How to Fix the Overflow on a Bathtub
The overflow drain on your bathtub captures any water that reaches the drain’s opening, sending the water down an overflow tube that runs vertically behind the tub. The overflow tube connects to a sanitary tee pipe, which has two other connections that connect to the drain shoe or waste pipe that runs horizontally under the tub and a drainpipe that captures the water from both the drain shoe and the overflow tube. Leaks from a loose or corroded overflow tube can lead to serious water damage in your house unless you fix them. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drywall saw
- Flashlight
- Pipe wrench
- Philips screwdriver
- Replacement overflow tube
- Marker
- Hacksaw
- Silicone caulk
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Instructions
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Examine the overflow tube from the wall directly behind the bathtub’s overflow drain opening. Cut an access door in the wall if an access door does not exist, using a drywall saw to make the cuts.
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2
Inspect the overflow tube for loose connections or corrosion, using a flashlight to see the tube clearly. If you do not see any obvious damage or loose connections, have an assistant run water down the overflow drain opening while you watch the overflow tube from the cutout in the wall.
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3
Tighten the overflow tube’s connection with the sanitary tee pipe using a pipe wrench until the connection stops leaking, if it is the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from elsewhere, loosen the connection between the overflow tube and sanitary tee with a pipe wrench and remove the screws holding the overflow drain’s cover in place, allowing you to completely remove the overflow drain tube.
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Place a replacement overflow drain tube in position and mark any overlap with the sanitary tee pipe using a marker. Trim off the excess from the overflow drain tube using a hacksaw. Spread silicone caulk onto both sides of the rubber gasket that comes with the new overflow tube. Press the gasket around the opening in the tube that touches the tub.
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Press the new overflow tube into place and tighten the connection with the sanitary tee using your hands. Attach the overflow drain cover to the tub and the overflow tube with the supplied screws. Watch the overflow tube from the cutout as an assistant runs water down the overflow drain opening, looking for leaks. Tighten the connection between the overflow tube and the sanitary tee with a pipe wrench, if needed.
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