Old Type Bath Drain

Tool Junkie · 09-26-2007, 02:53 PM

I'm remodeling my bathroom, everything except the tub. The existing tub has the type of drain that is connected to a long tube on the outside of the tub. When you want to drain the tub you pull up on the tube handle. It is somewhat of an eye sore and i would like to replace with a standard drain control.. My questions are:

Is that device used not only as a drain control but also as a vent? I doubt it, so shouldn't I be able to just rip it out and install a new drain under the tub?

Second is I wouldnt mind leaving it but installing a "foot" activated plug at the drain. I tried installing one but it does not fit the existing thread pattern, does anyone knoe of one that may fight this older type of drain/

Thanks again, tis is a great web site!

redline · 09-26-2007, 03:41 PM

can you post a photo?

Is the sink vented?

NateHanson · 09-26-2007, 03:54 PM

I went through this planning process with a bath remodel two years ago, and was going to replace everything but the tub.

I'm really glad I changed my mind and took a sledge to the old tub. Your old tub will stick out in the brand new bathroom, and you won't be able to replace it later, without messing up your new floor and wall tiles.

Also, to update the drain in that tub, you'll need to unthread the drain fitting from the tub, and that's gonna be somewhere between damn hard, and impossible. With a new tub, it'll take you 15 minutes to put in whatever new drain fixtures you like.

For $300, replace the tub while you're doing this major project. I promise you'll be glad you did.

scorrpio · 09-26-2007, 04:01 PM

These drains work just like a popup drain on the sink. Has nothing to do with venting. If it was a vent, it'd stink up your bathroom. And no, it cannot be one of those recently introduced air admittance valves cause those were well, only recently introduced.

You should be able to rip it out and replace with a drain of your choice. My personal favorite is a Hansgrohe Exafill.

Tool Junkie · 09-26-2007, 04:05 PM

Yes the sink is vented. I can try and post a picture when I get back home.

thanks for you attention to this!

Regards