--- title: What Is A Retrofit Drain And How To Install One description: Learn how retrofit drains work in your drainage system and how to correctly install one. image: https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/marathon-aluminator.jpeg --- Search our inventory of drains, drain parts, safety and roofing equipment, and accessories. [Shop Now](https://hy-techroof.com/products/). - [ About ](https://www.hy-techroof.com/about-hy-tech/) - [ Contact ](https://www.hy-techroof.com/contact-hy-tech/) - - [![Hy-Tech Roof Products](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/Logos/Hy-Tech%20Logo_rgb_maroon_480.png) ](https://www.hy-techroof.com) [**](https://www.hy-techroof.com/login.php) [**](https://www.hy-techroof.com/cart.php) ** ** [![Hy-Tech Roof Products](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/Logos/Hy-Tech%20Logo_rgb_maroon_480.png) ](https://www.hy-techroof.com) [**](https://www.hy-techroof.com/cart.php) - - # What Is A Retrofit Drain And How To Install One August 15, 2022 [Roof Drains](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/topic/roof-drains) [Subscribe](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog-subscribe) When reroofing or removing an existing drain, a replacement drain needed. This is where retrofit drains are used, as they replace the broken or corroded roof drains easily with almost no construction. ![marathon-aluminator](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hs-fs/hubfs/marathon-aluminator.jpeg?width=165&name=marathon-aluminator.jpeg)Retrofit drains are simply inserted into the existing drain pipe, and the drain’s water tight rubber seal expands outward against the existing pipe. The pressure from this seal stops water from flowing between the retrofit drain and pipe wall. ### How a Retrofit Roof Drain Works in Your Drainage System Retrofit roof drains are typically easy to install and provide near identical benefits as most normal roof drain systems. They prevent leakage and form a connection between the plumbing and drainage systems for water to flow through in place of an old drain. When an old or broken drain is removed from the roof, a retrofit roof drain is inserted within the existing drain pipe. From there, a watertight back-up seal works to prevent leakage from back flow pressure. Depending on your retrofit drain, clamping rings may also be used to secure the drain to the piping. ### Installing Your Retrofit Roof Drain ![pp-reroof-abs-or-pvc](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pp-reroof-abs-or-pvc.jpeg?width=504&name=pp-reroof-abs-or-pvc.jpeg) The installation for your retrofit roof drain will depend on the specific manufacturer; however, there are some elements that are consistent across retrofit drains. Consider the following steps as a guide to installing your retrofit drain. 1. **Remove the broken drain** from the drain pipe. Because the retrofit roof drain will sit directly inside the pipe, roofers should also clear the pipe and surrounding area of debris. 2. **Attach the seal** to the roof drain accordingly to prevent water leakage and other debris from entering the drain pipe. 3. **Insert the retrofit roof drain** into the existing drain pipe and tighten the protective seal. 4. **Adjust the retrofit roof drain flange** to lay flat on the roof surface. If uneven, debris could enter the roof drain pipe and prevent water flow. 5. **Secure the clamping ring **(if applicable) to the retrofit drain to prepare for the drain strainer. 6. **Add the drain strainer**, which comes in a variety of materials, to prevent debris from entering the pipe. Make sure all bolts, screws and rings are secure on the drain. For a one-stop shop for your insert drain needs, look no further than [Hy-Tech’s Insert Roof Drain selection](http://hy-techroof.com/products/drains/insert-roof-drains/). You can sort through roof drains by manufacturer, including Olympic, Marathon, Portals Plus and more.    [Plus, ask the Drain Wizard any questions you have today.](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/ask-the-drain-wizard) ## Have a Drain Question? Have a question or in need of a specific roofing product or drain part? We have the resources to help you. **Reach out to the Drain Wizard.** [Call to Action](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/ask-the-drain-wizard) ![Ask the Drain Wizard](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/2022%20Hy-Tech%20Website/Resources%20Pages/Drain%20Wizard%20CTA_800.jpg) ## Related Posts [![How To Purchase A Replacement Flat Roof Drain](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/miscellaneous%20drains.png)](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/how-to-purchase-a-replacement-flat-roof-drain) Aug 15, 2022 ###### [How To Purchase A Replacement Flat Roof Drain](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/how-to-purchase-a-replacement-flat-roof-drain) ** [Roof Drains](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/topic/roof-drains) Flat roof drains are often subjected to heavy weathering and regular wear and tear. As a result, their parts—including domes, rings, sump pans, and clamps—sometimes break, crack or rust over time,... [Continue Reading](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/how-to-purchase-a-replacement-flat-roof-drain) [![Pros and Cons of 3 Flat-Roofing Systems](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/2022%20Hy-Tech%20Website/Resources%20Pages/Hy-Tech%20Roofing%20Blog.jpg)](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/bid/56671/pros-and-cons-of-3-flat-roofing-systems) Aug 15, 2022 ###### [Pros and Cons of 3 Flat-Roofing Systems](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/bid/56671/pros-and-cons-of-3-flat-roofing-systems) There are 3 main types of flat-roofing systems: built-up roof (BUR), modified bitumen and single-ply. Each system is designed to waterproof the roof and protect it from sun, rain, snow and more. This... [Continue Reading](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/bid/56671/pros-and-cons-of-3-flat-roofing-systems) [![What Is A Retrofit Drain And How To Install One](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/marathon-aluminator.jpeg)](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/what-is-a-retrofit-drain-and-how-to-install-one) Aug 15, 2022 ###### [What Is A Retrofit Drain And How To Install One](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/what-is-a-retrofit-drain-and-how-to-install-one) ** [Roof Drains](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/topic/roof-drains) When reroofing or removing an existing drain, a replacement drain needed. This is where retrofit drains are used, as they replace the broken or corroded roof drains easily with almost no... [Continue Reading](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/blog/what-is-a-retrofit-drain-and-how-to-install-one) ![Background Pattern_Hy-Tech Logo_Gray](https://resources.hy-techroof.com/hubfs/2022%20Hy-Tech%20Website/Background%20Graphics/Background%20Pattern_Hy-Tech%20Logo_Gray.jpg) ## Find more resources Whether you’re in search of roof drain specifications, product catalog, or anything in between, we have the resources to answer your questions. 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