Bathtub Drain Repair: How to Remove Rust

Bathtub drain repair is something that is often outsourced to a plumber but there are some things that you can do yourself without wasting that money. Prolonged exposure to soap scum, cleaning chemicals and water can cause rust to appear on the bathtub drain. This is not only unsightly to anyone that uses the shower or tub but the rust can spread into the pipes and other fixture. This may be one of the simplest bathtub repair projects you can do on your own with minimal time or cost to yourself. Even though this is a very minor form of bathtub drain repair it still requires the proper steps and materials to accomplish the task. The article that follows will show you how to properly remove rust from the bathtub drain.

Step 1 - Scrape Away the Loose Rust

Rust, on the surface, appears to be flat but if you were to look at it under a microscope you would see two things: rust is a living organism and it forms a mountainous mass. The rust on top is the easiest to remove. Use the wire brush or the steel wool to rigorously scrape the rust away from the shower drain. Use a fair amount of pressure and you should be able to remove at least half of the rust. Run the water to rinse away the rust scrapings and then wipe the water away with a rag.

Step 2 - All Natural Rust Removal

There are many chemicals on the market to remove rust. They're all effective but are also all toxic. They will not only harm you but can harm the finish of the bathtub which can make it look much worse than just a little rust on the drain. If you do choose to use a chemical cleaner do so with the bathroom fan running or the door open. You should also wear protective gloves, protective glasses and a protective mask or respirator.

Using a solution that is completely all natural and safe for the environment is much easier to apply than toxic chemicals. In your spray bottle you will want to fill it with 3 parts distilled white vinegar and 1 part lemon juice. Mix it very well and then spray the bathtub drain with the solution. The vinegar along with the lemon juice will begin to eat away at the rust with the natural acidity of the two. To add more fire power to the cleaning solution sprinkle baking soda over shower drain. Allow the baking soda to sit on the rust for at least an hour. Use the steel wool or wire brush to begin scrubbing the area again. You will need to use a lot of elbow grease to remove this lower level of rust.

Step 3 - Finishing it Up

Rinse the drain with water and inspect it. If there's more rust then repeat Step 2. You can use this bathtub drain repair process for any stains.