How to Cover the Overflow Drain in the Bathtub with 5 Cheap to Pro Hacks

Almost all the bathtubs have overflow drains, with some exceptions. This drain ensures the passage of excess water from the bathtubs so that it does not flood the bathrooms when taps are left open accidentally. But it can also create hindrance while enjoying a calm herbal bath. Ironically, this draining system extracts the water from the bathtub even before it is properly filled. So how to cover the overflow drain in the bathtub?

All your bath nutrients, bath salts, magnesium flakes, and herbal shampoos pass through the hole when the overflow drain is open. Moreover, the gulping sound of the drain spoils your mood for a quiet bath.

Let’s know some DIY tricks to tackle the problem all by yourself at home.

How to Cover the Overflow Drain in the Bathtub- DIY Tricks And Tips

Covering an overflow drain is not an issue when you have some basic tools and know what to do. Rest assured! You do not need a plumber for this. So without any delay, let’s get to the point.

Hack 1: Install a Bathtub Overflow Cover

Before you think of any crazy DIY hacks, try installing a DIY over flow drain cover like the SlipX Overflow Drain Cover. These overflow drain covers act as a suction cup and creates a robust seal. They are easily available on Amazon, eBay, and other commercial websites.

Installation Procedure

• Firstly close the water supply of your bathtub.
• Then measure the size of your overflow plate and get the accurate drain cover.
• Soak the rubber-made deep water bath tub over flow drain cover in warm water.
• Press the bathtub overflow cover against the wall of the tub surrounding the overflow plate.
• Open the taps of the tub and check if there is any leakage of water through the overflow drain.

Tips: The hole on the suction cup should face upward.

Hack 2: Use a Teflon Tape

Plumbers often use this tape to seal the broken pipes temporarily. Though it is not made to seal an overflow drain, it can come in handy for the time being.

Application Procedure:

• Firstly, make sure that your bathtub is all dry and clean.
• Then take a black Teflon tape.
• Cut the tape into small pieces approximately 3-4 inches in length.
• Simply stick them around and over the drain plate and create a temporary seal.
• Finish with checking the leak of water through the drain.

Note:

• The seal might come off when the glue washes away.
• This process is not effective for long-term use.

Hack 3: Install Chromate or Plastic Plates

How do you cover a bath tub overflow drain? We often face this question. Blocking an overflow drain is a piece of cake if you have chromate plates at the house.

Don’t you have this? It’s not an issue; you can use the Gold-Hao-The-Bathroom Tub Overflow Cover that is easily available on amazon.

Tools Required–

• screws
• Flat-head screwdriver.
• Chromate plate.

Installation Process:

• Firstly, find the perfect chromate plate for your bathtub overflow drain.
• Switch off the water supply in the bathtub.
• Using a flat-head screwdriver, screw the plate over the drain.
• Open the tap to check if there is any reduction in the water depth in the bathtub.

Precaution:

• Close the underwater bathtub hole, not to loose screws.
• Fix the screw tightly.

Also Read: How To Rough In A Shower Drain Precisely And How To Install It?

For tub overflow cover no screws are needed. This is not the case for chromate plates. Finding a suitable screw can be tricky.

Hack 4: Application of Plumber’s Putty

How to cover the overflow drain in the bath tub DIY techniques is needed. So, another way to seal your overflow drain is to apply a plumber’s putty or sink drain putty.

Requirements-

• plumber’s putty

Installation Procedure:

• Disassemble the drain’s body.
• Make a rope of plumber’s putty by rolling it between your palms.
• Apply the rope of the plumber’s putty encircling the opening of the drain body.
• Place the drain’s body above the roll of putty.
• Tighten the drain’s body using nuts.
• Lastly, wipe off the excess putty with a piece of clean cloth.

Note: Excess putty should be removed if it hardens.

Hack 5: Installation of Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is a clear fluid placed in a tube. It creates a seal on the drain making skin once it dries up. This is not traditional but can provide you with a temporary solution.

Installation Procedure:

• Apply a handsome amount of silicone caulk on all the sides of the drain.
• quickly wipe off the excess silicone caulk
• Wait until the caulk squeezes between the drain and forms an overlying skin.
• Switch on the tap to check the seal on the drain.

Note: If the silicone caulk hardens before wiping, use a caulk softener to remove the excess product.

A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Verdict

Having a warm bath after a dramatic day is a must. It becomes annoying if your luxurious bath moment is ruined just because of an overflow drain. How to cover the overflow drain in the bathtub? We have mentioned several DIY tricks that you can give a try.

Some of them are permanent and some are temporary. But in the first place, you should be cautious of your safety. Once safety is ensured, you are ready to enjoy a warm and quiet bath in an aromatic bathtub without any gulping sound of the drain.

You Can Also Read:

• Connecting Tub Drain to Waste Pipe In 5 Minutes!
• How To Run Toilet Drain Through Floor Joist
• Quick & Easy Steps for Installing Drain Pipe for Washing Machine in Basement?
• What Will Dissolve Grout In Drain Pipe? And How To Remove?

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