Repair Broken Tub Drain

Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest fix a broken bathtub drain.

All About

Product Ideas

Part of the plunger mechanism in this broken drain had come loose and was blocking the drain. Harrison shows how to fish it out and replace the broken parts.

Materials and Tools:

wire hanger
needle-nose pliers
slip-joint pliers
screwdriver
putty knife
towel
plumber's putty
heat proof grease
overflow plunger
trip lever
linkage

Figure A

Steps:

1. Straighten wire coat hanger and bend one end into a makeshift fishing hook. Now go fishing in the drain to remove the broken drain pieces. Feel around until you manage to fish out the broken pieces.

Figure B

2. Compare the old plunger with the replacement part and make sure they are the same size. If your old plunger is still in good shape, you may want to reuse it. Just replace whatever parts of the assembly you need.

Figure C

3. Clean up the old plunger if you're going to reuse it so it will seat properly in the drain. Rub some plumber's grease along the edge before reinstalling.