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How to remove bathtub drain hole?

devparam02
Just Starting Out

How to remove bathtub drain hole?

Hello Bunnings Workshop members,

 

I rent an apartment. The bathtub in the bathroom looks to be very old and the drain hole is an odd size as well (58mm in diameter). Ideally, I don't want to bother with changing the drain hole assembly with a more modern fitting, but I really can't seem to find a way to plug the hole so that I can use the bathtub. No matter what I do, the plugs never exactly fit and water seeps away.

 

I can share more pictures, but here's what it looks like on my end.

 

All suggestions welcome. Thank you.

IMG_9578.jpegIMG_9577.jpeg

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Can I remove this drain hole from this very old bathtub?

Hello @devparam02 

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your bath waste.

 

There was a similar question asked awhile back, I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Solved: How to remove a bathtub (drain) sink? by @Minitots101. The bath waste is kept in place with a very large nut and is tightly linked to the waste pipe. Removing it from the top is not advisable and will often not work. It would be best to remove the side panel of the bath so that you can access the bottom of the bath to remove the bath waste. 

 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Re: Can I remove this drain hole from this very old bathtub?

Hello Eric,

 

I think that makes sense. Thanks for your reply. I'll continue my search for drain plugs instead of replacing the drain itself as there's no access to the underside of the tub.

 

Thank you and have a great day ahead.

Re: Can I remove this drain hole from this very old bathtub?

Hi @devparam02,

 

Eric might have misread your question. 

 

It's often difficult to find the exact plug to fit your drain, unless you are going to buy several and test them. There are multi-fit plugs that typically work quite well. An alternative would be to buy one of these EZYFIX 50mm Chrome Retrofit Waste Insert And Plug Sink/Bath Repair Kits. You silicone the bottom section to your existing waste. The only downside to this system is that because you are effectively adding a waste outlet on top of the existing one, it raises the height and may trap a small amount of water in the bath.

 

Personally, I'd try the multi-fit first and also purchase a selection of suitably sized plugs to test at home. The ones that don't fit you can return to the store.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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