Installing a Tub Drain and Over Flow
To repair a waste and overflow, the plumbing technician needs to gain access either underneath the tub, or preferably, from behind the tub. The first step is to remove the overflow cover. Next (and here’s where it starts to get complicated), the tub drain needs to be unscrewed from the shoe. The tub drain is threaded into the drain shoe body of the waste and overflow which makes them both snug to the bathtub. The drain stopper is removed by backing it out from the cross bars that it is attached to.
If you manage to remove the drain from the shoe, you have disconnected the waste and overflow drain from the tub (quite often, the drain breaks making this a time consuming project). Once the drain is removed (you have to have access to the drain from behind the tub), there is usually a slip nut that connects the drain to the drainage piping. If you do not have access from behind, you will have to gain access from underneath the tub (this is where the project becomes difficult and time consuming) and you will have to cut the drain out and piece it back together. It is not unusual for a waste and overflow repair to take 6 hours or more.
Bath Tub Overflow Drain Cover
The drain covers finish is the most common (and apparent) reason for changing it. The finish tends to pit or peal. The waste and overflow cover usually has a screw or two to secure the cover to the body of the waste.
When the Leak is behind the Faceplate Causing Water to Leak Down the Drain Waste Tube.
The single biggest reason a waste and overflow leaks is because the gasket behind the drain begins to break down. When the water level rises and flows into the overflow, the water will make its way to any breach in the seal. The leak can show itself right at the waste and overflow or run along the drain waste tube and under the tub only to show itself quite a distance away from the actual leak making the leak very tricky to find.
How do I Fix the Tub Gasket and Stop the Plumbing from Leaking?
Well, there are two options. One is to remove and replace the entire waste and overflow, the other is to use the magic of innovation to save you time and money.
There is an Easy and Economical Way to Repair Your Bath Tub Waste and Overflow?
The Ultimate Tub Drain Remodel Kit, featuring the Ultimate Overflow Gasket, takes care of all of these issues. The kit uses a patented gasket that fits on the outside of the tub and telescopes into the overflow tube bypassing the damaged gasket eliminating the leaks. No muss, no fuss! Typically, when the waste and overflow are damaged, do is the tub drain. The kit also includes an all brass lift and turn remodel drain which fits on top and then into your old drain (you do NOT need to attempt to unscrew the old drain and risk damage to the tub or drain assembly). Just unscrew and remove the old lift and turn assembly and/or linkage pop-up drain. Clean with a mild detergent removing any soap or build-up, dry thoroughly, apply the kits acrylic bond caulk place the drain on top of the old, 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 greatest thing about this product is that it’s not just for repairs. If you are remodeling your bath 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 waste and overflow cover/drain with new brushed nickel faucets. The Ultimate Tub Drain Remodel Kit comes in a variety of finishes including chrome, brushed nickel, stainless steel and oil rubbed bronze.