How to Replace a Bathtub Strainer Without Crossbars

Replacing a tub strainer in a drain flange without crossbars is a bad news/good news scenario. You'll have to replace the drain flange and intact crossbars are normally required to unscrew it with a strainer wrench. In older tubs, crossbars are frequently broken or missing as a result of clumsy past attempts to extract a clog from the drain. Fortunately, you don't have to pull the entire tub out just because of a few missing crossbars. A drain key can come to your rescue.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Drain key
• 2 crescent wrenches
• Plumber's putty
• Strainer wrench

Instructions

Removing a Drain Flange Without Crossbars

1. Unscrew the hex drive screw on top of the drain key to fully retract the shoes, using a screwdriver.

2. Insert the drain key into the drain flange.

3. Hold the lower hex nut with one hand. With the other hand, rotate the hex drive screw counterclockwise, expanding the shoes outward until they contact the drain flange and the drive screw can no longer be turned by hand.

4. Place one crescent wrench on the lower hex nut and another crescent wrench on the hex drive screw.

5. Hold the lower hex nut securely and rotate the hex drive screw counterclockwise with the crescent wrench to break the drain flange free and unscrew it. Remove the drain flange from the tub.

6. Turn the lower hex nut counterclockwise with the crescent wrench to release the drain flange from the drain key.

Installing New Drain Flange and Strainer

1. Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the contacting surface of the new drain flange.

2. Place the new drain flange into the drain opening and screw it into the drain pipe as far as you can by hand.

3. Place a strainer wrench over the crossbars in the new drain flange and tighten to seal the flange to the tub securely.

4. Place the strainer on top of the new drain flange, aligning the center mounting hole with the threaded hole in the crossbars. Secure with the strainer with a screw in the mounting hole.

References

• PlumbingSupply.com: How to Use a Drain Key
• PlumbingSupply.com: How to Install a Bathtub Drain Flange