How to fix disconnected bathtub drain arm/adaptor?

[lenstaa]

I unscrewed my bathtubs drain cover in order to pull out hair that was partially clogging the drain which was successful. 

Unfortunately in the process, it looks like (apologies if my terminology is incorrect) the drain arm/adaptor and the corresponding gasket has come loose from the bathtub hold/opening. Is there a way I can reconnect it without having to take apart the entire bathtub? I live on a 3rd floor apartment as an owner.

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lenstaa,

It would be a bit of a try and see how you go kind of deal, but you could use some Trojan 280mm Bent Long Reach Pliers to lift the waste up to the hole, then start to screw the chrome cover on, just enough to hold it in place so you can slip your pliers out.

The rubber gasket is more than likely supposed to go on the underside of the bathtub, as that is where things need to be watertight. So, if you can lift the waste, set the rubber gasket in position through the hole on top of the waste, then tighten the screw just enough to hold it in place, slip your pliers out, then tighten everything up, this should sort things out without removing the bathtub entirely.

It could be tricky with only two hands, so having someone help hold things or tighten the screw would likely be worthwhile.

Give this a try and see how you go. 

Jacob