Few fixtures work harder in a home than the bathtub drain. Constant exposure to water, soap scum, hair, and cleaning agents leads to corrosion or slow-drain headaches. When simple snaking no longer works, replacing a bathtub drain assembly becomes the best route to restore performance and protect subfloor framing from moisture damage.
Traditional drain replacement quotes involve on-site tape measures, manual pricing books, and follow-up phone calls. CountBricks removes that friction with AI voice capture and real-time databases:
• Speak the scope into your phone—our AI instantly generates itemized labor, material, and permit costs.
• Drag-and-drop blueprint PDFs for automated takeoffs that flag exact pipe lengths, trap locations, and floor joist penetrations.
• Receive a branded quote document in minutes, ready for homeowner approval and e-signature.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to see every residential plumbing module we cover.
1. Recurring leaks around the shoe gasket or overflow plate.
2. Chrome finish has peeled, exposing rusted brass or steel.
3. Drain threads stripped, preventing a watertight seal.
4. House is being prepped for sale and inspectors flag sub-standard drains.
CountBricks estimators factor these red flags into ROI discussions so clients spend wisely.
Drain Body & Stopper Style
• Classic lift-and-turn—budget friendly
• Push-to-close—sleek, tool-free maintenance
• Cable-operated—premium spas or deep soaking tubs
Pipe Composition
• PVC: economical, easy solvent welding
• ABS: ideal for colder Iowa winters due to thermal shock resistance
• Brass: long-life upgrade often paired with cast-iron tubs
Live price feeds inside CountBricks ensure your quote reflects today’s regional supplier costs instead of last quarter’s catalog.
1. Shut off water to the tub.
2. Remove trim kits and old stopper.
3. Place protective blankets over porcelain to prevent chipping.
4. Use a drain key to back out the strainer body.
5. Cut the overflow linkage and detach the shoe.
6. Inspect adjacent framing for mold—CountBricks automatically adds remediation line items if needed.
7. Dry-fit new assembly, confirming slope to the P-trap (¼ in. per foot minimum).
8. Solvent-weld or thread connections per code.
9. Torque strainer body against fresh plumber’s putty.
10. Fill tub and perform a five-minute static test.
11. Drain while flashlight-inspecting below for weeps.
12. Photograph results—images sync to CountBricks cloud for client transparency.
Local residential plumbing code mandates 1-1/2 in. diameter for bathtub waste lines and approved trap primers where required. CountBricks software cross-checks each estimate against municipal amendments so your permit set is accurate the first time.
• Labor (2 hours master plumber, 1 hour apprentice)
• Materials (PVC drain kit, chrome trim, solvent, sealant)
• Disposal fees for removed assembly
• Permit filing and inspection escort
Total: $425–$610, updated live through CountBricks pricing engines. View additional scenarios at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• Over-tightening the strainer and cracking enameled steel tubs.
• Forgetting to align the overflow gasket, triggering leaks inside the wall cavity.
• Mixing ABS and PVC without the correct transition cement.
CountBricks pros eliminate these risks while providing warranty coverage.
• Lightning-fast quotes impress homeowners and win jobs.
• AI takeoffs cut estimating time by up to 70%.
• Integrated scheduling lets you book crews the moment a quote is accepted.
• Digital invoices auto-populate from the approved estimate—no double entry.
Whether you are a contractor seeking streamlined workflows or a homeowner wanting a leak-free tub, CountBricks delivers clarity, speed, and code-compliant results. Start your next project at CountBricks.com/consultation.
A recent CountBricks client, the Johnson family in West Des Moines, struggled with recurring ceiling stains below their master bath. Our estimator used a smartphone to narrate the problem during a walkthrough. Within 90 seconds, CountBricks generated a line-item quote that included:
• Removal of corroded cable drain
• Installation of a push-to-close brass assembly
• Minor joist sistering due to moisture damage
Because the AI flagged code-required access panel relocation automatically, no mid-project change orders were needed. The crew finished in two hours. Final invoice: $482—18% lower than the paper-based quote the homeowner received from another contractor the week prior.
• Pre-load your preferred material library in CountBricks so voice estimates pull exact SKUs instantly
• Use the mobile blueprint tool to capture subfloor thickness—this ensures the shoe gasket depth is correct on the first try
• Attach completion photos in the field; CountBricks auto-stamps time and GPS, reducing warranty disputes
• Convert the estimate to an invoice with one tap; homeowners can pay via secure link before you leave the driveway
Replacing a bathtub drain assembly is often the gateway to broader upgrades. With CountBricks you can clone the original estimate and add:
• New water-saving shower valves
• Tile backer replacement
• Radiant floor heating loops
This modular approach helps contractors upsell while giving homeowners transparent, bundled pricing.
If you are ready to eliminate manual spreadsheets and speed up profits, schedule a demo at CountBricks.com/consultation. Drain by drain, we are redefining residential construction efficiency.
