Finally got the old tub drain out. Went to thread new drain in, but it will only go 1/4 of the way. Same apparent diameter and depth of threading as the old drain sleeve, yet it won't go even with the drain wrench/dumbbell I bought. Tried wire brushing old drain threads, no help. Anyone run into this problem/have any ideas? Could the old 60's drain pipe have proprietary threading? Both parts are brass if that helps. I suppose my new drain could be too wide at the top so the bottom treads fine then it stops? If so it is not visibly apperent. I prefer not to rip out the bedroom closet wall (not that an access panel wouldn't be a good idea for the future) to replace the whole drain/overflow pipes, but I am running out of ideas .

 

If you have an old supply house nearby that deals with older plumbing systems...you may be able to match up thread patterns.


Did you keep the old drain piece? That would be crucial to have when looking for a new one.


Some drain shoes I've worked on over the years will have flat threads and some will be extremely shallow, thus not allowing the typical NPT pattern which is used mostly by all of the mfg. of those drain kits.

 

Thanks for the information. I was worried it was something odd like that. I have a good local plumbing store I will try. If that doesn't work the wall behind the tub might have to come down. After enough of these little quirks I am starting to see why the pros when doing remodels often tear everything down to the studs, replace all of the fixtures, plumbing, etc.

Thanks for changing the title on my post, I had a typo "tub drain tread" instead of "thread" and despite editing the post title it remained the same on the main page. Of course the fact that the web sites calls these questions and their answers threads made even a correct spelling confusing.

 

Yeppers,


I usually change most thread titles down to 3 or 4 words, correct spelling and keyword the subject matter as clearly as possible.


Because even though it is on the front page of this forum currently, weeks/months/years later those keywords will play an important role when the guest/member/staff start looking for that subject matter.....and can now find it quickly.

 

You guessed correctly. 6 threads on new for every 4 on the old drain sleeve. Thanks for the help.