5 Best Shower Drain Wrenches That Will Make Your Life Easier
Are you tired of dealing with a clogged shower drain? Indeed, clogged shower drains are a common household problem. Cleaning it can be frustrating. A clogged shower drain can mean water spilling out onto the floor. It’s often difficult to clear the drain without proper tools. Hence, you can try to unclog your shower drain in a few different ways. But one of the finest ways is to use a shower drain wrench.
In this article, I have argued the five best shower drain wrenches you can use to make life at ease. I will also provide a brief overview of each wrench to choose the best one for your needs.
5 Best Shower Drain Wrenches Reviews
Here are five shower drain wrenches with good user reviews, overall performance, and sturdiness. I suggest you read all the details of each item.
1. Oatey Shower Drain Wrench
When remodeling your bathroom, one last step is to install the shower drain. It can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with how it’s done. Even if you are familiar with installing a shower drain, getting the compression gasket to tighten properly around the pipe can still be difficult. The Oatey Shower Drain Wrench makes installation quicker. You can install it in different drain types, including performed and tile shower bases and other general purposes. Hence, its compression gasket can easily tighten around 2″ Sch. 40 DWV pipe with caulking nut and wrench. This drain wrench has a cast brass or plastic body that securely fits 15″ Sch. 40 DWV pipe and 15″ or 2″ Copper DWV pipe. It also has a 425” stainless steel or Ultra-Shine PVD polished brass Snap-Tite strainer for easy installation of the strainer cover. Overall, this product is a good choice for any slab construction.
- Benefits
- No caulk shower drain wrench
- Suitable for multiple drain types
- Perfect drain wrench for slab construction
- You can fit this wrench to any pipe type and material
- Versatile snap-on or fasten configurations are available
- Drawback
- Not so suitable for silicone drains
2. HAUTMEC Tub Drain Remover Wrench
If you are looking for a wrench for shower drain, you can consider the HAUTMEC Tub Drain Remover Wrench. It is a must-have to be prepared for any plumbing repairs or installations. HAUTMEC dual-sided wrench is made of heavy-duty die-cast aluminum. This construction makes it durable and lightweight, which you would love to work with. Thus, it’s specially designed to install and eliminate most bath and shower drains and closet spuds. So you can keep it in your handy toolbox with full confidence. Fit the appropriate size onto the drain or spud and turn until tight or loose. Moreover, you can use the thing in any drain construction.
- Benefits
- The wrench has two sides to install and remove quickly
- The different size of each side makes the unit ideal for most drains
- Get the best torque by inserting screwdrivers into any hole with an adjustable wrench
- Die-cast aluminum construction gives extra endurance
- Drawback
- Some users suggest it use on only existing drains
3. DURATECH Shower Valve Socket Wrench Set
Taking apart and repairing a shower valve can be a real pain, especially if you don’t have the right tools. Even if you have the right tools, getting the job done without breaking something can still be difficult. The DURATECH Shower Valve Socket Wrench Set is designed to make taking apart and repairing a shower valve quick and easy. This set includes five double-end shower drain wrenches and a bar handle. Also, it has a bar wire holder for a convenient storage facility. Each of these items is made of sturdy stainless steel and alloy steel. Besides, you can use them in mechanical applications with an adjustable wrench for the hex-shaped bodies. You can also turn the wrench with a long screwdriver, as there is a hole never ends. Again, the 125 mm sockets are available in several sizes.
- Benefits
- Made of solid steel and nickel-plated surface
- Hex-style head and polished finish
- A complete set of 5 double end drain wrenches
- Comes with a bar wire holder to store it easily
- Versatile socket sizes available for multiple applications
- You can use these drain wrenches very easily
- Drawback
- No notable negative points are available
4. Superior Tools Universal Professional Shower & Sink Drain Wrench
Replacing a kitchen faucet and sink can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with the right tools. Many people think replacing a kitchen faucet and sink is beyond their abilities as DIY homeowners. But that’s not true. With the right tools, anyone can do it. The Superior Tools Universal Professional Shower & Sink Drain Wrench is one of those essential tools. It fits hex nuts and all 4-, 6- and 8-tab locking nuts on strainer drains. So, you cannot ignore it as the perfect wrench for installing sink strainers or drop-in shower drains. Its powder coat finish makes it easy to clean up after use. Also, its precision aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures that it will last for years. The comfy offset cushion grip handle allows work flexibly in confined locations.
- Benefits
- Red drain wrench for installing sink strainers or drop-in shower drains
- Fits all hex nuts and 4-, 6-, and 8-tab locking nuts on strainer drains
- Powder coat finish and aircraft-grade aluminum structure
- Comfy offset cushion grip handle
- Ideal for long-lasting applications
- Drawback
- May not be universal as it is advertised
5. Superior Tool Shower & Tub Drain Extractor
Removing a drain without the proper tool can be incredibly frustrating and dangerous. You may damage your plumbing or even hurt yourself in the process. The Superior Tool Shower & Tub Drain Extractor is the perfect tool for easily removing stubborn 1.5-inch drains. The unique helical knurl design ensures a tight grip on the drain. Alternatively, the ratchet drive and extension allow for easy removal. This hardened steel tool with a gold plate finish is perfect for any home improvement project.
- Benefits
- High-quality shower pan drain wrench
- Made of hardened steel with a gold plate finish, making it is durable and long-lasting
- Unique helical knurl design that allows it to bite into the drain and not slip.
- 1.5 inches in diameter to use with a ratchet drive and extension or wrench.
- Drawback
- Not recommended for smaller tub drains
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Shower Drain Wrench
You are good to go for buying shower drain wrenches. But do you know some factors to ensure a successful deal? Here are some of them:
Type of Drain: The first thing is the type of drain on your shower. Some drains are smooth and bowl-shaped, while others have a more standard pipe shape. A long, flexible shower drain wrench will not be helpful if your drain is square or has threads.
Durability: Next, think about the durability and grip of your drain wrench. You’ll be dealing with wet, slippery conditions as you work. So, your wrench must stay in your hand. Also, it should not fall into the drain. It should also be strong enough to withstand regular use and multiple trips in and out of the drain.
Length: The length of your wrench should also be considered. A shorter wrench may fit more easily into the limited space of a shower drain. But it may also be less comfortable to use in long stretches.
Weight: Weight is also important to get the right stuff. After all, a heavier wrench may tire out your arms more quickly as you work. But it will also offer more torque to unscrew stubborn pipes.
Conclusion
If you want to unclog your shower drain quickly and easily, you need a quality shower drain wrench. In this article, I have reviewed the five best shower drain wrenches on the market today. I hope these reviews have helped you choose the right product for your needs. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several types of shower heads. Each of them has its unique connection. The most common sizes are:
- 1/2 inch – Old school style that is not very common
- 1 inch – Most common size
- 1 1/4 inch – A little larger than the standard size
- 1 1/2 inch – Larger than the standard size
A shower drain wrench is used to remove a metal or plastic nut. It connects the shower drain to the floor. Usually, it is located at the bottom of the shower drain. Also, it requires a little muscle power to loosen and remove.
While using a shower drain wrench, be sure the metal nut is completely loose before unscrewing it with the wrench. Be cautious not to drop it down the drain!
You should have a good sense of the product assembly procedure when installing the shower drain catalytic converter. If you are unsure, always seek professional help from an experienced plumber. After all, incorrect installation can lead to severe damage to your property by flooding or even a fire hazard.
A shower drain wrench is a useful tool to have around the house. It allows you to open and close a shower drain without getting your hands wet.
The procedure for using a shower drain wrench is as follows:
- Unscrew the shower drain’s stopper using a pair of pliers.
- Place the shower drain wrench over the drain opening.
- Tighten the nut on the underside of the wrench.
- Turn the wrench to open or close the drain.
There is no special tool to remove tub drains. You can remove them using regular pliers. However, it is recommended that you wear protective gloves when dealing with plumbing fixtures.
- To remove the drain plug, hold it firmly and turn it counterclockwise.
- Place your foot on the bottom of the tub to hold it down while you unscrew the plug.
- Once you have removed the plug, you can lift the drain cover to access the drainpipes underneath.
- Unscrew the nut using a pair of pliers.
- Lift out the entire drain assembly from the bottom of your tub.
The easiest way to unscrew your shower drain is to use a wrench.
With enough clearance, you can use a socket or plumbers wrench to unscrew the drain. If you don’t have enough clearance to use a wrench, you can use a pair of pliers. Just make sure you don’t scratch up your drain with the pliers.
The size of shower drain bolts depends on the diameter of the bolt. The diameter of the bolt is measured in millimeters. And the bolt size is typically stamped on the bolt bottom.
The standard size for a shower drain bolt is 12 mm. A 12 mm bolt fits into an 11 mm hole. Again, a 10 mm bolt fits into a 9 mm hole, and so on.
You can also find 16 mm, 19 mm, and 22 mm bolts. The larger the bolt, the stronger and the more weight it can support.
The best way to tighten a shower drain nut is first to fill your bathtub with water and then fit the nut on top of the drain. If necessary, use some soap or pliers to hold the nut in place. Next, take a deep breath, lean forward, and twist the nut as hard as you can using both hands.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to feel the nut twist in your hands. Then, start to bite down into the metal of the drain. When it feels like you’re going to break your wrists, un-screw them and start all over again.
Repeat this process until the nut feels like it’s not going anywhere (20 rotations or so). At that point, you can start using a wrench or pliers on the nut if you want.
