Shower drain type thing, how to replace?
- Thread starter buckeejit
- Start date
Had to unscrew mine to get hair out of it last month 
(wasn't a nice operation).
Anyway that screws to the pipe underneath which I assume means you can buy a new top bit for a couple of quid. Helps if you have access to the underside of the bath to hold the pipe up too, otherwise you have to use string and hope...
(wasn't a nice operation).Anyway that screws to the pipe underneath which I assume means you can buy a new top bit for a couple of quid. Helps if you have access to the underside of the bath to hold the pipe up too, otherwise you have to use string and hope...
Had to unscrew mine to get hair out of it last month
Anyway that screws to the pipe underneath which I assume means you can buy a new top bit for a couple of quid. Helps if you have access to the underside of the bath to hold the pipe up too, otherwise you have to use string and hope...
It's a shower... is it buggered?
That bit comes off if I just pull it, it clips on and it plastic.
Only the centre bit flips off (for cleaning), to remove the surround you will need to get access to the underneath, disconnect the piping and unscrew the large plastic nut holding it to the shower tray. "Shower waste" I think it's called.
To refit, apply silicone (anti mould type) around the area and screw into place.
To refit, apply silicone (anti mould type) around the area and screw into place.
Ah crap, I was hoping it would be easier. I had a leak in my shower last year and access was gained through the ceiling in the below room. Would there be an easier way for my mates shower tray?
Sometimes they are built with an access point cut into the floorboards just outside the shower tray area. The boards are cut and then screwed back down so you can lift them to get at the pipes underneath without going through the ceiling below. Worth a check if the floor is not tiled.
If it is a raised shower tray then the plinth round the tray is sometimes removable as well allowing you access.
If not then good luck
/Salsa
If it is a raised shower tray then the plinth round the tray is sometimes removable as well allowing you access.
If not then good luck
/Salsa
Some shower trays have detachable sides (just like a bath would), so check that first, it'll be obvious as the side will be more flexible than the tray. If that's the case then you should be able to fairly easily unclip a side by flexing it in the middle as it'll be secured at the top and bottom. Be careful as often the plastic they use becomes brittle.
If there is no access that way then it's a case that, if you can twist it out externally you may be able to replace in situ (try forming some sort of tool that wedges into the "hole" and press hard against the existing metal, then twist) or you will need to lift the tray.
Either way, I personally wouldn't leave it as quite often the bit that is snapped presses against a silicone/rubber gasket, which is what forms the seal (often a quick bodge to a leaking drain is to silicone the tiny gap between the edge of the plughole and the bath/shower/sink, however if water is being lost here it's because the seal has failed).
Chances are the existing one was screwed on using PTFE tape also, so this may cause resistance when trying to remove it. Be sure to use some when replacing as well as any gasket the kit comes with.
If in doubt, call in a plumber, nothing worse than a slow leak causing damage in an inaccessible place in the future!
If there is no access that way then it's a case that, if you can twist it out externally you may be able to replace in situ (try forming some sort of tool that wedges into the "hole" and press hard against the existing metal, then twist) or you will need to lift the tray.
Either way, I personally wouldn't leave it as quite often the bit that is snapped presses against a silicone/rubber gasket, which is what forms the seal (often a quick bodge to a leaking drain is to silicone the tiny gap between the edge of the plughole and the bath/shower/sink, however if water is being lost here it's because the seal has failed).
Chances are the existing one was screwed on using PTFE tape also, so this may cause resistance when trying to remove it. Be sure to use some when replacing as well as any gasket the kit comes with.
If in doubt, call in a plumber, nothing worse than a slow leak causing damage in an inaccessible place in the future!
Yeah if you can't get in under it then unscrew it and loop some string through the bit in the pipe (that sort of lets you loop on it). Then when you screw the new bit on, pull the pipe up to where it should be and spend more time keeping that in place instead of screwing. When you screw it should fall into place.
Overly complex for an easy job but better than tearing a wall down.
Overly complex for an easy job but better than tearing a wall down.