mradtke
Software Engineer
Hello,
I searched the forum and can't seem to find where this has been discussed before. If I missed it, just please reply with a pointer.
I just installed a new tub. After some consideration, I decided to use a Watts brand ABS drain unit. It is a trip lever type with an internal stopper.
I am familiar with the brass units but didn't understand how the plug worked since they don't seem to have any rubber parts. Perhaps just by a good fit. I was encouraged that the plastic unit has "O" rings on its stopper. However, I was discouraged by the instructions that warned me not to remove the "coating" from the stopper or the drain would leak. The "coating" appeared to be some sort of grease. I figured how long would that last before the drain started leaking, but I went ahead and installed the drain anyhow. Well, I was wrong. The drain leaked immediately.
The folks that I have talked to about this say that the plastic drains work great. However, mine doesn't, and if I have to go through the trouble of replacing this one, I want one that will work for 30 years.
So, do plastic bathub drains work? Do all brands rely on this "coating?" Can I do something to repair mine? Will I have to repair it again in a few years? And, how many years will that be?
If my drain is simply defective, is there some way that I can test the drain before going through the effort of installing it?
Thanks,
Mike
I searched the forum and can't seem to find where this has been discussed before. If I missed it, just please reply with a pointer.
I just installed a new tub. After some consideration, I decided to use a Watts brand ABS drain unit. It is a trip lever type with an internal stopper.
I am familiar with the brass units but didn't understand how the plug worked since they don't seem to have any rubber parts. Perhaps just by a good fit. I was encouraged that the plastic unit has "O" rings on its stopper. However, I was discouraged by the instructions that warned me not to remove the "coating" from the stopper or the drain would leak. The "coating" appeared to be some sort of grease. I figured how long would that last before the drain started leaking, but I went ahead and installed the drain anyhow. Well, I was wrong. The drain leaked immediately.
The folks that I have talked to about this say that the plastic drains work great. However, mine doesn't, and if I have to go through the trouble of replacing this one, I want one that will work for 30 years.
So, do plastic bathub drains work? Do all brands rely on this "coating?" Can I do something to repair mine? Will I have to repair it again in a few years? And, how many years will that be?
If my drain is simply defective, is there some way that I can test the drain before going through the effort of installing it?
Thanks,
Mike