The shower drain cover keeps water from spilling out of the drain and staining your bathroom floor. If you want to remove it, there are some things you can do to make the process easier, especially if you’re dealing with one that has been grouted in. With this in mind, here are some tips on removing grouted shower drain covers without breaking them or causing damage to your bathroom floor. Let’s dive in.
Removing Shower Drain Cover That is Grouted in
Method #1: Hit The Drain Cover Carefully
If you find that the drain cover has been grouted in, you first need to take some measurements of both the exterior and the inside of the lid so that you can find a suitable replacement. A hardware store is the only way to guarantee you purchase the appropriate replacement cover for the drain.
The next step is removing it, which requires a rubber mallet, a steel hammer or a dead blow hammer with multiple layers of a towel wrapped over it. Remember that you shouldn’t break off the screws because doing so would make the situation even more challenging to solve.
Because the tool’s principal function is to break the link between the grout and the strainer, you should only tap the hammer softly and with caution. Then, gently lift the drain cover away from the grout with slight upward pressure as the connection weakens.
Method #2: Combined Use Of Vinegar And Baking Soda
You can use this method rather than spraying chemicals on the drain cover to loosen and remove it from the drain. By combining baking soda and vinegar, it is possible to unclog the pipes that have been clogged. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar in the drain pipe with a quarter tablespoon of baking soda, then whisk the mixture together.
When the combination has completed its task, pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain, and then wait between 15 and 20 minutes before proceeding. It should now be possible for the drain cover to leave the drain.
Method #3: Making Use of Wire
Take a length of wire that is 18 inches long that can be bent and placed into the grate. The wire can be bailing, copper, or any other material that can be bent. To remove the drain cover, you need to create a hook and then use it to pull the lid off of its hinges.
After the wire has been bent two inches from its starting location, it must be twisted twice before it can be used again. You may get rid of it by applying consistent pressure on the drain. After the drain cover has been appropriately cleaned, it should be reinstalled.
Cleaning Out The Clogged Shower Drain
Getting rid of a clog or other obstacle in the shower drain is the most typical reason for removing the lid of the shower drain. Even if both the drain cover and the drain adapter are in place, it is still possible for hair and soap buildup to make its way into the drainpipe. It is common practice in many households to use liquid drain cleaners that may be poured down the drain without first removing the drain cover.
Even though chemical and caustic drain openers are the most effective at cleaning up your pipes, using them can also cause your pipes to deteriorate over time. Baking soda and white vinegar are two ingredients that, when combined, may be used to produce a drain cleaning solution that is safe and effective for removing a variety of typical blockages.
Because they do not cause harm to your pipes, all-natural enzymatic drain cleaners are an alternative for routine drain cleaning. These cleaners are entirely risk-free as well. However, there is a possibility that these drain openers will not be able to remove a clog located farther up the main line.
In some circumstances, you may need to use a plumbing snake to unclog the drain. These hair clog removal tools are little tools meant to fit through the lid of the shower drain. Instead, they are used to eliminate specific obstacles. If it is, however, lower, you will require much more muscle and reach to get there.
The most OK electric drain snake can easily and quickly clear your pipes of clogs, allowing you to save time and money in the long run. Knowing how to remove a snake is essential since many cannot pass through the small openings in a shower drain cover or drain stopper.
Replacing The Shower Drain
Step #1: Clear The Drain Surrounds Of All Grout
A Dremel tool or a grout saw can be used. Remove the grout with a saw with teeth on end. You should remove a small amount of grout to make it possible to mend the drain. Avoid removing tiles that aren’t essential.
Step #2: Try to Pry up The Tiles
You don’t want to break them, so be careful. This is where the drain is located. Disconnect the drain by pulling it out of the wall. You’ll need to pry or pull it very hard from the adhesive to remove it.
Step #3: Remove Dirt From The Drainpipe
Clean the drainpipe of dirt, and then use pipe cement to seal the pipe and the new drain. Make sure the drainpipe is positioned above the drainpipe. Dry for an hour.
Step #4: Put The Tiles Back
Spread the tile cement on the tiles. Make it an eighth of an inch. Lower the tiles by applying pressure on them. Give them a whole day to dry out.
Step #5: Grout All Gaps Except Around The Drain
The grout float may be used to help fill up the gaps. This will provide a smooth finish. Wait a few hours before using the grout.
Step #6: Apply Silicone to The New Drain to Seal it in
This will ensure that there are no leaks in the system. You will need to wait at least 24 hours for this to dry properly.
Conclusion
You must follow the steps outlined above to remove the shower cover easily. Don’t exert too much force or pressure on the drain cover to avoid making the issue more complicated. There is always the option of hiring a plumber if you lack the confidence to do it yourself.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.