View Full Version : Removing rusted tub drain
Terrycoe
Feb 6, 2009, 08:51 AM
I am attempting to remove a thoroughly rusted out drain in a tub. I went to home depot and bought a tub draun removal tool and the cross piece which it grabs hold of was so rusted it just disinegrated. Now I am stuck with a rusted drain in the tub with no way to get a hold on it to remove it. Can it be cut out without the destroying the tub-please any sugguestion will be greatly appreciated
ballengerb1
Feb 6, 2009, 09:07 AM
So this is a bath tub, right? What is directly below the tub drain on the next level?
Terrycoe
Feb 6, 2009, 09:14 AM
This is a bathtub on the 2nd level of the home-directly below the tub area is a kitchen and I would guess cabinets in the kitchen-is that what you were asking? I really would like a soultion that doesn't require destroying the kitchen to get to it. Isn't it possible to cut it out somehow at the tub area itself?
ballengerb1
Feb 6, 2009, 09:23 AM
Terry, the problem is you don't have much to work with and the original drain could be soldered or glued to your drain line and there is a mounting nuts with gaskets from below. Maybe Tom or Milo will catch this post, they both have more experience with this than me.
speedball1
Feb 6, 2009, 10:10 AM
it possible to cut it out somehow at the tub area itself?
This is a tub shoe/drain, (see image). Take a hacksaw blade, place a rag around it for a handle and cut a slot in the drain down to the threads. Now take a small chisel and proceed to peel that sucker right out of there. You may still be able to reuse the old tub shoe by purchasing a new tub show and simply replacing the gaskets and drain. Run a snall rope of plumbers putty under the drain lip, Teflon Tape the threads and crank down with your tub tool a and the drain will be replaced without opening anything up. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer, Tom
Milo Dolezal
Feb 6, 2009, 10:23 AM
Tom is right on the money. We used same approach hundred times before - but with sawzall. However, I assume you have Cast Iron tub. If plastic, use hack saw blade. Proceed as Tom suggests. Old tubs will have heavier gauge flange so it will be bit harder to remove. Be patient, it will go. Use gloves.