How to Remove a Slot Bathtub

A Slot bathtub is a bath that replaces the traditional center drain with an opening on one side of the tub. These bathtubs are becoming more and more popular for both new construction and bathroom renovations as they offer a number of advantages over the standard center drain. Some of the benefits include a more evenly sloped floor for showering, easier cleanup, and added safety for seniors with compromised balance abilities. They are also very stylish and come in many different design options making them a great choice for those looking to add a unique look to their showers and tubs.

Whether your tub has a normal or slot drain you will need to remove the overflow faceplate, overflow riser and p-trap before you can get to the drain assembly and stopper. Normally the overflow is located a few inches below the tub rim and allows water to flow into it in the event that you accidentally overfill your tub. https://www.fomototo.com/

To begin removing the overflow, you will need to find the screw that holds the overflow faceplate to the overflow riser. This screw is usually a #8 or #10 and can be removed with a standard screwdriver. Once the faceplate is loose you can wiggle it down and away from the overflow elbow, being careful not to damage the tub. A clean rag is important in this step as you will need to use it to cover the overflow pipe and to prevent the overflow washer from falling down behind the tub.

Once the overflow is removed you will need to unscrew the brass insert or post in the middle of the stopper. This can be done by hand but may require some effort. It is best to use a flathead screwdriver for this. Once the post is unscrewed, you will need to turn it counter-clockwise to unthread it from the strainer. It may take a bit of time to unscrew it, but once you do you will be able to easily pull the stopper up and out of its channel.

If your stopper does not have a trip lever mechanism it will likely be either a Toe Touch, Push Pull or Flip-It style. These are the easiest to remove since they do not have a trip lever and simply have a tab or toggle in the middle that you can push down or flip back and forth to open and close the drain.

If your stopper does have a trip lever then you will need to flip it or rotate the overflow face plate left and right until the stopper is in the open position. It is not as easy to remove as these other styles but it can be accomplished by grasping the body of the stopper and twisting or wriggling it back and forth while pulling upward. This will typically dislodge the stopper from its slot and it should pop off. If not, you will need to unscrew the waste and overflow p-trap from the overflow flange using your plumber's snake.