How to Remove a Delta Shower Tub Strainer

Cleaning out a Delta drain system will require removing the strainer. The Delta shower tub strainer consists of a dome cover strainer and a drain plug. The dome cover is the surface piece you see that is most often referred to as the strainer. The drain plug is the portion of the drain that you normally see in a tub with a stopper. Removing the tub strainer will require using pliers in an unusual way.

Things You'll Need

• Towel or sheet
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Slip joint pliers

Instructions

1. Place a towel or sheet in the bottom of the tub so that you protect the tub finish while you work inside the tub.

2. Remove the screw that secures the dome strainer to the top of the tub drain. Turn the screw counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver. Carefully slip the blade of a small flat head screwdriver between the tub and the edge of the strainer to pop the strainer off and away from the drain.

3. Insert the handle of the slip joint pliers in between the cross hairs (the crisscross piece of metal that you normally see inside sink drains) in the bottom of the drain plug.

4. Slide a screwdriver in between the handles of the pliers near the pliers' jaws. Twist the pliers counterclockwise, using the screwdriver as a handle. You will need to use some force when turning the drain plug.This will unscrew the drain plug from the tub drain assembly.

References

• Delta: Delta Drain System Parts Lists
• Your Handyman: Removing Tub Strainer