How to remove 3-spindle drain waste?

LikeMyHome · 3 Jun 2021

Hello all,

I want to unblock drain waste - but my drain cord can't get throught the waste as it has wrench-like tip - too big to fit through.

So I want to unscrew the drain waste - but as it's 3 spindle/leg - I can't find a wrench for it as standard wrenches are 4-bits. Is there any tool for 3 spindle waste or what tool can you recommend to remove/unscrew it?

Thank you

oldbuffer · 3 Jun 2021

Undo the metal screw in the centre. Its hollow through with a part screwdriver slot either side of the hollow. An old chisel is probably the easiest option, or any flat bit of metal you can turn with grips which bridges the centre hole.
You will need access to the underside to reinstall.
If you have access to the underside, remove and clean whatever trap is there. Most unlikely the waste you are referring to is blocked.

LikeMyHome · 3 Jun 2021

oldbuffer said:
Undo the metal screw in the centre. Its hollow through with a part screwdriver slot either side of the hollow.

I use old chisel but the central screw rotates only half a turn anticlokwise and then gets stuck - I can try to rotate harder - but are you sure it's fully unscrewable? Just want to be certain I won't break it.

oldbuffer said:
You will need access to the underside to reinstall.

Yes I have access from underside - that is undernearth bathtub.
Do you mean that I can take the waste off without accessing it from underside but will need the access when putting the waste back?

Thanks

HERTS P&D · 3 Jun 2021

I was just called out to one of these that was leaking, as above, undo the centre screw, turning anti clockwise. To be honest, I would remove it and replace it. They are only £15 from Toolstation.

Andy

Hugh Jaleak · 3 Jun 2021

Leave that part well alone. Get access to underneath the bath, attached to the bottom of the part you are trying to undo should be a trap, (U bend). Undo this, clear blockage, (which may even be in the trap), and reattach trap to waste.

Unfortunately, with wastes, undoing them often causes them to leak when you try to reassemble, as the seals go hard over time, so be prepared to replace the trap (if that is what you undo), after unblocking the pipework, with a new one.

LikeMyHome · 3 Jun 2021

Hugh Jaleak said:
Leave that part well alone. Get access to underneath the bath, attached to the bottom of the part you are trying to undo should be a trap, (U bend). Undo this, clear blockage, (which may even be in the trap), and reattach trap to waste.

...be prepared to replace the trap (if that is what you undo), after unblocking the pipework, with a new one.

OK I'll try that. Do I understand correctly that even if I undo the trap (U-bend) from undernearth and clean the pipes, I'd still need to replace it with a new before re-attahing to the waste? Any chance of re-using the existing trap and sealing the joint with putty/sealant?

CBW · 3 Jun 2021

If you’re referring to the trap seals, often you can re-use them.

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How to remove 3-spindle drain waste?

LikeMyHome

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