You may want to know how to replace a shower drain and put on a new drain cover. Sometimes this is necessary if the old drain cover or collar becomes corroded or otherwise unsightly.

How to Replace a Shower Drain Step by Step

1. Measure the diameter of the drain.
2. Select new drain parts of the appropriate size to complete how to replace a shower drain.
3. Run the shower for a couple minutes.
4. Confirm that water is draining properly. If there is no delay in draining, proceed to Step 10. Otherwise, you must unclog the drain.
5. Position a drain snake tool into the drain.
6. Turn the crank on the tool to feed the snake down through the pipe.
7. Turn the crank the opposite way to retract the snake.
8. When the snake comes out, remove the gunk and hair that it brings up. Put the clog material in a bucket for disposal.
9. Continue snaking the drain until water drains freely.
10. Apply silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 to the drain cover parts.
11. Let the lubricant settle into the crevices for 10 minutes.
12. Determine if the drain cover is secured with screws.
13. If you don’t see a screw holding down the cover, you may be able to pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. You may have a lift-and-turn, toe-touch, or push-and-pull cover. These you can lift and unscrew (counterclockwise) with your hand.
14. If you see a screw holding a drain cover, remove it with a flathead screwdriver.
15. The cover should lift off after you remove the screw.
16. Look into the drain to see if another screw is holding down the drain collar.
17. Remove that screw if present.
18. Spray some more lubricant into the collar and let it set for a few minutes.
19. Now grab opposing sides of the drain collar with both needle-nose pliers.
20. Twist the part counterclockwise.
21. If resistance is stiff, spray and soak with lubricant and try again.
22. Unscrew the drain collar.
23. You are now ready to install new drain parts.
24. Screw in a new drain collar.
25. Install the new drain cover according to manufacturer’s directions.