Trip-lever stoppers are what you will see in most alcove bathtubs (bathtubs installed in an alcove/3 wall of the bathroom. With an integral tub overflow drain, the overflow is integrated into the body of the tub, like a sink’s overflow drain. Bathtubs like freestanding bathtubs or Japanese/soaking tubs look so elegant but overflow drains tend to take beauty away from them. While Flex Seal is considered a waterproof sealant, it works much differently than traditional sealants by creating a waterproof rubber barrier. A slow draining bathtub can however also be caused by a clogged plumbing vent, but that problem will be manifested in other drains as well.

This simple safety feature is located behind the bathtub overflow cover plate on the front wall of the tub. This style is popular for those that don’t want to deal with exposed piping as the overflow channel is built in the tub’s inner wall. Additionally, Plumbing Sniper participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. If your overflow cover includes a toggle to open and close the floor drain, the hardware for the floor drain and the overflow drain pipe are integrated. When your bathwater reaches the height of the overflow drain, the water will exit through the overflow drain instead of spilling onto your floor.Overflow leaks from upstairs bathrooms often result in water dripping through the ceiling below the bathtub. It therefore makes more sense to snake the drain line through the overflow drain, unless the clog is just below the floor drain opening. If your bathtub is leaking through the ceiling of the floor below especially only when someone is soaking in the bathtub, a worn overflow drain gasket is usually the problem. While you are filling the tub for a proper soak, dip the cover in the water and place it over the overflow, and press to seal. It may not make a perfect seal, but it should do well enough for a half-hour of wallowing in the bubbles.

The aftermath of a bathtub overflow can cause extensive property damage that needs attention right away.Chrome plates can be installed using a few screws, and while costing a bit more than drain covers, they will definitely not break the bank. If you rent and your apartment ceiling begins to leak, try to alert the upstairs neighbor, and then contact the landlord right away. For example, you can use it to seal a plastic drain cover, a pre-existing overflow drain, or even the opening behind the overflow drain. However, if you do want to indulge in a deep luxurious soak, remember to unstop your drain when you are done. You can reinstall your original drain cover over the sealant to avoid exposing it, giving you a more seamless look.

While replacing your bathtub is not a direct method to seal an overflow drain, it removes the overflow drain from the equation.Flex Seal costs a little more than most waterproof sealants but is easy to use and dries more quickly, although it may not be a permanent solution. Whenever possible, fish out hair clumps and obstructions with a snake to prevent your pipes from being clogged or obstructed. The primary purpose of an overflow drain is to prevent water from spilling or overflowing onto your floor, so why would you not want one?