We had our house built just 10 years ago. The bathtub drain has a lot of corrosion on it and in it. Very gross. We bought a new drain to replace it BUT the old one is so bad that when we tried to unscrew it at the "cross-bar" section that we were using pliers and a screwdriver on, the cross bars broke. Anyone have a suggestion on how to get this old one out now? The guy at Lowe's said would be easy to replace. HA! This is the only drain in the house that has this corrosion problem. Any ideas what may have caused it and remedies on how to prevent it?

You have to cut it out, carefully. Do whatever it takes. Hacksaw, sawsall, angle grinder, Dremel tool. You just have to do it carefully so you don't damage the tub. It's not fun.

Corrosion is caused by dissimilar metals and an electrolyte. Water with impurities is the electrolyte.

The gasket at the bottom should have taken care of the corrosion problem.

If you use a tub drain removal wrench you will still be able to grab what's left of the cross bar. Superior Tool Co. Tub Drain Removal Wrench - 06020

With a name like KeepItSimpleStupid... you sure do want me to work hard. No fun either?
I do own a hacksaw, but have never heard of the other tools. Sounds very time consuming and messy. How do you stop the grinding ups of all this from going down the drain and creating yet another problem? I'm not plumber smart at all and don't have a lot of brute strength... wondering if this would be a job bigger than little ole me can handle.

If the wrench that Ballengerb1 suggests doesn't work (the crossbar remains break off even more)... I will go buy the wrench and give it a try... Are there any other suggestions as a backup?

I greatly appreciate all of your advice. I am female and don't want to be taken advantage of by someone in the retail world who thinks I don't know anything.

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Originally Posted by brokenwedge

We had our house built just 10 years ago. The bathtub drain has a lot of corrosion on it and in it. Very gross. We bought a new drain to replace it BUT the old one is so bad that when we tried to unscrew it at the "cross-bar" section that we were using pliers and a screwdriver on, the cross bars broke. Anyone have a suggestion on how to get this old one out now? The guy at Lowes said would be easy to replace. HA! This is the only drain in the house that has this corrosion problem. Any ideas what may have caused it and remedies on how to prevent it?

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They make a tool just for removing a tub drain, (see image)that can be picked up at any Plumbing Supply House. If you break the cross bars then follow KISS advice and cut it out. Be VERY careful not to cut into the tub itself. Good luck, Tom

This is an angle grinder. 4-1/2" Small Angle Grinder

With the right cutting blade, you can cut it out from the bottom, but as speedball says you have to be VERY CAREFUL and wear safety goggles.

Here is a reciprocating saw.

12 Amp, 1-1/4" Reciprocating Saw

This one works when there are no cross bars at all. Tub Drain Removal Dumbell Wrench

By chance, did you mean this wrench BOB..?

The pic. Is a ridgid #342 internal wrench that removes strainers and nipples up to 2". without need for crossmembers.

I think this should do the job if drain only ten years old.

For years I used to make a dent and then use a cold chisel to remove these... chipped a couple, too! Anyway, once I discovered this tool... I have never had many problems with tub shoe removal.

Otherwise... I love all the ideas. Each one works in its own way. What makes this place so cool really!

Anyway...for the poster... click on this link to review more info. On this tool:

RIDGID Model 342 Internal Wrench 31405: Compare Prices, View Price History and Read Reviews at NexTag


You can only find these online or at a local plumbing supply house... and most likely will still need to order it in... ;)

But almost never fails! Let me know what you think... MARK

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Mark I meant the dumbbell wrench because I had not seen your wrench which is much better.

OH... I see... ;)

Hey... this is a great wrench... I think around $60.00, but if working on tubs a lot like me... an absolute must have!

Have great day all! Mark