IN BRIEF:
- Remove the screws that secure the overflow cover plate.
- Pull the plate and lever away from the overflow hole, partially pulling out the mechanism.
- Adjust the nut on the linkage—lengthen it to raise the stopper or shorten it to let it drop lower.
- Push the assembly back in and replace the cover plate.
- Lift out the stopper and rocker linkage. Check the seal, remove hair and debris, and then push it back into the drain.
How do you remove the stopper from a tub?
- Place a towel in the bottom of the bathtub to protect the tub's finish while you work.
- Lift the toe-tap stopper with your fingers until it will lift no farther.
- Pull upward on the stopper as you turn it counterclockwise if the stopper only spins instead of unscrews from the drain.
How do I change a tub drain stopper?
Replacing Bath Tub Drain
- Choose Your Tools. Items needed to remove and replace a modern screw in bath tub drain (not all drains are like this). ...
- Remove the Old Drain. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. ...
- Clean the Seating Area and Apply Fresh Plumbers Putty. ...
- Insert the New Drain. ...
- Remove Excess Putty and Install the Drain Plug. ...
How to remove and replace a bathtub drain stopper?
- Push the stopper handle all the way down to expose the bottom of the stopper linkage underneath the sink.
- Locate the tension clip that secures the clevis to the stopper linkage.
- Disconnect the clevis from the stopper linkage.
- Remove the clevis from the sink's drainpipe.
- Lift the stopper out of the sink.
How to install a stopper drain fitting in a bathtub?
Install the New Drain Fitting. Remove the tub stopper from the new drain fitting—often this is a matter of simply unscrewing it. Apply a generous band of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the flange on the new fitting. Insert the fitting into the bathtub drain opening, making sure to center it.
How do I fix my bathtub stopper?
0:322:35How to Fix a Bathtub Drain Stopper | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so pull that straight up carefully just pull it away yet and get the nut up there.MoreAll right so pull that straight up carefully just pull it away yet and get the nut up there.
Why does my tub drain stopper not work?
In most cases, an issue with the bathtub drain stopper is usually because it has disconnected from the spring or plug that connects it to the linkage. This breaks its connection to the trip lever, so the stopper cannot hold water as it should. Luckily, adjusting a faulty bathtub drain stoper is quite easy.
Can a tub stopper be replaced?
Buy a new lift-and-turn stopper to replace your old lever-style drain. When the stopper in your lever-style bathtub drain won't pop up anymore because the linkage is damaged or clogged, replace it with a much simpler lift-and-turn style tub drain.
How do you fix a drain stopper lever?
2:0913:57Bathroom Sink Drain Stopper Not Working - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can go down there check if it's not tight you see that free flow you just reset it in and thenMoreYou can go down there check if it's not tight you see that free flow you just reset it in and then put your stopper in the up position. So then you can put your rod down.
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 fix a twist handle bath control mechanism?
0:041:34How to fix a twist handle bath plug mechanism - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf we take it off you can see it's actually just a screw on the top there. That's have to be comingMoreIf we take it off you can see it's actually just a screw on the top there. That's have to be coming loose.
How do you fix a push plug?
2:064:10How Do I Fix a Stuck Push Down Sink Plug | 4 Ways To Free Pop Up PlugYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd around this stopper like this all you got to do is push it down in behind like that it's notMoreAnd around this stopper like this all you got to do is push it down in behind like that it's not going to be easy. But with persistence you'll get it. And then once you get the floss in and around.
Why won't my pop up plug stay down?
If the stopper moves as it should but doesn't stay put, all you need to do is tighten the nut (turn it clockwise). If the action is too stiff, loosen the nut a little. Check the action and adjust until it feels about right.
Why won't my pop up plug stay down?
If the stopper moves as it should but doesn't stay put, all you need to do is tighten the nut (turn it clockwise). If the action is too stiff, loosen the nut a little. Check the action and adjust until it feels about right.
How do you adjust a bathtub pop up drain stopper?
0:131:35Bathroom Repair : How to Repair a Pop-Up Tub Drain Stopper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey actually have a little knob that you pull those we you remove a little different. Similar. ButMoreThey actually have a little knob that you pull those we you remove a little different. Similar. But you're still going to remove that top cap. Use a screwdriver usually a flat bladed.
How do you fix a push plug?
2:064:10How Do I Fix a Stuck Push Down Sink Plug | 4 Ways To Free Pop Up PlugYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd around this stopper like this all you got to do is push it down in behind like that it's notMoreAnd around this stopper like this all you got to do is push it down in behind like that it's not going to be easy. But with persistence you'll get it. And then once you get the floss in and around.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
