It’s also necessary if the fitting is badly corroded or leaks or if thedrain needs to be replaced.

The pliers need to be small enough to reach into the drain and through the cross.

If the tub has a screen, pry underneath it with a small flathead screwdriver to pop it off.

Dirty stainless steel bath shower drain in modern style plumbers fixtures and monkey wrench

photovs / Getty Images

Tubs with screens usually have a bucket or plunger stopper assembly that stops the water inside the drain pipe.

The removal method depends on thestopper key in.

Carefully pull the stopper and rocker arm from the drain.

Retro style living room

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

confirm the jaws are on opposite sides of the crossbars, over the center of the “X.”

Clamp the locking pliers so they grip the crossbars tightly.

So, go slowly and apply gentle heat to soften the putty.

Push-and-pull drain stopper lifted from drain hole with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn the Pliers

Turn the pliers counterclockwise.

Be patient and go slowly.

Carefully remove the ring of the plumber’s putty.

Flip-it drain stopper twisted out of drain hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Screw all of the putty away and rub the surface clean.

Most plug wrenches have more than one head size; use the head that makes a snug fit.

Unthread the drain by hand once it is loose enough.

Use the Other Pliers to Turn the Locking Pliers

The Spruce / Lee Wallender

You also risk the possibility of losing broken pieces down the trap.

Try prying the stopper open with a flathead screwdriver or pliers.

With pliers, you could grip the top and pull up or twist it counterclockwise.

Removing standing water from the bath tub

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Replace Bathtub Drain Flange with Wrench and Specialty Tool

Jens_Lambert_Photography / Getty Images

Adjustable wrench pulling out old drain fitting from bathtub

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Non-scratch scouring pad removing putty from tub drain opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris