Installing a tub drain and overflow
To repair a drain and overflow, the plumbing technician must have access either under the tub or, preferably, from behind the tub. The first step is to remove the overflow cap. Next (and this is where it starts to get tricky), you need to unscrew the tub drain from the shoe. The bathtub drain threads into the body of the debris and overflow drain shoe, making them tight to the bathtub. The drain plug is removed by pulling it off the crossbars to which it is attached.
If you manage to remove the shoe drain, you will have disconnected the drain and the overflow drain from the bathtub (quite often, the drain breaks, making this a time-consuming project). Once the drain is removed (you must have access to the drain from behind the tub), there is usually a sliding nut that connects the drain to the drain pipe. If you don’t have access from behind, you will have to access from under the tub (this is where the project becomes difficult and time consuming) and you will have to cut the drain and put it back together. It is not unusual for a spill and waste repair to take 6 hours or more.
Bathtub overflow drain cover
The finish of the drain covers is the most common (and apparent) reason to change it. The end tends to sting or peal. The drain and overflow cap generally has one or two screws to secure the cap to the drain body.
When the leak is behind the faceplate and causes water to leak down the drain pipe.
The main reason waste leaks and overflows occur is because the joint behind the drain begins to break down. When the water level rises and flows into the overflow, the water will hit any gap in the seal. The leak may show up directly into the drain and overflow or run along the drain pipe and under the tub only to show up at a considerable distance from the actual leak, making it very difficult to find.
How do I fix the tub gasket and prevent the pipe from leaking?
Well, there are two options. One is to eliminate and replace all waste and overflow, the other is to use the magic of innovation to save you time and money.
Is there an easy and inexpensive way to repair tub debris and overflow?
The Ultimate Bathtub Drain Remodeling Kit, with the Ultimate Overflow Gasket, takes care of all of these problems. The kit uses a proprietary gasket that fits on the outside of the tub and telescopes into the overflow tube bypassing the damaged gasket eliminating leaks. Without tousled without problems! Usually when the debris and overflow are damaged, the bathtub drain is done. The kit also includes a brass lift-and-twist remodel drain that snaps into the top and then into the old drain (you do NOT need to try to unscrew the old drain and risk damaging the tub or drain assembly). Simply unscrew and remove the old linkage pop-up lift and twist and / or drain assembly. Clean with a mild detergent removing any soap or build-up, dry well, apply the acrylic adhesive putty kits, place the drain on top of the old one, press, turn and leave for 24 hours and you’re done. The entire drain remodel is done in 15 minutes.
Not just for repairs
The best thing about this product is that it is not just for repairs. If you are remodeling your bathroom or changing the finishes on your faucets, you can purchase the kit in all of the currently popular finishes. You don’t have to live with a chrome or brass drain and an overflow cover / drain with new brushed nickel faucets. The Ultimate Tub Drain Retrofit Kit comes in a variety of finishes including Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Stainless Steel, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
