How to Replace a Bathtub Drain Flange

If water is leaking around the outside of the drain in your tub, you need to replace and reseal the drain flange. This is easy to do, and requires only one special tool, a tub drain wrench.

Step 1 - Remove the Drain Cover

The drain flange is usually hidden by a cover that acts both as a strainer and an ornamental piece to conceal the drain. It’s held in place by a single screw. Remove the screw and lift the cover out of the way.

Step 2 - Remove the Tub Shoe

The tub shoe sits in the drain hole of the tub and connects it to the drain line. The flange is the part of the show that sits above the hole and overlaps the edges to seal out water. In order to replace a bath tub drain flange successfully, the tub shoe first needs to be removed. This step makes use of a tub wrench, which looks something like the castle on a chess board. Set in the shoe, so the teeth grab onto the crosspieces in the drain. Turn the tub wrench counterclockwise. Pull the tub shoe out of the hole as it gets unscrewed.

Step 3 – Seal the New Drain Flange

The plumber’s putty plays a vital role in this step. Spread the plumber’s putty below the rim of the flange. Let it fill the entire underside of the tub shoe. Place the tub shoe in the hole and screw it with the tub wrench in a clockwise direction. The putty will squish out of the gap as you tighten it down. This seals the flange to the tub. Remove the excess putty.

Step 4 - Fit the Cover and Check the Stopper

Screw the cover back onto the drain. Check the bath tub drain stopper by filling the tub half full with water. Watch the edges of the refitted flange for bubbles. Now it should hold the water and the tub should drain only when you release the stopper.

Mark Vander Sande, professional plumber, contributed to this article.