Buying Guide for Bathtub Drains
Bathtub drain systems send water from your shower back into your home's water supply. Showers are designed in such a way that water drains through, but is released at a controlled rate in order to avoid overflowing pipes or damaging internal pipelines.
Tub drains are located behind the wall. The trap is a short horizontal tube that extends from the drain tube's base. A bathtub drains the same way, with a drain assembly located on the bottom of the tub and an overflow that may or may not have a toggle switch. When the plunger or stopper is opened, water drains out of the bathtub, through the drain assembly, down a tailpiece, and into the trap.
Benefits of Bathtub Drains
Convenient Drainage of Dirt
Bathtub drains work just like your other drains, with a simple trap that prevents sewer gasses from entering your home and ensures water is safely discharged. There is often a small crack in the tub drain - roughly a quarter-inch - beneath a larger drain plug that can be lowered when the tub is filled. This allows the dirt and scum to wash away easily.
Prevents Flooding
In order to avoid overflowing the pipes and damaging the internal pipeline, the shower drains water at a controlled rate in order to prevent overflowing the pipe. In the drain system, this is achieved with the use of a tier system, which controls the level of water throughout, ensuring that the water level is always within a certain limit.
Separates the Bathtub from the Drain
Your bathtub drain is separated from your drain by a metal plate called a drain flange. It not only serves as a support base for your drain but also acts as a barrier against dirt and grime that could otherwise accumulate in your drain system and interfere with your bathing experience.
Prevents Leaking
Gaskets are mechanical seals that fill the space between two surfaces. Gaskets protect drain elbows on bathtubs. They provide a protective seal that prevents water from entering other parts of the drain system.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Bathtub Drain
Look for Straight Drains
Sink drains operate essentially the same way as straight drains. While sink drains are connected to a P-trap beneath the sink or countertop, straight tub drains are connected directly to an adaptor hub or metal drain pipe on the floor. Most homeowners can install the drain themselves. Various finishes and styles are available to match any decor.
Size
Before installing a drain, it is important to choose the right size. The kits are usually sized to fit a range of tub sizes, so finding a compatible assembly is easier.
Measure the Overflow Depth
The distance between the center of the overflow and the point at which the tub drain is mounted can be measured from outside the tub down to its underside. it can also be measured from inside the tub to its floor, depending on what's easiest to access. Measure straight down, not following the tub's curve.
Tub Depth and Height
Measure the distance between the bathroom floor and the tub rim. The depth of a bathtub can vary from 14" for an alcove tub to well over 20" for some freestanding tubs. It probably won't matter when choosing your assembly, but it might matter if the kits are sized differently.
Conclusion
Bathtub drains range from 14 to 26 inches deep and measures 1 1/2 inches wide. This is the size because they must fit the opening of the P-trap.
It is possible to remove and replace bathtub drains regardless of the type of bathtub you own. You can even replace the bathtub drain with a different style that suits your needs if you know how to remove a tub drain. To know more, browse through our featured section above. We review and recommend only the leading manufacturers and drain pipes depending on their quality, thickness, and ease of use.