Is your bathtub drain slow or clogged? You may need to remove the drain stopper. This can seem tricky but it’s often a simple job.
There are several types of bathtub drain stoppers. Each one comes out in a different way. To remove most bathtub drain stoppers, you just need to twist them counterclockwise or pull them straight up.
Knowing which type you have is key. Some common types are push-pull, toe-touch, and trip-lever stoppers. Once you figure out your type you can take out the stopper and clean the drain. This will help your tub drain faster.
How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper
Removing a bathtub drain stopper may seem tricky, but with the right steps, it’s actually quite simple. The process varies depending on the type of stopper you have. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and how to remove them.
Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers and Removal Methods
| Stopper Type | How to Remove |
|---|---|
| Lift-and-Turn Stopper | Lift the stopper to the open position. Turn the stopper counterclockwise until it unscrews from the drain. If there’s a setscrew under the cap, loosen it first with a screwdriver. |
| Push-and-Pull Stopper | Pull the stopper up to the open position. Grip the stopper firmly and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. |
| Toe-Touch Stopper | Push the stopper down to open the drain. Twist the stopper cap counterclockwise to remove it. Unscrew the setscrew underneath the cap. Lift the stopper out of the drain. |
| Trip Lever Stopper | Remove the overflow plate by unscrewing the screws. Pull out the linkage and stopper assembly. Unscrew the stopper from the linkage. |
| Flip-It Stopper | Flip the lever on the overflow plate to open the stopper. Unscrew the overflow plate. Pull the linkage and stopper assembly out of the overflow pipe. Unscrew the stopper from the linkage. |
General Tips
- If the stopper is stuck, try using pliers for a better grip. Protect the stopper with a cloth to avoid scratching it.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Once the stopper is removed, take the opportunity to clean the drain and remove any hair or debris.
If you’re unsure about the type of stopper you have or encounter difficulties during removal, consider consulting a professional plumber.
Understanding Bathtub Drain Stoppers
Bathtub drain stoppers come in many types. Each type works in a unique way to keep water in your tub. Knowing your stopper type helps you use and fix it.
Common Types of Drain Stoppers
There are six main types of bathtub drain stoppers. The lift-and-turn stopper is a common type. You twist it to open or close the drain.
The push-pull stopper is easy to use. Just push it down to close and pull up to open.
Toe-touch stoppers are handy. You can open or close them with your foot.
Pop-up stoppers connect to a lever behind the tub. The lever raises or lowers the stopper.
Flip-it stoppers are simple. You flip a small knob to open or close the drain.
Trip-lever stoppers use a lever on the tub wall. They control a stopper inside the drain pipe.
Identifying Your Bathtub Drain Stopper Type
Look at your tub drain to figure out what type you have. A stopper with a small knob on top is likely a lift-and-turn or push-pull type.
If you see a cover that moves when you step on it, you have a toe-touch stopper.
Check for a lever on the tub wall. If there’s one, you might have a pop-up or trip-lever stopper.
Flip-it stoppers have a small lever on the drain cover. You can flip it open or closed.
If you’re not sure, try using the stopper. How it moves can help you identify its type.
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
Taking out a bathtub drain stopper can be easy. Different types need different methods. Here’s how to remove six common types of stoppers.
Removing a Lift-and-Turn Stopper
Look for a knob on top of the stopper. Turn it to open the drain. Try to unscrew the knob. If it won’t come off, look for a small screw on the side or base.
Use a flathead screwdriver to take out the screw. Lift the whole stopper out. Clean any gunk from the stopper and drain.
To put it back, reverse these steps. Make sure it fits snugly. Test it to ensure proper function.
Extracting a Toe-Touch Stopper
Find the small knob on top of the stopper. Push it down to open the drain. Turn the knob counterclockwise to unscrew it.
If it’s stuck, use pliers to grip and turn it. The stopper should come out easily. Clean off any buildup.
Check the base for damage. Replace if needed. To reinstall, screw it back in clockwise.
Taking Out a Flip-It Stopper
Look for a lever on top of the stopper. Flip it to open the drain. Grip the stopper body and turn it counterclockwise.
It should unscrew from the drain. If it’s hard to turn, use pliers for better grip. Pull the stopper out once loose.
Clean the stopper and drain opening. Check for wear. Put it back by screwing in clockwise.
Uninstalling a Trip-Lever Stopper
Find the overflow plate above the tub. Remove the screws holding it in place. Pull the plate away from the tub.
Grab the linkage rod behind it. Pull up to remove the whole assembly. The stopper at the end should come out too.
Clean all parts well. Check for rust or damage. Replace if needed. Reinstall by reversing these steps.
Pulling Out a Pop-Up Stopper
Open the stopper. Look for a small knob on the stopper top. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen.
If there’s no knob, twist the whole stopper body. It should unscrew from the drain. Use pliers if it’s stuck.
Pull the stopper out once loose. Clean it and the drain. Check for damage. Screw it back in to reinstall.
Dismantling a Push-Pull Stopper
Find the knob on top of the stopper. Pull it up to open the drain. Turn the knob counterclockwise to unscrew it.
If it won’t turn, look for a set screw on the side. Remove this with a screwdriver. Then lift out the whole stopper.
Clean all parts thoroughly. Check for wear or damage. Replace if needed. Reverse steps to put it back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing a bathtub drain stopper can be tricky. There are many types of stoppers and ways to take them out. Here are some common questions about this task.
What are the steps to remove a push-pull bathtub drain stopper?
- Turn the stopper to the open position
- Look for a knob on top of the stopper
- Twist the knob counter-clockwise to loosen it
- Pull up on the stopper to remove it
If it’s stuck use pliers to grip the base and turn it.
Can a bathtub drain stopper be removed without using any tools?
Some drain stoppers can be removed by hand. Try these steps:
- Turn the stopper to open
- Grip the top firmly
- Twist counter-clockwise while pulling up
If it won’t budge tools may be needed.
What should I do if my bathtub drain stopper won’t unscrew?
If the stopper is stuck try these tips:
- Spray WD-40 around the base
- Wait 10 minutes for it to work
- Use pliers to grip and turn
If it still won’t move call a plumber.
How can I remove a shower drain stopper?
Shower drain stoppers often have a different design. Here’s how to remove them:
- Look for screws on top of the stopper
- Remove any visible screws
- Lift out the stopper assembly
Some may need to be twisted counter-clockwise to come out.
What types of bathtub drain stoppers are commonly in use?
Common types of bathtub drain stoppers include:
- Push-pull
- Lift-and-turn
- Flip-it
- Pop-up
- Toe-touch
- Trip lever
Each type has a different removal method.
What is the proper way to remove a bathtub drain stopper that has no visible screws?
For stoppers with no screws:
- Look for a small knob or cap on top
- Try twisting the entire stopper counter-clockwise
- If it turns pull up to remove it
Some may need to be unscrewed from underneath the tub.
