Buzz
Over time, bathtub drains can accumulate hair, debris, and rust, requiring removal of the plug for cleaning or repair. With just a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a suction cup, disassembling the plug is a quick task.
Steps
Removing a Lift-and-Turn or Push-Pull Plug
Check for a knob on the plug. If there's a knob on top, it's likely a lift-and-turn or push-pull plug. Both types can be removed similarly, using a twisting motion on the knob or the entire assembly.
- The difference lies in what you do after lifting them. With a push-pull, you simply lift, while a lift-and-turn requires twisting as well.
Try turning the knob counterclockwise to check if it lifts off. Beneath the knob, there might be a bolt securing the stopper. To access it, unscrew the knob with a few twists. If it's too tight, use pliers. Be cautious with knobs that don’t turn, like many push-pull ones.
- Some knobs are fixed and won’t turn, so avoid excessive twisting.
Use pliers to twist the bolt beneath the knob if present. The bolt should protrude where the knob was. Once sufficiently loosened, the entire plug will come out in one piece.
- Closing the drain post-knob removal aids in easier bolt twisting.
- This scenario is more common with push-pull stoppers.
Rotate the base if the knob is stubborn. Some stoppers have knobs attached to the base, requiring unscrewing the whole stopper at once. Use pliers to twist the stopper until it slides into the drain's groove. The stopper will then come out in one piece.
- This method often works for lift-and-turn stoppers.
EXPERT TIP
Greg Jeiranyan
Licensed Plumber
Licensed Plumber
Grab and turn the drain stopper counterclockwise to remove it. Removing a bottom tub drain stopper is easy—simply grab it firmly and turn counterclockwise to unscrew it from the drain strainer. No need for special tools! This handy tip allows you to clean or replace stoppers, ensuring your tub functions smoothly. Just remember 'lefty loosey' to undo the stopper.
Removing a Toe-Touch Tub Drain Stopper
Check if the stopper indicates “Push” or is round with no knob. These are toe-touch stoppers, activated by pressing with your foot to open and close. While simple to use, removing them can be tricky without the right technique.
Grasp the stopper when it's open. Lift it so water can flow through, then firmly grip the cap with your hands or pliers. Alternatively, press down on the metal ring that the stopper fits into when depressed for better traction.
- Do not attempt to remove a toe-touch stopper while it's closed as it won’t budge and could scratch the metal.
Twist the stopper cap counterclockwise using your fingers or pliers. With enough force, the metal cap will pop off after a few twists. If it doesn't unscrew, try pulling up vertically while twisting.
Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the screw inside the stopper. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to release the stopper from the drain. You don’t need to fully remove the screw, just loosen it enough to lift the stopper.
Remove the plug assembly from the drain. Lift the stopper out in one piece, excluding the previously twisted-off metal cap. No need to dismantle the stopper; simply screw it back in after your repair or cleaning project.
Extracting O-Ring Stoppers from a Drain
Look for a flip lever or small hole in the stopper. 'Flip-It' and 'Press-Flo' stoppers, brand-name designs, can be swiftly removed. Secured by an o-ring, these stoppers prevent slipping into the drain and can be pulled out easily.
Use the flip lever, if available, to pull the stopper up. The lever serves as a convenient handle for extracting the plug. It should come out of the drain smoothly, but if it feels stuck, gently jiggle it until it loosens enough to lift.
Employ a suction cup to remove a “Press-Flo” stopper. This branded plug likely includes a suction cup for easy removal, though it may have been misplaced. Any small suction cup can be used by pressing it onto the stopper's center. Simply pull up on the suction cup to dislodge the plug from the drain.
Disassembling Drain Stoppers Controlled by Faceplate
Check for controls on the bathtub's overflow faceplate. Typically situated beneath the tub spout, the overflow drain might feature a trip lever or twist mechanism. This mechanism, linked to an arm or cable, operates the drain stopper. Usually, there's a grate covering the drain in this setup.
Flip or rotate the faceplate to open the plug. Opening the drain allows access to remove the drain stopper assembly. If the drain stopper were closed, it wouldn't be possible to pull it out completely through the hole behind the faceplate.
Detach the faceplate screws. Use either a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to turn both screws counterclockwise and remove them from the faceplate. Unscrew them slowly to prevent dropping any parts behind the plate into the tub or drain, especially if the metal grate has been removed.
Extract the entire overflow plate, arm, and stopper assembly from the tub. The plate that was unscrewed from the tub is connected to a mechanism, either an arm or cable, blocking water from entering the drain pipe beneath the metal grate. Gently pull out the entire assembly through the overflow hole in the tub.
- Ensure to pull the drain stopper directly away from the wall; the lever assembly will unfold automatically.
