Are you dealing with a faulty tub overflow plate? If so, you’re likely finding it difficult to take a hot bath or shower without worrying about your bathroom flooding. Luckily, there’s an easy fix! Installing a lever-activated drain can quickly and reliably replace your old tub overflow plate in no time.
Whether you’re an experienced DIY expert or a handy newbie, this guide will walk you through replacing your tub overflow plate with a lever-activated drain.
In this comprehensive guide on how to replace tub overflow plate with lever, we’ll walk you through every step of switching out the old one for the new one – from removing the existing plate to properly testing your work after installation. Read on to learn more about this straightforward home upgrade and get back into that long awaited bubble bath!
What Will You Need?
Before starting, you’ll need to get your hands on a few essential items for the job. Here’s a checklist of all the tools and materials you’ll need to complete this project:
- Old Tub Overflow Plate
- Lever Activated Drain
- Screwdriver
- Pliers (Optional)
- Adjustable Wrench (Optional)
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, you can start removing your old tub overflow plate and replacing it with the lever-activated drain.
10 Easy Steps on How to Replace Tub Overflow Plate With Lever
Step 1: Remove the Existing Tub Overflow Plate
Begin by shutting off the water and unplugging any electrical components near the tub before you begin. Then, a screwdriver or pliers will unscrew and remove the existing tub overflow plate. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen or remove any extra screws or bolts if necessary.
Step 2: Take Measurements
Before installing your new lever-activated drain, take measurements of the area to ensure the new part will fit perfectly. Make sure to double check these measurements once more before moving on to the next step. Try to make sure the measurements are as exact as possible.
Step 3: Insert the New Lever
Lift the lever-activated drain into place and use an adjustable wrench to secure it. Make sure that it is properly adjusted before moving on. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the drain.
Step 4: Connect the Lever
Turn off the water and unplug any electrical components near the tub before beginning. Make sure that all of the connections are secure and that there are no leaks in the pipes or fittings. If necessary, use a wrench to tighten any connections that may be loose.
Step 5: Test the Lever
Once all of the pieces are connected, testing the lever-activated drain before using it is important. Turn on the water and check for any potential leaks or weak points in the system. If everything looks good and there are no signs of leaking, you can move on to the next step.
Step 6: Secure the Lever
Once the lever-activated drain is in place and it’s been tested, you can begin to secure it using screws or bolts. Make sure that the screws are tight enough but not too tight so as to avoid damaging the drain or any other parts of the system. Otherwise, you could risk causing additional leaks.
Step 7: Seal the Connections
Once the lever-activated drain has been secured, use sealant or pipe dope to ensure all your connections are air and watertight. Make sure to check around the edges as well to ensure that there are no further leaks. Remember to clean up any spilled sealant or pipe dope before moving on.
Step 8: Connect the Tub Overflow Plate
Re-insert the tub overflow plate into place and use screws or bolts to secure it. Make sure that all of the connections are tight enough but not too tight so as to avoid damaging any parts of the system. Check around the edges to ensure that there are no further leaks.
Step 9: Test Again
Turn on the water and check for any potential leaks or weak points in the system. Make sure to double check all of your connections and ensure that there are no further signs of leaking. If everything looks good and there are no signs of leaking, you can move on to the next step.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Tub
Now that everything is in place and working correctly, it’s time to enjoy your new tub! Take a long, relaxing soak in the tub without having to worry about the overflow plate causing any problems. Remember to check in on the system occasionally just to ensure everything is still running as expected.
Following these ten steps, you can easily replace your old tub overflow plate with a lever-activated drain. This upgrade will save you time and stress and help ensure that your bathroom isn’t at risk of flooding in the future.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Maintenance is Key: While your new lever-activated drain should function well for quite some time, performing regular maintenance’s always a good idea. Clean it periodically and watch for any signs of wear and tear. If you do spot any issues, address them promptly to prevent any major problems down the line.
- When in Doubt, Call a Professional: If you’re uncomfortable handling this task alone or if something goes wrong during the process, feel free to call a professional plumber. They have the knowledge and experience to deal with any unexpected issues.
- Invest in Quality Tools and Materials: In any DIY project, the quality of your tools and materials can significantly impact the final result. Investing in good-quality tools and parts can help ensure your lever-activated drain works efficiently and lasts longer.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety when performing any home improvement task. Make sure to disconnect any power sources and turn off the water before you begin. And always wear appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves.
- Be Patient: Remember that it’s not a race. Take time, follow all steps carefully, and don’t rush the process. Patience and accuracy will lead to a successful outcome and a well-done job. It’s more important to do it right than to do it fast.
With these tips in mind, you can confidently take on the task of replacing your tub overflow plate with a lever-activated drain. You can complete the job quickly and easily with careful planning and attention to detail.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Ignoring Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a new tub overflow plate. Trying shortcuts or ignoring crucial steps can lead to improper installation and potential water damage.
- Don’t Use Mismatched Components: Ensure your purchased components are compatible with your bathtub’s design. Using mismatched parts can lead to inefficiency and damage your tub or the new equipment.
- Never Over-Tighten Screws or Bolts: Over-tightening can damage the screws and the surrounding material, leading to leaks or other issues down the line.
- Avoid Skipping Test Runs: Always conduct a test run after installation to ensure everything works. Skipping this step can lead to bigger problems later on.
- Don’t Neglect Maintenance: Just because your new lever-activated drain is installed and working doesn’t mean the job is done forever. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring a long lifespan for your new hardware.
Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure a successful installation of your lever-activated drain. Now you’re ready to enjoy the new and improved tub experience!
Why is Your Tub Overflow Plate So Important?
Your overflow plate is an essential feature of your bathtub, as it helps prevent water from spilling onto the floor. With a properly functioning tub overflow plate, you could avoid expensive water damage in your bathroom or flooding other parts of your home. To avoid these scenarios, make sure to inspect and maintain your tub overflow plate regularly.
By upgrading to a lever-activated drain, you can ensure your tub overflow plate is working correctly and efficiently. This upgrade will provide greater peace of mind when taking long baths or leaving the tap running while cleaning your bathroom. So don’t hesitate to install a lever-activated drain today for improved safety and convenience in the bathroom!
Conclusion
How to replace tub overflow plate with lever can seem like an intimidating task, but once the steps have been laid out, it really is not that complicated. With the right supplies and instructions, anyone can replace their overflow plate with a lever relatively quickly and easily. It is important to consider safety when replacing this part of your bathroom’s plumbing system.
Ensure no electricity sources are left on or open while working, and protect yourself by wearing gloves and safety glasses during installation. Once you have taken all necessary precautionary measures, you are free to go forth and upgrade your bathtub overflow plate with confidence!
By doing so, you’ll reap the benefits of having a more efficient and stylish drain system in your tub–and maybe even impress some friends in the process. Now get ready for a reliable new lever-style overflow plate that looks great and functions even better!
