things you will need to remove the shower drain cover
- lubricant
- a towel
- 2 tweezers
- screwdriver
Step 1: Lubricate the drain
An old drain does not come out easily even after unscrewing it. Purchase an aerosol drain lubricant, silicone lubricant, or PTFE. Alert, do not pour grease or oil down the drain to try to loosen it.
Check that the drain is not clogged before loosening it. If the drain is severely clogged, you’ll want to uncover it as much as you can before removing it to keep it from snagging. Open the tub or tub to inspect the drainage capacity and, if it seems clogged, try one of the following methods to find out:
- Take a fist of baking soda and hot water through the drain.
- Pour a cup (8 oz) of vinegar and hot water down the drain.
- Use plumbing snake to remove any obstruction.
Dry the drain before applying the lubricant. To fix the lubricant in the drain, it must be completely dry. Dry the shower drain to collect any puddles or drips before you begin.
Cover the drain with lubricant. Apply a generous amount of lubricant on and around the drain. Pour some lubricant down the drain so that it can cover as much as possible. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before releasing the drain further.
Step 2: Unscrew and loosen the drain
Look for screws in the drain. Some shower drains are attached with screws, while others fit without them. If there are screws, use a screwdriver to loosen each of the screws you find. Make sure that none of the screws go through the drain. Put them somewhere safe and out of the shower in case you are going to replace the drain later
Insert two-point pliers into the drain openings. Hold a pair of sharp pliers in each hand, you will need two sets of pliers to be able to remove the drain. Locate 2 openings on opposite sides of the drain and place the pointed ends of the pliers into the openings. Handle the pliers carefully so as not to accidentally dent the drain.
Hold the clamping handles firmly with both hands. Most drains are screwed into the hole and must be turned to remove them. Carefully turn both handles counterclockwise to begin loosening the drain. If the drain does not move, apply more lubricant.
Keep turning the drain until it is completely loosened. When you have reached the end of the screwed portion of the shower drain, you can lift it out of the hole. Lifting the drain requires concentration and a good grip, so turn it slightly to the right which needs to be tightened again until you are ready to lift it.
Step 3: Raise the shower drain
Hold both clamps firmly and lift the drain out of the hole. Slowly lift the drain to avoid denting or denting it. If you feel an obstacle or resistance, the drain may be too clogged or rusted. Apply more lubricant or uncover the drain before continuing to remove it.
Maintain a steady grip while lifting the drain. Avoid holding the tweezers too tight or too loose. Tightening them too much could break the cover. You could lose your grip and start over if you hold them too loose. If you plan to throw away the shower drain, you can handle it more roughly.
Check the drain after removing it. If the shower is clogged and you plan to replace the drain, check for dirt, rust, or things clogging it. In some cases, you should be able to repair the drain. Try to uncover, clean, or remove rust from the drain before you get rid of it.
Replace the drain if you cannot repair it. In some cases, rust or other damage may be too severe to repair. Contact a plumber or home repair professional to determine the size or brand you need to replace the old drain and install it in the shower.
Tips
- If the drain is too rusty to remove or too clogged, call drainage experts as MidCity Plumbers to remove it for you.
- Try to uncover the drain in the shower if you plan to replace it after removing it. Sometimes discovering an old drain can make it work like new.