A tub overflow drain allows excess water to escape a bathtub that is in danger of overflowing.
A bathtub overflow drain is an important part of bathroom plumbing. If your bathtub overflows, either from mechanical failure or you by forgetfulness in turning the water off, a overflow drain will allow the water to escape the tub, saving yourself from a wet floor. Overflow drains are found near to top rim of a bathtub and consist of a hole, usually hidden by a decorative covering that leads water to a pipe, draining the excess water into the same drain as the one located on the bottom of the tub. Installing a tub overflow drain will require some basic knowledge of plumbing, but can be done quite effectively.
Instructions
1. Cut a large enough hole around the area of the pipes that you will be working with a saw or drill. The hole will have to give you access in front of the tub, to the pipes leading down to the drain. Consider the amount of damage that cutting a hole to install a drain will have on your bathroom. You may have to retile the wall or repair drywall.
2. Look to see what present plumbing is in place for an overflow drain. Most bathtubs have a hole in the top of the tub used as an overflow drain. If your tub does not, you may cut one with a saw or drill. But you must ensure it is the correct measurement --- lining up the drain fitting. Most of the time, the tub overflow drain cover plate will be attached to the tub or pipe using screws. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the cover-plate if you are replacing it.
3. Install the new pipes into place. You can purchase a PVC overflow drain pipe kit or brass pipe kit from most any hardware store. Make sure that rubber gaskets are fitted around both the bottom drain and overflow drain before you install the pipes. Insert the stopper, which comes with the kit, into the hole and down the newly attached pipes. Use silicone caulking to create an extra seal around both openings and screw the new cover plate on tightly.
4. Fill the bathtub with water to test the overflow drain and see if it performs as it should. If the drain catches all the overflow water, you can begin focusing on repair the hole that you cut in the wall to make the repairs.
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