[papio37]

I am trying to replace my shower drain cover because it is corroded. It has a slot in the center for a screwdriver, but the cover won't budge when I try to turn it. It looks like a lot of hard water deposits is holding it. How do I remove it?

[massplumber2008]

Hey Papio...

Try POPPING the strainer cover up and out... not turning it out. Pry gently up at edges as well.

If that doesn't work then if possible post a picture of the strainer here and we will see what else we can come up with.

Let us know...

MARK

.

[mygirlsdad77]

Yep a pic would help. If there is a screw that holds the plate down, then you will just have to try harder to get it to unscrew. Maybe try giving the screwdriver a couple of good taps with a hammer to loosen screw.

[ballengerb1]

Try putting a screw driver tip from an electric hand drill into an old bit and brace if you can find one. You can apply a great deal of both pressure and torque with a bit and brace. You may even snap the screw off and then you'll need a small tap and extractor kit. Good luck.

[papio37]

Hey Papio...

Try POPPING the strainer cover up and out...not turning it out. Pry gently up at edges as well.

If that doesn't work then if possible post a picture of the strainer here and we will see what else we can come up with.

Let us know...

MARK

.

The metal drain measures 4.5 inches across. As you can see it is corroded and badly in need of a replacement. I haven't tried to pry the strainer off yet. I would like to see if this attached picture will help in the proper removal.

Thanks,
papio37

[papio37]

Try putting a screw driver tip from an electric hand drill into an old bit and brace if you can find one. You can apply a great deal of both pressure and torque with a bit and brace. You may even snap the screw off and then you'll need a small tap and extractor kit. Good luck.

There is no screw holding the drain cover. The attached picture might give you a better idea of the situation. Thanks,
papio37

[mygirlsdad77]

Sorry I was thinking tub drain. This really should just pop off with some effort. The original installer may have used silcone as a backup sealant causing the strainer to be a little harder to get off. Have you tried Marks suggestion. You may be able to use a small flatblade screwdriver or a knife to get under outside edge and pry it up. Careful not to break your knife or cut yourself.LOL, Ive done both

[massplumber2008]

Hi all...

Papio, do you want to remove the INNER STRAINER PLATE or do you want to remove the ENTIRE STRAINER ASSEMBLY... (see picture below)?

If you want to remove the inner strainer then a flat head screwdriver and some creative prying/leveraging should allow it to POP up and out.. eventually. Funny that Mygirlsdad77 (LEE) also used the word "POP"... exactly the word that came to my mind when I saw strainer plate... ;).

If you want to remove the entire strainer assembly then you should know that it gets a bit more involved in that you need to access the drain from below (in ceiling ) and from above and may even need some help from a friend to remove the strainer.

If you plan on removing entire strainer then let us know and if possible post a pic. Of the pipes UNDER the shower... ok?

Thanks...

MARK...

[ballengerb1]

I see corrosion on everything and think all parts need to go. This would mean you need access from below and we need to know what is directly under this spot in the room.

[massplumber2008]

Bob... I agree! I should have emphasized it as well, and since I didn't thought it would be a good time to let papio know that this is a bit involved and he may want to consider hiring a plumber for this.

This can be a tough job Papio! Open ceiling from below... let us know more here! If you are handy may be that you can do this.

Thanks...

[mygirlsdad77]

If you are trying to remove complete drain assembly, you will have to get at it from the bottom of shower to take the nut off, that holds the assembly to the shower. Can you tell us what type of pipe is below the shower?

[mygirlsdad77]

I agree that it may be time to call in a plumber. We will try to help as much as possible, but if you don't feel comfortable getting this involved, Well, just let us know your thoughts either way.

[papio37]

I agree that it may be time to call in a plumber. We will try to help as much as possible, but if you dont feel comfortable getting this involved, Well, just let us know your thoughts either way.

This drain is in a fiberglass shower stall that in a manufactured home (mobile home). A sales associate at Home Depot said that he thinks that's it the incorrect drain for this application. It measures 4.5 inches acrross. The strainer is corroded and seems to caked over with hard water deposits. I poured CLR on the drain to try to dissolve the deposit. It looks like if I can get the strainer off, the main assembly might be removed by a drain nut tool. It's getting to look like I will have to get a plumber as I'm getting too old to be crawling under the mobile home. Thank you for all your suggestions.

Papio37

[mygirlsdad77]

I would say you have made a good call. Please let us know how things work out.

[sdxn2400134]

I have one that looks just like that. I am trying to remove the inner plate by prying. All I have accomplished is getting the metal bent up.

[hkstroud]

In the photo, I see two screws. One at twelve o'clock and one at six o'clock, do you have those screw and have you removed them.

[massplumber2008]

Those aren't screws, Harold...just corrosion (see post#8)!! Sdxn just has to keep prying the strainer up all around until it pops up and out! The metal can be bent back down after it is removed.

[hkstroud]

Are my eyes that bad, Mark?

[massplumber2008]

I see it, too, but those are corrosion marks, not screws! If you look at the "screw" you circled in red you'll see there is no separation between the strainer and the strainer body, but look slightly to the right and you'll see a separation that is the actual separation between the strainer and strainer body. Also, if you look at the bottom "screw" area you'll see the corrosion is into the strainer body. Unless, my eyes are worse than yours...:)

Would I bet money on this...well, no, no I wouldn't?! Maybe Sdnx will pop back and tell us if they are indeed screws!!

Good day!

[sdxn2400134]

My mobile home is about 3 years old and the drain cover has no corrosion. There are no screws.
I bent the slats so that I could insert the Zip-It tool, and I was able to unclog the drain.
I have still not been able to pop the cover out.

Steve