How to Replace a Clawfoot Tub Drain

by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

Adjustable wrench
Screw driver
Utility knife
Plumber's putty

There are many people who think that it is very hard to replace an old clawfoot tub drain. The good thing about retrofitting a clawfoot tub is that you can actually replace the tub's drain, and that way the claw foot can regain its functionality. There are many times where the piping has gotten rusty and the pipes are clogged up and old. There are a few steps that need to be followed to replace that old rusty claw foot tub drain.

Step 1- Shutting off the main water supply

In order to avoid a major water leak, you need to shut off the main water supply. This is usually found where the water pipes enter the home. You might also find this valve inside of the basement. Make sure to test that the water is turned off before moving on to the next steps.

Step 2- Disconnecting the tub from the water supply

In order to disconnect the water supply from the claw foot bathtub, you will need the help of an adjustable wrench. With these, remove the pipes from the nut connections. Remove the pipes that connect your bath tub to the floor.

Step 3-Taking off the overflow plate

This plate is attached with screws and or nuts. Take a screw driver and safely remove it. The overflow plate is inside the tub is attached to the pipes on the back of the claw foot bath tub.

Step 4-Removing the overflow pipe

There is a tee that is used to connect an elbow to the rest of the drain. This tee needs to be removed using a wrench.

Step 6- Taking away the old putty

There are many times where the putty is very hard, and this causes problems when trying to remove pipes or nuts. This also makes it harder for installing new nuts or pipes into the bath tub. To remove this old putty, you can use thinner, or you can scrape it off carefully with a utility knife.

Step 7- Installing the new piping

You need to look underneath the tub and then take the tee and attach it to the drain and the overflow pipe. You can do this with a wrench.

Step 8- Attaching overflow assembly and drain

These two parts need to be used to the drain pipe that is protruding out from the floor. You can attach it by using the adjustable wrench.

Step 9- Attaching the strainer

Take the tube drain hole and then attach the strainer to it. Use and adjustable wrench to attach it, and put putty on both ends to help the connection stay strong, and avoid leaking.

Step 10- Fastening the overflow pipe

There should be a plate that needs to be placed from inside the tub to the drain. Take this plate and attach it to the overflow pipe with the adjustable wrench. After the overflow pipe is properly attached, this do-it-yourself job is complete.