I am having a tough time getting the drain out of a fiberglass tub. I bought a drain key and still can't get it to budge. I'm concerned, trying not to damage anything. Would heat or something help to loosen up that old plumbers putty? Thanks!

Post a picture of it will help, Thanks.

John

4708847087
Post a picture of it will help, Thanks.

John Thanks

4708847087 Thanks


Drain key

Hi Snakebitten

At this point I would suggest that you use a dremel type tool with a cutting disk and cut the old tub strainer out. Here, you would make a couple notches about a 1/4" apart on the inside of the strainer....bringing the cut up the side and only slightly into the trim edge of the strainer. Next, you would make very careful cuts across the trim of the strainer making sure not to cut into the tub...use a flat screwdriver to undermine the cuts a bit and raise the trim away from the tub and then continue your cuts until you cut through the trim of the strainer. Now, use that flat screwdriver to remove the 1/4" notched piece and then hit one side of the strainer toward the center of the drain to weaken the connection and dislodge the strainer from the tub shoe.

I'd try that first... take your time and you should be just fine here!

Mark

Hi Mark,I was successful cutting the strainer out and no damage to the tub. I will have to replace the PVC shoe too, but it's a jetted tub with access door by drain. I removed it too. Thanks for the help!! -Len