Repairing Guides

how to repair a bathtub drain stopper

by Earl Jacobson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Remove the Cover Plate and Stopper. Back out the mounting screws that hold the overflow cover plate onto the overflow tube. ...
  • Adjust the Linkage. If necessary, adjust the linkage to lengthen the connecting rod. ...
  • Reassemble the Stopper. Insert the stopper and drain linkage back down through the overflow opening. Reattach the cover plate to the overflow tube.

Full Answer

How to unclog bathtub drain?

‘Dump about a half a cup of each (baking soda first) into the drain, let it fizzle, then flush it down with a generous serving of hot water. ‘Other ideas to consider are enzyme drain cleaners,’ he adds. Bathtub jets can become clogged over time, but cleaning them is straightforward.

How do I remove bath tub drain stopper?

Remove the Bathtub Drain Stopper Set the drain to its open position. Lift up on the drain stopper’s knob and turn it counterclockwise. After enough turns, the drain stopper should be unscrewed and come free from the drain opening.

How to remove metal drain stopper from tub?

How to Remove a Trip-Lever Drain Stopper

  • Open the Drain. If the lever is not already in the open position, then flip the lever or rotate it to fully open the drain.
  • Remove the Overflow Grate. ...
  • Pull out Trip-Lever Drain Stopper Assembly. ...
  • Inspect, Clean, or Replace. ...

How to remove Moen popup bathtub drain stopper?

How to Unclog a Moen Push-N-Lock Drain Assembly

  1. Lift the stopper up to the "open" position. Hold onto the stopper and then unscrew the pull knob by turning it counterclockwise.
  2. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the brass insert that is securing the stopper. Hold onto the stopper and then turn the screwdriver counterclockwise.
  3. Lift the stopper out of the drain and set it aside.

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How do you fix a bathtub drain stopper?

0:221:35How to Repair a Pop-Up Tub Drain Stopper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAre different sizes. Make sure you take it with you to match it up get yourself a new one reinstallMoreAre different sizes. Make sure you take it with you to match it up get yourself a new one reinstall that use your screwdriver to tighten it into place reinstall the top cap.

Can you replace the drain stopper in a bathtub?

2:366:34DIY: How to Replace a Bathtub Drain Stopper with Common Household ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just get it down in there. And turn it counterclockwise until it gives and then it willMoreSo you just get it down in there. And turn it counterclockwise until it gives and then it will unscrew. And you can easily screw in your new drain. Depending on when your drain was installed.

What are the different types of bathtub drain stoppers?

The six most common types of bathtub drain stoppers are push-and-pull, pop-up, lift-and-turn, flip-it, toe-touch, and trip lever. It does not matter what type you have unless it must be fixed or replaced. The sole purpose of a bathtub stopper is to keep the water in the tub while you soak.

How do you replace a drain stopper?

1:393:31How to Install a Pop-Up Drain in a Bathroom Sink | Repair and ReplaceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPush the drain collar down into the hole any excess putty will be pushed out and can be easilyMorePush the drain collar down into the hole any excess putty will be pushed out and can be easily removed after the rest of the drain is installed slide the rubber gasket onto the shaft.

How do you replace a bathtub drain flange?

6:1011:39Replacing a Tub Drain: Bathtub Drain Removal and ReplacementYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTightening always start the drain off hand tight to ensure it isn't being cross threaded snug up theMoreTightening always start the drain off hand tight to ensure it isn't being cross threaded snug up the drain with a wrench clean up the plumber's putty and then reinstall.

How do you replace a toe touch stopper?

0:002:07How To Replace A Bathtub Drain Stopper (Toe Touch) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe main part of the drain stopper. So I'm going to use the screwdriver to loosen it just like thatMoreThe main part of the drain stopper. So I'm going to use the screwdriver to loosen it just like that and once it has been loosened. I can unscrew it using my hand just like that.

How do you replace a tub lift and turn stopper?

1:012:14Removing a lift-&-turn stopper (1-step) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut basically you'd grip it underneath that top part and just grip it tight turn it once he getsMoreBut basically you'd grip it underneath that top part and just grip it tight turn it once he gets loose. Enough. Just keep turning. And it comes out.

How do you install a bathtub stopper?

0:029:36How To Remove And Replace A Tub Drain Stopper. Trial And Error.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna have to replace the gasket that it comes with and then this push stop there you go andMoreWe're gonna have to replace the gasket that it comes with and then this push stop there you go and if you ever wondered how to get this off all you do is turn it counterclockwise.

How to lower a stopper on a tub?

To lower the stopper, thread the bottom lock nut down. Next, spin the adaptor that the plunger hangs from down until it reaches the bottom lock nut, and then tighten the upper locknut to the adaptor. Place the plunger, threaded rod, and trip lever back into the hole in the tub and screw the plate back into place.

How to keep water in tub when it drains out?

Close the stopper, run some water into the tub, and see if it stays. If the water drains out, repeat the process above and lower the plunger a little bit more until you get the bathwater to stay in.

What is a tub drain?

Bathtub drains consist of a visible trip lever, a plunger that seats in the drain to stop water, and two pieces of threaded rod which connect the lever and plunger. The assemblies are adjustable to fit a wide range of tubs. The first step is to unscrew the plate that holds the trip lever.

How long does it take for a bathtub to drain?

10 to 20 minutes. Bathtub drain assemblies are mysterious things. Somehow, a lever placed well above the bottom of the tub controls whether the water stays in the tub when it’s wanted, and then allows it to drain when bath time is over. When a tub won’t hold water, the two potential causes are easily repaired.

Who is the master plumber of the old house?

In this video, This Old House master plumber Richard Trethewey shows how bathtub drains work, and how to fix them when they don’t.

What does it mean when a bathtub drain stopper doesn't work?

Any bathtub drain stopper that doesn't do its job is an annoying inconvenience. Usually, the problem is easy to fix, though the procedures vary depending on what type of tub stopper you have. Some drains have stoppers that are spring-loaded, operated by a push of the toe or by hand, while others use a trip-lever mounted on ...

Where is the lift bucket on a bathtub?

The small up-and-down lever you see protruding from the overflow plate on your bathtub is connected to a vertical connecting rod inside the overflow pipe behind the front tub wall. Near the bottom of the connecting rod is a plunger of some kind—usually a weight that works by sealing the drain opening at the bottom of the overflow tube. This type of drain stopper is sometimes known as a lift bucket.

How does a trip lever drain work?

Rather than a lift-bucket plunger that seals a drain opening at the bottom of the overflow tube, there is a spring at the end of the connecting rod. This spring pushes down on a pivot arm that levers the pop-up stopper up into an open position when the trip lever is moved. When the trip lever is moved to the closed position , gravity allows the stopper to drop back down and seal the drain opening.

In This Article

Soaking in a hot, relaxing bubble bath is the perfect way to wrap up your day — unless that water slowly drains out due to a damaged bathtub drain stopper. Whether it doesn't hold water well or won't move at all, your drain stopper can make bath time a hassle.

Fixing a Trip Lever With Plunger

If your tub has a trip lever, you'll see the lever on the overflow plate, which is on the vertical portion on the front of the tub near the faucet. You can flip it up or down to open or close the drain. The type with a plunger, also called a lift bucket stopper, doesn't have a visible stopper that you can see in the drain.

Fixing a Trip Lever With Rocker

This type of bathtub drain stopper also uses a trip lever on the overflow plate to open and close the drain. The difference is that you can see the stopper in the tub drain, and it moves up and down, which is why it's often called a pop-up stopper. A spring-loaded rocker arm extending through the waste pipe connects the trip lever and the stopper.

Fixing Stoppers Without a Linkage Assembly

The other broad category of bathtub drain stoppers includes styles that don't have a linkage assembly in the overflow drain. They're attached to the drain itself and are controlled at the stopper rather than with a trip lever. These stoppers sometimes have setscrews to hold them in place.

How to remove a sink stopper?

If it seems to be linked to the mechanism below, reach under the sink and unscrew the pivot rod retaining nut and pull out the pivot rod to disengage it. Use locking-jaw pliers to loosen it if necessary.

How does a pop up drain stopper work?

Pop-ups are simple mechanical devices that use a system of links and levers to move a drain stoppers up and down to seal a sink bowl or bathtub. Bathroom sink pop-ups are raised and lowered with a lift knob or lever, usually located on or near the faucet body.

What is a pop up tub?

A bathtub pop-up is a two-part mechanism: first, the stopper, which has a rocker arm that extends back toward the drain, and second, the overflow assembly, a lever that lifts or lowers a rod with a spring-like end.

Why won't my sink pop up?

Water may leak or refuse to drain around a sink pop-up for a number of reasons. If your sink pop-up won’t pop up or seat properly, fixing it is quite easy—usually just a matter of adjusting a few parts. The culprit is often a buildup of hair around the base of the stopper or the pivot rod mechanism. Or, the clevis may be out of adjustment (see illustration to identify the various parts).

How to keep a drain stopper in good working order?

Keeping the drain clear of hair, soap and shampoo residue, and other debris is one of the best ways to help keep the stopper in good working order.

How to adjust pop up stopper?

Depending upon the type of pop-up, you adjust the way the stopper seats either by adjusting the length of the striker rod or by adjusting the rocker arm.

How to fix a water dripping on a pivot ball?

6 If water drips from around the pivot ball, tighten the retaining nut that holds the ball in place. You may also need to replace the gasket or washer (or both) inside the pivot ball-and-rod assembly.

What to do after you remove a bathtub drain stopper?

What to Do After You Remove the Bathtub Drain Stopper. Now that you know how to remove bathtub drain stoppers of all kinds, it’s time to figure out why your drain is slow. Once the bathtub stopper has been removed, use a flashlight to peer into the drain. If your bathtub’s draining slowly, there may be a build-up of hair, ...

Why is my bathtub draining slowly?

Have you noticed that your bathtub is draining slowly? If water is pooling at your feet every time you take a shower, you likely have a clogged drain. Removing the drain stopper will help you get a closer look at whatever is causing the problem. It’s also important to know how to remove a bathtub drain stopper if it isn’t properly placed. A stopper that isn’t flush with the bottom of the tub when it’s engaged may not hold water very well, making bath time a hassle.

What screwdriver to use to unscrew cylinder?

In some cases, you may need to use a standard flathead screwdriver to unscrew the cylinder from the strainer crossbar.

How to hold a stopper in place?

With the stopper in the open position, use one hand to hold the body of the stopper in place.

How to rotate a strainer stopper?

Lifting the stopper, slowly rotate it counter-clockwise, aligning the slot at the bottom of the channel with the pin on the strainer.

How to remove a cylinder base?

Try holding the base of the cylinder while turning the top cap counter-clockwise. If the entire unit moves as you turn, let go of the cylinder base and continue to unscrew until you can remove the unit completely.

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