How to Take Drain Out of Shower: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever stood in ankle-deep water during a shower, impatiently waiting for the drain to finally swallow the excess? Shower drains, despite their crucial role in maintaining a clean and functional bathroom, are notorious for becoming clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. A slow or completely blocked drain can lead to overflowing showers, potential water damage, and unpleasant odors. Fortunately, removing the drain cover and clearing the blockage is often a straightforward DIY task that can save you time, money, and the aggravation of calling a plumber.

Understanding how to properly remove your shower drain is essential for preventing damage to your drain and plumbing system. Different drain types require different removal techniques, and using the wrong method can result in cracked drain covers or stripped screws. This guide will walk you through the common types of shower drains and the best approaches for safely removing them, allowing you to tackle that clog head-on and get your shower back to its optimal, free-flowing state.

What tools do I need, and how do I remove common drain types?

What tools do I need to remove a shower drain?

Removing a shower drain typically requires a few essential tools: a shower drain wrench (also known as a spud wrench or a dumbbell wrench), pliers (channel-lock or regular), a flathead screwdriver, penetrating oil, and possibly a hammer. You may also need a small bucket or container to catch any water or debris, and rags or paper towels for cleanup.

The most crucial tool is the shower drain wrench. This specialized tool is designed with two dumbbell-shaped ends that fit into the crossbars or slots inside the shower drain flange. By inserting the wrench and turning, you can loosen and unscrew the drain body. If the drain is particularly stubborn, applying penetrating oil (like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench) around the drain flange and letting it sit for a while can help loosen any corrosion or buildup. The pliers and screwdriver can assist in gripping or prying if needed, but exercise caution to avoid damaging the shower pan or drain fitting. Sometimes, older drains are heavily corroded and extremely difficult to remove. In such cases, gentle tapping with a hammer (combined with the penetrating oil and the drain wrench) might be necessary to break the seal. If the drain still won’t budge, it might be best to consult a plumber to avoid causing any damage to the plumbing or shower enclosure. Improper removal can lead to leaks or require more extensive repairs.

How do I loosen a stuck shower drain?

Loosening a stuck shower drain often involves a combination of penetrating lubricant, the right tool (like a drain wrench or screwdriver), and patience. First, apply a generous amount of penetrating oil around the edges of the drain. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes to work its way into the threads or connections. Then, use the appropriate tool to gently try to turn the drain counterclockwise. Avoid excessive force, which could damage the drain or the shower pan.

Identifying the type of drain you have is crucial. Many shower drains are held in place with threads and require a drain wrench (also called a dumbbell wrench or a shower drain tool) that fits into the crossbars inside the drain. Other drains might have screws holding them in place, or be a snap-in type with pressure clips. If you see screws, remove them first. For snap-in drains, you’ll likely need to gently pry around the edges with a flathead screwdriver, taking care not to scratch the shower pan. Working slowly and methodically is key to avoiding damage. If the drain has corroded significantly, or if the threads are seized, you may need to apply heat from a hairdryer (on a low setting) to help expand the metal and loosen the connection.

Persistence and care are paramount when dealing with a stubborn drain. If the drain still refuses to budge after several attempts with penetrating oil and gentle force, consider trying a different lubricant. Sometimes a specialized rust remover can be more effective than standard penetrating oil. Before resorting to more aggressive methods, like using excessive force or specialized tools (pipe wrench), assess the risk of damaging the surrounding shower pan or plumbing. If you are uncomfortable proceeding or fear causing damage, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. They have the experience and tools to remove even the most stubborn drains without causing further problems.

What’s the best way to protect the shower pan from scratches while removing the drain?

The best way to protect a shower pan from scratches while removing the drain is to use plumber’s putty, a thick towel or cloth, and specialized tools designed for drain removal, such as a drain wrench or internal pipe wrench. These tools minimize contact with the pan itself. Apply painter’s tape in layers around the drain as well.

Protecting the shower pan during drain removal is crucial, as scratches can lead to leaks and require costly repairs or even replacement of the entire pan. The plumber’s putty should be liberally applied around the base of the drain flange where it meets the shower pan before you begin any removal efforts. This provides a cushion and barrier against accidental tool slippage. The towel or cloth should be placed over the pan surrounding the drain to further prevent scratches from tools or debris. Using the correct tool is also very important. A drain wrench (sometimes called a dumbbell wrench or a spud wrench) is specifically designed to grip the drain flange from the inside, allowing you to turn it without directly contacting the shower pan surface. If you are using an internal pipe wrench, make sure the contact points are also wrapped with tape to cushion the contact against the shower pan. Avoid using pliers or screwdrivers, as these are more likely to slip and cause scratches. Work slowly and deliberately, applying steady pressure rather than sudden force, to prevent accidental damage.

Should I use plumber’s putty or silicone when reinstalling the drain?

Generally, plumber’s putty is the preferred choice for sealing the drain flange to the shower base or tub during reinstallation. While silicone can be used, plumber’s putty remains more pliable over time, allowing for easier removal and replacement if needed in the future without damaging the shower base. Silicone, in contrast, creates a very strong and often permanent bond, making future repairs significantly more difficult.

Plumber’s putty is a moldable, clay-like substance that creates a watertight seal by conforming to the shapes of the surfaces it contacts. Its malleability allows it to compensate for minor imperfections in the drain flange or shower base. When installing the drain, apply a generous ring of plumber’s putty around the underside of the drain flange where it will meet the shower base. As you tighten the drain, the putty will be compressed and squeeze out, creating a seal. Wipe away the excess putty for a clean finish. Silicone caulk, while excellent for many plumbing applications, can be problematic for shower drains. The strong adhesive nature of silicone can make it very difficult to remove the drain later without damaging the shower base or drain fitting. Furthermore, some silicones are not compatible with certain shower base materials, potentially leading to discoloration or even degradation over time. If you *do* opt for silicone, ensure it is a 100% silicone caulk specifically designed for plumbing applications and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. However, for ease of future maintenance, plumber’s putty is the more common and often recommended selection.

How do I identify the type of shower drain I have?

Identifying your shower drain type usually involves visual inspection of the drain cover and the surrounding area. Look for visible screws, levers, or specific patterns. The most common types are lift-and-turn, push-and-pull, toe-touch, pop-up, and grid drains. Recognizing these features will help you determine the appropriate removal method.

Different shower drain types utilize varying mechanisms for opening and closing, which directly impact their design and removal. Lift-and-turn drains have a knob that you lift and rotate. Push-and-pull drains require you to push to close and pull to open. Toe-touch drains are activated by pressing down on the drain cover with your toe. Pop-up drains often have a lever located near the faucet that controls the drain. Grid drains are simple, fixed covers with holes that don’t close; these are common in older showers. Consider the age of your shower and any visible branding on the drain cover. Older showers may have simpler grid drains, while newer ones often incorporate more complex mechanisms like toe-touch or pop-up designs. Examining the drain for any manufacturer’s markings can also provide clues to its specific model and type, potentially leading to online manuals or diagrams that illustrate the disassembly process. If you’re still unsure, taking a clear picture of the drain and comparing it to images online, or consulting with a plumbing professional, can provide further clarification.

What if the shower drain is corroded or broken?

If the shower drain is corroded or broken, removal becomes significantly more challenging and often requires specialized tools and techniques. Corrosion can fuse drain components together, while breakage might mean applying force directly to brittle, weakened parts, increasing the risk of further damage to the shower pan or surrounding plumbing.

Removing a corroded drain often necessitates penetrating oil, heat (applied cautiously with a heat gun), or specialized drain removal tools designed to grip the remaining metal despite the corrosion. These tools can provide extra leverage and help break the bond formed by rust and mineral buildup. Broken drains might require a similar approach, but often you’ll need to carefully chip away at surrounding materials (like grout or thin-set mortar) to expose enough of the drain body to get a grip with a tool. Be extra cautious when dealing with broken drains to avoid pushing debris down the drainpipe, as this could cause a blockage further down the line. In some cases, the damage is so severe that a professional plumber is the best course of action. They have the experience and equipment to handle complex situations, including replacing sections of drainpipe or even the entire shower pan if necessary. Attempting to force a severely corroded or broken drain can lead to leaks, further damage to your plumbing, and costly repairs, so consider professional assistance if you are uncomfortable with the level of difficulty.

How do I prevent hair from clogging the drain after replacing it?

The most effective way to prevent hair from clogging your shower drain after replacing it is to install a drain hair catcher or strainer. This simple device sits inside the drain opening and traps hair before it can enter the pipes and cause blockages.

Once you’ve installed your new shower drain, the fight against hair clogs isn’t over! Regularly cleaning the hair catcher is crucial. Neglecting to do so will render it ineffective and may even worsen the clogging problem as trapped hair accumulates and decomposes. A quick weekly or bi-weekly cleaning is usually sufficient. Simply remove the catcher, discard the collected hair, and rinse it under running water. Beyond drain catchers, consider adopting habits that minimize hair entering the drain in the first place. Brushing your hair before showering removes loose strands that would otherwise wash down the drain. Avoid rinsing hair from brushes and combs in the shower. For those with long hair, consider braiding it or wearing a shower cap to reduce shedding during showering. These simple preventative measures, combined with a good drain hair catcher, will significantly reduce the likelihood of future clogs and keep your shower drain flowing freely.

And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, you’ve now got that drain out without any trouble. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful tips and tricks around the house. We’re always adding new content!