The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20060319015217/http://www.bathtubsforyou.com/bathtub-drains.html
Bathtub Drains – No Longer Just A Rubber and Chain Assembly

Bathtub Drains – No Longer Just A Rubber and Chain Assembly

undefined

The earliest bathtub drains were nothing unique. Just an unglamorous rubber plug attached to a chain, to fit a hole at the bottom, did the trick. The rubber plug would inevitably crack and leak. The solution was to replace the rubber plug and your bathtub was back in business.

With time, this old rubber and chain contraption has been replaced by leak-free rust proof alternatives. Newer bathtubs have either plunger or pop-up drains. The first pop-up drain assembly was a small metal rod operating a stopper, that sat in the drain, when raised. The stopper would ‘pop’ up when the rod was lowered.

Drains for Your Tub – A Wide Selection

Today, drains for bathtubs are made with a variety of materials, styles and finishes. Brass drains are available in un-lacquered or lacquered polished variety, chrome plated, polished or brushed nickel. If you are the proud owner of a  vintage or antique bathtub, a variety of decorative drains in high polished chrome or brass is available to select from.

Drains come with an over-flow arrangement in case your faucet keeps running. The basic problem with all drains is that they clog. The best thing to do is to stop your drain from clogging in the first place. Checking the drain and cleaning it on a regular basis should keep your it ‘clog’ free. Most of the clogs can be taken care of, by cleaning the trap, of waste.

Bath tub drains are generally clogged by hair. All you may need is a little bent wire to unclog them. If the ‘clog’ cannot be reached, a variety of chemicals is available to pour down the drain.
Avoid over-tightening the fittings during installation of bathtub drains. To make leak-free connections, hand-tightening is all that is required.