How to Remove Bathtub Drain: The Real Story Behind Getting That Stubborn Thing Out

I've wrestled with more bathtub drains than I care to remember, and let me tell you, each one has taught me something new about patience, persistence, and the peculiar engineering decisions made by plumbers from decades past. Whether you're dealing with a clogged drain that needs cleaning or you're renovating your bathroom entirely, knowing how to properly remove a bathtub drain can save you both money and a world of frustration.

The first time I attempted this task, I was armed with nothing but misplaced confidence and a pair of pliers. Three hours later, I found myself lying on my bathroom floor, defeated by what seemed like the world's most stubborn piece of plumbing. That experience taught me that there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to approach this job.

Understanding What You're Actually Dealing With

Before you even think about grabbing a tool, you need to understand what type of drain you're facing. This isn't just academic knowledge – it's the difference between a 20-minute job and accidentally damaging your tub.

Most bathtub drains fall into two main categories: the foot lock (also called toe-touch) and the lift-and-turn variety. Then there's the trip lever drain, which operates through a lever on the overflow plate, and the good old-fashioned rubber stopper drain. Each requires a completely different removal approach, and using the wrong technique is like trying to open a wine bottle with a hammer – technically possible, but unnecessarily destructive.

I once spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to unscrew a foot lock drain by turning the entire cap, not realizing that the cap was meant to pop off first. These are the moments that humble you as a DIYer.

The Tools That Actually Matter

You'd be amazed at how many specialty tools exist for removing bathtub drains. The plumbing industry loves its specialized equipment, but honestly, you can get by with just a few essentials. A drain removal tool (sometimes called a drain key or tub drain extractor) is worth its weight in gold. Yes, you can try using needle-nose pliers jammed into the drain crosshairs, but that's a bit like eating soup with a fork – technically possible but unnecessarily difficult.

For lift-and-turn drains, you'll want a good set of pliers and possibly a flathead screwdriver. Trip lever drains require a Phillips head screwdriver and patience. Lots of patience. The overflow plate screws on these things seem to be installed by someone who really, really didn't want them coming back out.

The Foot Lock Drain: Deceptively Simple

Foot lock drains look straightforward enough – just a circular cap you press to open and close. But removing them requires understanding their hidden mechanism. First, make sure the drain is in the open position. Then, grab the cap and turn it counterclockwise. Here's the trick that took me forever to figure out: you need to maintain downward pressure while turning. It's like a child-proof medicine bottle, except nobody tells you about the safety feature.

Once the cap unscrews, you'll see the actual drain body with its crosshairs. This is where that drain removal tool comes in handy. Insert it into the cross pattern and turn counterclockwise. The first few turns might require significant force – these drains can develop an impressive bond with the tub over years of soap scum and mineral deposits.

Lift-and-Turn Drains: The Test of Grip Strength

These drains have a small knob on top that you lift and turn to operate. To remove them, you first need to get the stopper out of the way. Set the drain to the open position, then look for a small screw on the knob. Sometimes it's hidden under a decorative cap that pops off.

Here's where things get interesting. Some lift-and-turn drains have a setscrew on the side of the stopper body instead of under the knob. I've seen grown adults reduced to tears trying to find this screw. Once you locate and remove it, the stopper should lift right out, revealing the drain body beneath.

The drain body removal follows the same principle as the foot lock – use your drain tool in the crosshairs and turn counterclockwise. Just be prepared for resistance. These drains seem to develop a supernatural grip on the tub over time.

Trip Lever Drains: An Exercise in Coordination

Trip lever drains are the Rube Goldberg machines of the bathtub world. They operate through a lever on the overflow plate that connects to a plunger mechanism inside the overflow pipe. Removing these requires you to work in two places at once, which is about as fun as it sounds.

Start by removing the screws from the overflow plate. Fair warning: these screws are often corroded and stripped from years of moisture exposure. I've found that applying penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few minutes can work wonders. Once the plate is off, you'll need to carefully extract the entire linkage assembly. This usually involves some gentle wiggling and creative profanity.

The actual drain removal then proceeds like the others, though you might find more gunk and buildup since these drains tend to trap everything in their complex mechanism.

When Things Go Wrong (And They Will)

Let's talk about what happens when that drain absolutely refuses to budge. First, resist the urge to apply ever-increasing force. I learned this lesson the hard way when I cracked a vintage cast iron tub trying to muscle out a drain. The repair cost more than hiring a plumber would have.

Instead, try heat. A heat gun or even a hair dryer can expand the metal slightly, breaking the seal. Penetrating oil is your friend here – apply it liberally and give it time to work. Sometimes I'll apply it before bed and tackle the drain fresh in the morning.

If the crosshairs in the drain are damaged or worn, you might need to get creative. I've had success using a hacksaw blade to carefully cut new grooves for the removal tool to grip. It's delicate work, but it beats the alternative of calling in professional help for what should be a simple job.

The Hidden Complications Nobody Mentions

Here's something you won't find in most how-to guides: old drains can be connected to equally old plumbing that might not appreciate being disturbed. I once removed a drain only to discover that the pipe beneath was held together by little more than rust and good intentions. The subsequent repair turned a simple drain removal into a major plumbing project.

Also, be prepared for smells. Years of soap scum, hair, and general bathroom grime create an aroma that's... memorable. Having proper ventilation isn't just nice – it's necessary for your sanity.

Reinstalling: Don't Celebrate Too Early

Getting the old drain out is only half the battle. Installing the new one requires just as much attention to detail. The biggest mistake I see people make is over-tightening. Plumber's putty or silicone sealant needs to squeeze out evenly around the drain, creating a watertight seal. Cranking down too hard can crack the tub or create an uneven seal that leads to leaks.

I always do a water test before calling the job done. Fill the tub a few inches and let it sit for an hour. Check underneath for any signs of moisture. It's much easier to fix a leak now than after you've put everything back together and retiled around the tub.

The Wisdom of Knowing When to Stop

After all these years of DIY plumbing adventures, perhaps the most valuable lesson I've learned is recognizing when a job is beyond my skill level. There's no shame in calling a professional when you encounter corroded pipes, damaged tub surfaces, or plumbing configurations that look like they were designed by someone with a very creative interpretation of building codes.

Removing a bathtub drain is one of those tasks that seems simple in theory but can quickly become complex in practice. Each drain tells a story – of the plumber who installed it, the years of use it's endured, and sometimes, the previous DIY attempts to fix or remove it. Approach the job with patience, the right tools, and a healthy respect for what you might uncover, and you'll usually come out successful.

Just remember: that drain has been there a long time, and it's not going anywhere without a fight. But armed with knowledge and the right approach, you'll win that fight more often than not. And if you don't? Well, that's what professional plumbers are for, and they've seen worse than whatever mess you might create. Trust me on that one.

Authoritative Sources:

Black & Decker. The Complete Guide to Plumbing. 7th ed., Cool Springs Press, 2019.

Cauldwell, Rex. Inspecting a House: A Guide for Buyers, Owners, and Renovators. Taunton Press, 2018.

DiClerico, Daniel. The Home Improvement Handbook: The Essential Consumer Guide to Remodeling, Renovating, and Repairing Your Home. Consumer Reports, 2020.

Henkenius, Merle. Ultimate Guide: Plumbing. 4th ed., Creative Homeowner, 2017.

National Center for Healthy Housing. "Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist." NCHH.org, 2021.

Sweet, Fay. Plumbing: A Homeowner's Guide. Crowood Press, 2019.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Healthy Homes Program Guidance Manual." HUD.gov, 2022.