Waste Overflow Tub Repair

Waste overflow drains help guide tub-water overflow.

Many homeowners do not realize the amount of plumbing drainage that accompanies a basic bathtub configuration. One portion of the drainage is the waste overflow, which aids in moving a large volume of water when the tub fills and empties.

Waste Overflow Identification

Below the bathtub faucet is a circular fixture with or without a toggling lever, which covers the waste overflow drainage system. The upper portion of the waste overflow assembly takes any overflow of bath water if the tub becomes overfilled. The waste overflow's lower portion withdraws used tub water when the user drains the bath.

Waste Overflow Repair

Repairing a waste overflow takes some ingenuity. Aside from removing the circular fixture within the bathtub, the actual drain portion is hidden behind and beneath the bathtub. It may be necessary to remove a portion of the wall to gain access for repairing the assembly.

Waste Overflow Considerations

A typical repair involves fixing a leaking waste overflow assembly. Visually inspect the piping for degenerated rubber gaskets that cause common leak problems. Depending on the original installation, putty surrounding the gaskets may have deteriorated, necessitating a new layer of putty as well.

References

• Free Plumbing Tips: How to fix a Bathtub Drain Leak
• Master Plumber: How to Replace a Tub Waste and Overflow Drain Assembly By Yourself