Please help. I need to replace my pop-up drain assembly in a bathtub in a house we just bought.

I tried to do it using a dumbbell wrench but the cross section that the wrench grabs onto was corroded and broke off. Therefore, there's nothing left to grab. I read somewhere that you can do this with an exhaust pipe or an expander but that's all the info they gave.

Any ideas on how to remove this short of calling a plumber? I'm extremely handy. Thank you. :)

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Originally Posted by Sharonq

Please help. I need to replace my pop-up drain assembly in a bathtub in a house we just bought.

I tried to do it using a dumbbell wrench but the cross section that the wrench grabs onto was corroded and broke off. Therefore, there's nothing left to grab. I read somewhere that you can do this with an exhaust pipe or an expander but that's all the info they gave.

Any ideas on how to remove this short of calling a plumber? I'm extremely handy. Thank you. :)

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I actually had this issue awhile back, if I am correctly understanding your post. With the help of my friend (a plumber) took a small chisel and hammer and tapped that flange off their. Was being careful not to chip the enamel on the tub, but still a few scratches...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sharonq

Please help. I need to replace my pop-up drain assembly in a bathtub in a house we just bought.

I tried to do it using a dumbbell wrench but the cross section that the wrench grabs onto was corroded and broke off. Therefore, there's nothing left to grab. I read somewhere that you can do this with an exhaust pipe or an expander but that's all the info they gave.

Any ideas on how to remove this short of calling a plumber? I'm extremely handy. Thank you. :)

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I've had very good with a Dremel tool and corrugated cut off wheel.

It takes a very steady hand, though. One slip and you can skip onto the tub glazing, cutting too deep can cut into the glazing under the tub shoe or wreck the threads.

I had it happen too. 50 YO plumbing. Used a surface grinder with a cut-off blade. I had access from the basement. I didn't cut it flush, but rather cut the elbow so that the threaded socket would separate into two halves. I only had to worry about nicking the bottom of the tub. I may have used a Dremel too. Don't remember.

When that happens I go in from the bottom with a Saws-All with a metal blade. There's a rubber gasket between the drain and the tub shoe to slip the blade in to cut out the drain at the threads. This way there's no danger of chipping the porcelain. The tub shoe and drain can then be replaced. Good luck, Tom