The Cost of a Bathtub Drain Replacement

When it comes time to replace the drain in your bathtub, you’ll need a professional plumber for bathtub drain replacement.

The cost of a tub drain replacement includes labor, materials and supplies. Depending on the situation, these costs can vary.

To remove a drain basket, you can use a plug wrench or a set of small needle-nose locking pliers. Clamp the pliers onto the drain’s crossbar, then twist counterclockwise.

Cost

The cost of replacing a bathtub drain depends on a number of factors. The main one is the type of tub you have and whether it requires extensive plumbing work beyond a simple drain replacement.

Typical costs for a bathtub drain project include labor and material costs. Plumbers' hourly rates can range between $50 and $200, depending on where you live and the scope of your job.

As with most plumbing jobs, drain pipe repair and replacement projects will require a licensed plumber. These projects usually involve complex plumbing and carpentry tasks that are best left to the pros.

Typically, a 30-foot drain pipe project can cost $15 to $600 just for the pipe materials alone, without markup. However, more complicated projects will see significantly higher prices.

Clogs

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that is usually caused by a combination of hair, soap scum, and hard water. This accumulated buildup can create a clog that can affect the entire drainage process, from bathtub to toilet to sewer line.

Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways to unclog your clogged drains. You can use a sink plunger or drain snake, which are inexpensive and widely available at home improvement stores.

Bathtub clogs often occur at the surface of the drain, where the drain meets the bathtub. This is often the result of strands of hair that accumulate during showers and baths.

A good way to remove these clogs is by using a homemade hook that can grab onto the tangled hair. To make one, you can bend a heavy wire or coat hanger into a hook.

Another option is to try a plumbers' snake, which is a flexible wire with multiple interlocking hooks that can fit inside your drain pipe. These snakes are effective at removing many different types of clogs.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can be a problem for your sewer pipes. They’ll invade your drain system if they find a crack or hole in an underground pipe.

Depending on the size of the root, this can be a serious problem. It could mean sewage backs up into your home, which can be quite expensive to fix.

Once the roots begin to invade your sewer lines, you’ll notice that water doesn’t flow as easily from your sinks and bathtubs. You might even have to use a plunger to get the water flowing again.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you should contact a plumber right away to see what the issue is. They’ll be able to diagnose the root cause and perform a drain cleaning service.

Installation

If the bathtub drain is leaking or broken, you need to replace it. The cost of a tub drain replacement depends on the materials used and the type of pipe you install.

Before installing a new drain, you need to remove the old one. This can be done with a special drain key or using pliers.

Once the old drain is removed, you will need to apply a layer of plumber's putty around the lip of the new drain flange. This seals the opening and prevents water from leaking out.

Next, insert the flange into the drain shoe. Turn it clockwise to thread it into the drain shoe, and tighten by hand about a quarter of a turn. Alternatively, you can use a drain tool and adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten it. Ensure the flange is snug before pouring water into the tub to check for leaks. Then you can enjoy a soak in your newly repaired bathtub!