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  1. eHow
  2. Home Design & Decorating
  3. Bathroom Design & Decorating
  4. Bathtub Drain Stoppers

Bathtub Drain Stoppers

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  • Reglazing a Bathtub With a Cut Hole for a Drain

    Replacing an unattractive bathtub is an expensive way to get rid of an eyesore in your bathroom. Rather than spending money on a new tub, you can reglaze an existing bathtub to give an entirely new look. To reglaze a bathtub with a cut hole for the drain you must protect the drain area during the reglazing process. You can use this less expensive alternative to change the appearance of your bathtub and save you the work and money involved in installing a new bathtub.

  • How to Install a Bathtub Drain From the Center to Right Side

    While many modern bathtubs have drains set at one end of the tub basin, old-fashioned tubs like cast iron units can have their drains in the center of the basin. If you are installing an old-style tub with a center drain and the main waste stack in your bathroom is off to the right, you need to run the tub’s drain from the center to the right to hook up your tub to the sewer system.

  • How to Move a Bathtub Drain From the Center to the Right Side

    When replacing your standard bathtub with a new unit, sometimes it is necessary to relocate the tub drain pipes. Many bathtubs now come with a drain in the right corner of the bathtub instead of in the middle. Moving a bathtub drain from the center to the right side requires accessing the plumbing pipes under the sub-floor. The old tub must be removed before the drain is moved.

  • How to Install a Bathtub Drain When a Joist Is in the Way

    When you cut the drain hole in the floor where you are installing a new tub, you might discover that a floor joist is in the way, keeping you from assembling the tub drain line. It is necessary to avoid cutting a floor joist that a tub is installed over because of the weight of the tub when it's filled with water and a human. Installing a bathtub drain when a joist is in the way requires boring through the joist.

  • Noise in the Bathtub Drain When the Air Is on in the House

    If your bathtub drain is making a gurgling sound whenever the air conditioning comes on, then the condensate drain on the air conditioner may be blocked or improperly vented. Plumbing systems need air in the line so water can flow smoothly down the drain. The gurgling sound occurs when the draining water has to pause to allow more air in.

  • How to Fix a Kohler Tub Stopper

    The position of your Kohler bathtub stopper controls the flow of water into the drain. The open stopper allows water to drain from the tub, while the closed stopper prevents any water from entering the drain. From waste blockage to poor adjustment, multiple factors affect the performance of your Kohler stopper. Periodically servicing the stopper and its lift rod contributes to the efficient operation of your bathtub drain.

  • Discoloration of Bathtub Drain Covers

    Leaning over a tub and scrubbing your drain cover is work. Instead, pinpoint the stain’s source and identify the best cleaning solution for the job. Once you have the right tools for the job, you can cut down on your scrubbing time and clean more effectively.

  • How to Kill a Cockroach in the Bathtub Drain

    The shock and disgust that follows when you find cockroaches in the bathroom may feel overwhelming. When sharing your home with insects is unacceptable, take fast action to kill a cockroach in the bathtub drain. Although there are many different varieties of cockroaches, the bugs you find in the drain may either be Oriental cockroaches or American cockroaches. With effort, effective techniques can eliminate these bugs from your dwelling.

  • How to Change a Plug-Style Bathtub Stopper

    A bathtub stopper forms a plug at the entrance to your bathtub drain. When functioning, the stopper opens and closes sufficiently to control the flow of water from the tub. Replacing a stopper entails more than just swapping one stopper for another; a stopper adjusted to the proper height forms an effective seal against the base of the tub. An adjustable stopper includes a locknut beneath the head that allows for adjustment of the stopper height. A non-adjustable stopper requires adjustment at the lift rod assembly.

  • List of Bathtub Drain Locations

    While there are some standard placements for bathtub drains in acrylic tubs, the reality is that many different types of bathtubs exist, and not all of them have the same layout and drain placement. As long as they can serve their primary function – that is, draining water away from the tub to the drainpipes – drains can be placed anywhere in the tub according to the design specifications of the manufacturer.

  • Bathtub Drain Sizes

    Soaking away troubles in a warm bath is a luxury that became available to the common people with the development of indoor plumbing. As more people gained running water in their homes, disposing of it became as important as providing it. Drains soon became standardized so plumbers could complete a home safely, quickly and inexpensively.

  • How Does a Foot Lock Bathtub Drain Work?

    There are many types of bathtub drain stoppers on the market. From those with interconnected mechanical systems to those that require little more than a touch to change position, drain stoppers work in myriad ways. Understanding how a specific type of drain stopper works can help you decide whether it suits your purposes. This knowledge can also help when it comes to cleaning drains and dealing with clogs

  • Reglazing a Bathtub's Drain Cut

    If the area surrounding your bathtub’s drain is starting to show wear and has stains you cannot remove, you might want to consider bathtub drain reglazing. With this project, you only apply refinishing glaze to the drain area. It’s not as extensive a project as reglazing the bathtub in its entirety. There are special kits available that contain all the components you need to complete the project. Before you begin reglazing a bathtub's drain, remove the drain from the bathtub to allow you access to the entire surface of the drain area.

  • Does a Bathtub Drain Have to Be on the Same Side As the Water Supply?

    If you’re adding a bathroom or remodeling an existing one, you’ll have to install drainpipes and water supply lines to all the new fixtures. The location of the plumbing lines depends upon the proximity of the various bathroom fixtures to one another and to the existing house drainage system. In most cases, you’ll want the drain and the water supply on the same side.

  • How to Fix a Threaded Bathtub Stopper

    The threaded stopper earns its name from the threaded plug at its center. This feature allows the stopper to screw in and out of the drain flange inside the drain entrance. In time, organic matter and calcium deposits accumulate along the underside of the stopper. In severe cases, the buildup prevents normal removal of the stopper from the drain. Fixing the stopper, and taking a moment to clean it, contributes to the efficient operation of your drain.

  • Standard Bathtub Drains

    As long as it is working properly, you probably don’t give the drain assembly attached to your bathtub a second thought. When there is a problem with it, you need to know about the parts that make up a standard bathtub drain and how they work together to funnel water out of your tub.

  • Standard Bathtub Drain Dimensions

    Plumbing standards are set by the industry and are the same across the board. This includes dimensions for bathtub drains. This is true, however, for only the width of the pipes, drains and other fixtures. The length will vary, depending on what type of stopper you wish to use.

  • How to Get a Kohler Drain Stopper Out

    Sinks and bathtubs alike contain drains to allow for the disposal of wastewater. When filling the sink or bathtub, your Kohler drain stopper prevents water from escaping. Opening the stopper offers water a passage into the drain. In time, mold and soap scum clinging to the bottom of the stopper prevent water from flowing effectively. Taking the proper steps when removing your Kohler stopper -- for cleaning or other maintenance -- avoids potential damage to the stopper or its lift assembly.

  • How to Keep Water in a Bathtub When the Stopper Doesn't Work

    While relaxing in your hot tub after a long day's work, you notice that the water level is slowly beginning to recede. Upon further inspection, you find a small crack in the top of your bathtub drain stopper. Instead of going to all the trouble of draining the water, measuring the diameter of the stopper and buying an immediate replacement, you can simply craft a substitute plug with household materials.

  • My Bathtub Gurgles When the Washer Drains

    You may hear noise from one or more drains when a drain from another part of the home is being used. The most common source of the problem is improper or inadequate venting. Another cause may be as simple as a clogged or blocked pipe, which has the same effect as improper or inadequate venting, since the pressure throughout the entire plumbing system is affected.

  • Adjusting the Drain Line for a Bathtub

    Your bathtub’s drain line has several parts. The drain shoe is the main drainpipe that connects to the drain in the bottom of the tub and runs under the tub’s surface. The overflow tube connects to the overflow drain opening on the side of the tub just below the faucet. You must adjust the tub's drain line if the stopper no longer works correctly or the drainpipes start leaking.

  • Delta Bathtub Drain Stopper Removal Instructions

    The Delta stopper inside your bathtub keeps all that warm, soapy water from draining out. When raised, the stopper opens access to the waste pipe, permitting water to flow out of the tub and into the pipe. Soap scum and hair tend to adhere to the underside of the stopper assembly -- the part of the stopper hidden inside the drain. The accumulation of gunk prevents the optimum flow of water past the stopper. Removing your Delta stopper allows it to be effectively serviced and cleaned.

  • How to Fix a Flat Drain Stopper in a Shower

    The drain stopper in your shower serves a vital purpose, helping you save both water and money. It is easy to overlook the importance of this device, and many people have drain stoppers that are no longer watertight. Over time, dirt and hair can become lodged under the drain, reducing the efficiency of the stopper and allowing water to leak past the seal. Small holes and cracks in the rubber stopper itself can also break that watertight seal, resulting in hundreds of gallons of wasted water in the course of a year, and lots of wasted money as well.

  • How to Replace a Lever-Operated Bathtub Stopper

    Lifting your bathtub's stopper lever allows water to flow from the tub into a hidden waste pipe. The lever controls a lift assembly that raises or lowers the stopper. The procedure for replacing the lever operated stopper depends on its design. Attached directly to the lift assembly, the internal, or plunger-type, stopper requires removal through the overflow plate. The surface, or pop-up, stopper allows you to replace it without accessing the lift assembly.

  • How to Get a Stopper Out of the Bathtub Through Overflow

    Hidden behind the wall inside the overflow pipe lies the lift rod that operates your bathtub stopper. With the stopper at one end and a toggle switch at the other, the lift rod raises and lowers the stopper. Once closed, the stopper blocks access to the drain pipe, preventing water from leaving the bathtub. Accessing -- and removing -- the stopper entails gaining access to the opening of the overflow pipe and removing the lift assembly. (references 2, pg. 114)

  • Kinds of Bathtub Stoppers

    All bathtub stoppers, or drain plugs, serve the purpose of allowing a tub to retain water. However, some are made specifically for certain drain diameters and tub styles. Each style of plug forms a vacuum seal around the drain to retain water. Some are rubber while others are constructed using rubber and metal.

  • How to Kill Silverfish Coming From a Bathtub Drain

    Some of the creepiest bugs that share living space with humans belong to a group of arthropods often grouped under the title of silverfish. Four types of silverfish and a fifth arthropod, Scutigera coleoptrata, actually a house centipede, scuttle with amazing speed and are customarily nocturnal. If you find one in the tub, it can be unsettling. Sanitation and a dehumidifier are most effective in keeping populations low, but you can also build your own silverfish traps to catch the critters.

  • Loosening a Bathtub Drain

    A bathtub’s drain threads into a pipe that runs horizontally beneath the bottom of the tub, called a drain shoe. To remove the tub’s drain, you must turn the drain counterclockwise to unthread it from the opening in the drain shoe. The person who originally installed the drain likely used plumber’s putty or silicone caulk to create a watertight seal between the underside of the drain and the tub’s surface.

  • My Bathtub Stopper Is Stuck

    Your bathtub’s stopper normally should operate as you move the stopper’s lever, mounted on the overflow drain cover, up and down. When you find that your bathtub’s stopper no longer moves, before calling a plumber or handyman to address the problem, you must investigate several potential causes of the stopper not moving.

  • How to Fix a Bathtub Stopper That Won't Let the Water Drain

    Both plunger and pop-up bathtub stoppers may come out of adjustment over time until eventually the stoppers do not let water drain out of the bathtub. Instead of replacing the stoppers with new models, you only need to make adjustments to the stopper mechanisms so they allow the water to drain out of the tub again. Making these adjustments requires few tools and should take less than half an hour of your time to complete.

  • How to Fix a Bathtub Drain Stopper That Is Stuck and Won't Open

    A stopper that sits in a bathtub drain and keeps the water from exiting the tub via the drain can sometimes stick and refuse to open. Most bathtub drain stoppers operate with some kind of a plunger handle that lifts and lowers the stopper. Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can lodge inside the handle and prevent it from functioning properly. Freeing the handle so the stopper works properly again can be done with a simple procedure.

  • What to Do About a Rusty Bathtub?

    Rust occurs when oxygen, water and metals mix to create iron oxides. Bathtubs, sinks and toilet bowls are areas inside the home that can stain with rust. Leaky faucets and high metal content in the water can cause bathtubs to become unsightly with rust stains. Homeowners have options available to remove or hide the rust stains growing in the bathtub.

  • Trip Lever Bathtub Drain Screws Are Stuck & Rusty

    Your bathtub constantly has water flowing through it, putting any metal in the tub at risk or rusting or corroding over time. When nobody has a reason to remove the overflow cover from the bathtub for years, the screws that anchor the cover in place may rust to the point you cannot turn them with a screwdriver.

  • DIY: Can I Eliminate the Press-Down Sink Stopper in My Bathtub?

    The foot-activated stoppers in bathtubs retain water for bathing. Sometimes hair collects in the drain and removing the stopper makes it easier to access the plug without using caustic drain cleaners. Many homes include a shower as part of the bathtub and people who never take baths can remove the stopper since retaining water is its only function. The push-down stoppers are among the easiest to remove because most of them simply screw into the drain. It's a good idea to keep the stopper, however, since you need to match it up to a new one when you decide to…

  • Watt Stopper WS-120 Instructions

    Automating a light so that it only goes on when a person is nearby saves electricity that would otherwise be wasted. A Watt Stopper WS-120 switch reacts to heat from a nearby person, allowing electricity to illumine the attached light. After a pre-determined length of time after the heat source is no longer detected, the Watt Stopper turns off the light. The instructions necessary for setting up the Watt Stopper WS-120 so it will operate correctly are straightforward and similar to other passive heat sensor switches in the "WS" line. You will need a household tool.

  • How Bathtub Drain Stoppers Work

    Four major types of drain stoppers exist, two of which use a lever to actuate the stopper. While the design of each stopper type has some unique characteristics, there are also similarities between some of the different stopper types. All of the stoppers perform the same function of keeping water in the bathtub and then letting it out as needed.

  • How to Get the Stopper Out of a Sink

    Removing the pop-up stopper from your sink can seem like a straightforward task, but most stoppers will not simply come out of the drain when you tug on them. The bottom of most stoppers has a large hole, which a pivot rod extends into. Before you can remove most sink stoppers, you must take apart part of the stopper's mechanism, which is located under the sink. Removing the stopper, including disconnecting the parts under the sink, will take you less than 15 minutes to do.

  • Different Bathtub Drain Stoppers

    Five types of bathtub drain stoppers are available, each with its own characteristics. By examining the appearances of your bathtub's stopper as well as how it functions, you will be able to identify which type you have. Two stopper types use trip levers to actuate the stopper, while the other three require you to actuate the stopper.

  • How to Install a Bathtub Faceplate

    A bathtub faceplate is installed in the location of the overflow and in some tubs it contains a lever that operates the drain stopper. A standard bathtub faceplate is secured with two screws on either side or one screw in the center that are fastened into threads in the side of the tub. Most faceplates are chrome or brushed chrome, but are available in a variety of finishes to accommodate any decor. A faceplate installation is accomplished in about 10 minutes.

  • The Bathtub Drain Stopper is Broken

    While a broken drain stopper may seem like a big problem, fixing the stopper or the mechanism that actuates the stopper does not require more than half an hour's time and minimal tools. You must first determine if your bathtub's stopper is a pop-up or built-in type before taking the necessary steps to correct the problem.

  • How to Remove a Foot Lock Tub Drain Assembly

    A foot lock bathtub drain is a style of tub drain stopper that is operated with your foot instead of your hand. The advantage to this type of system is that it does not require you to bend over to operate the stopper. This can mitigate the possibility of an accidental fall in the bathtub. Over time, the mechanism in the foot lock drain assembly may become dysfunctional and require replacement. Removing a foot lock tub drain assembly can be accomplished in less than 10 minutes.

  • How to Repair a Foot-Lock Bathtub Drain

    A foot-lock bathtub drain can be repaired using a few common tools, like a flat blade screwdriver. Repair a foot-lock bathtub drain with help from a licensed plumber in this free video clip.

  • My Bathtub Stopper Will Not Close

    Bathtub stoppers that do not close all the way in the tub's drain need to be cleaned and readjusted in order to correct the problem. You should be able to fill the bathtub with water and close the drain's stopper without having any of the water in the tub leak out past the stopper.

  • How to Assemble a Broken Tub Drain Lever

    Bathtub drains use a lever mechanism, which feeds through the overflow drain on the back end of the bathtub, to control whether the drain plug is in the open or closed position. The plug's lever assembly will wear and come apart over time, requiring you to remove the assembly from the overflow drain tube before you can make repairs. If you find that parts have broken and not just come apart from one another, purchase a new drain plug assembly.

  • How to Adjust the Tub Drain

    Bathtub drains eventually will come out of adjustment, allowing water to seep out of the tub when the drain is supposed to be closed off. Pop-up drain plugs also can come out of adjustment so they do not raise high enough, causing the water to drain slower than normal out of the bathtub. Readjusting the bathtub's drain stopper, whether it is built-in or a pop-up, takes less than half an hour to complete. You may find that you have to readjust the drain assembly several times to get the length just right.

  • How to Disassemble a Bath Tub Drain

    Bathtubs generally feature one of two different styles of drain assemblies. The twist-style drain features the drain stopper within the center of the drain. Fixed-style drains feature no moving parts and are identified easily by the metal screen at the top of the assembly. Over time, the finish on either design tends to wear. In extreme cases, the metal assembly will begin to rust. Fortunately, disassembling either style of drain is fairly straightforward.

  • How to Replace a Bathtub Spring Drain

    Bathtub's that have a built-in pop-up stopper use an assembly that has a large metal spring as part of the drain plug mechanism. Over time, the mechanism will need to be adjusted to keep the stopper from sitting too low or high in the drain. Eventually, you will need to replace the assembly, swapping it out for a new one. Removing the old assembly and installing the new one will take less than an hour's time, even for a novice do-it-yourselfer.

  • How to Remove a Price Pfister Drain Stopper

    Price Pfister faucets have a drain stopper plug that you can open and close, allowing your sink to fill or drain. You can remove the drain stopper plug from the drain at any time if you need to replace it or prefer not to use it at all. Removing the drain stopper plug takes only a few minutes and does not require any tools.

  • How to Repair a Bathroom Drain Stopper

    Drain stoppers either pop-up from the drain opening in the bottom of the tub, or they sit inside the overflow drain where they block the water from exiting the main drain pipe below. With built-in drain stoppers, you will need only to adjust one piece so the stopper does not let water leak out of the tub. With pop-up stoppers, you will need to adjust two different pieces of the stopper's mechanism to stop the leaking. Sink pop-up stoppers contain more parts, but adjusting the mechanism takes less than ten minutes.

  • How to Connect a Stopper in a Bathtub

    You normally do not see the mechanism under the tub's surface that controls the drain stopper's movement. To install a new stopper mechanism in a bathtub, connecting the parts correctly, you need to understand how moving the lever on the overflow drain's cover causes the stopper to move up and down in the drain's opening. Once you understand how the system works, you will have little trouble connecting and adjusting the stopper mechanism.

  • How to Replace a Bathtub's Push Drain Stopper in an Old House

    Many older homes have bathtubs that have a push drain stopper. This style of stopper is connected to linkage that is operated by a lever located on the overflow plate. When the lever is lifted, the stopper is pulled into the drain to block the water from leaving the tub. Pushing the lever down lifts the stopper, allowing the water to exit the tub through the drain. Replacing this style of stopper takes about half an hour.

  • How to Get a Broken Bathtub Plunger out of the Drain Line

    If your bathtub is equipped with a rod-driven plunger, pulling up on the lever makes the plunger come up, plugging the drain so water won't drain out. When you push down on the lever, the plunger goes down, draining the water. This method works great until the plunger breaks. When this happens, the plunger falls down and no longer works the way it should. In fact, a plunger can catch hair that eventually clogs the drain.

  • How to Fix a Tub Pop Up Drain

    Pop up tub drains allow you to control the tub's drain without having to drop in and remove the stopper constantly. The stopper pops up and down in the drain when you press the lever, which connects to two different linkages that work together to move the stopper's position. Over time the linkages will come out of adjustment, causing the stopper to allow water to leak out of the tub or to not raise up high enough to let water out as quickly as it normally would.

  • How to Fix a Tub Pop-Up Drain That Won't Open When Pushed

    Even though a pop-up drain features only the drain plug and the lever that are viewable from the inside of the tub, the drain uses several other parts to open and close the pop-up plug. When pushing the drain's lever no longer opens the stopper, you must remove the other parts of the drain mechanism from the tub's overflow drain in order to make repairs and adjustments. Pulling the mechanisms out of the tub involves some patience, but making adjustments requires few tools.

  • How to Disconnect Drain Stoppers in Sinks

    A built-in sink stopper looks simple from the top side of the sink, but a more complex system attaches to the sink's stopper and lever. In order to remove the stopper from the sink, you must first disconnect the hardware that holds the stopper in place. You will not need any tools to disconnect the sink's stopper, making the job easy to perform with little to no preparation. Once you have disconnected the stopper, you are free to remove it from the drain hole and clean any debris buildup stuck to the stopper.

  • How to Replace a Trip Lever Face Plate for a Bathtub

    Many older bathtubs have a trip lever that controls the drain stopper. The trip lever is attached to a face plate that screws onto the back side of the tub, under the faucet. A series of linkages runs between the lever and the stopper. When the lever is lifted the stopper closes and when the lever is pushed down the stopper raises to let the water drain. If the lever is stuck or rusted, you may need to replace it and its cover.

  • Bathtub Styles

    A nice hot bath can help you relax away the day's stress. Whether you're building a new home or remodeling your current bathroom, you'll have several different bathtub styles to choose from. Consider your needs carefully when you make a selection as most bathtubs will last many years.

  • Uses for a Rubber Stopper

    Rubber stoppers, also called bungs, have many uses. Rubber is a material used for sealing things so that they do not leak, making rubber stoppers practical for preventing leaks. Unlike a lid that pops or screws onto a container or tube from the outside, a rubber stopper goes inside the container or tube, displacing some of its inner volume, to seal it. They are useful everywhere, from the chemistry laboratory to the kitchen to the bathroom.

  • How to Remove the Twist-Down Stopper From a Bathtub

    When a bathtub gets clogged with hair and debris, you need to remove the twist down stopper from the bathtub drain to get the clog out. A twist down stopper has four pieces that hold it to the bathtub: the drain body, the lift stopper, the brass post and the knob on top of the post. The drain body screws directly into the bathtub flange, and you can disassemble the other parts from the drain body without removing the drain body from the tub.

  • How to Fix a Bathtub with a Stuck Drain Piece

    Bathtubs experience frequent use and often become clogged with hair, shampoo, soap and dirt. If the bathtub is cleaned on a regular basis, the dirt can build up and eventually cause the drain to become stuck. If the drain no longer opens, water will not be able to drain after use. Use a few common household items to fix a stuck drain piece in a bathtub.

  • Bathtub Drain Ideas

    If you have a bathtub that is less glistening than you'd like, consider making some improvements to your drain. A bathroom drain can affect the sparkle and function of a bathtub because it is unsightly and collects a good amount of hair and bacteria. Refresh your bathtub drain with a few simple cleaning and cosmetic improvements.

  • Bathtub Drain Styles

    Bathtub drains can serve as decorative accents in your bathroom as well as functional additions to the space. If you're remodeling your bathroom, or simply replacing a few items to liven up the bathroom area, there are several drain styles that will assist you in further expressing your design aesthetic while remaining functional.

  • Installation of a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    When taking a bath, you need a good stopper installed to keep the water in the tub. A loose, worn out or corroded stopper may cause water to slowly leak from the tub during a bath, leaving you cold and dry. Installing a new stopper requires no plumbing knowledge at all. When replacing your stopper, consider changing the model to a lift-and-turn stopper if your previous style was a lever type attached to the overflow plate under the spout.

  • Bathtub Stopper Repair

    Your bathtub drain stopper is likely one of two styles: the lift-and-turn style of newer models or the old-style drain lever. The lift and turn, which simply turns within the drain, doesn't break but does get stuck. The old drain-lever style runs a linkage between the lever and the stopper in the drain. If the linkage comes loose, the stopper will not raise or lower.

  • How to Fix a Tub Drain Stopper

    A bathtub's pop-up drain stopper offers convenience since you only have to push a small lever on the side of the tub up and down to open and close the drain. Over time, though, the stopper and its mechanism get out of adjustment, meaning the stopper will no longer function as it did before. Whether your stopper leaks water when the tub is full, does not close all the way or does not pop up easily, fixing the problem requires few tools and supplies.

  • How to Remove a Delta Tub Drain Stopper

    Delta manufactures a number of pop-up drain assemblies, but the basic design of each assembly is the same. Attached to the back of the assembly's cover plate is a linkage. Attached to the bottom of the linkage is a cylindrical-shaped drain stopper. When the trip lever is engaged, the tub fills with water because the stopper has closed off the drain pipe. It is for this reason that a broken stopper will cause the tub to slowly lose water. Replacement Delta stoppers are available, but the existing stopper must first be removed.

  • How to Replace the Brass Linkage in a Bathtub

    Bathtubs that have a built-in drain stopper assembly rely on a brass linkage for the drain stopper mechanism to operate correctly. The linkage attaches to the back of the drain stopper's lever plate, which sits above the overflow drain on the side of the bathtub, and moves up and down as you push the lever up and down. Once the linkage has broken and the drain's stopper no longer functions, you can install a replacement in a few minutes.

  • How to Remove a Pop Up Drain Cover From a Bathtub

    A pop-up bathtub drain system is fairly simple, consisting of a drain stopper, the circular plug that fits the drain hole and is connected to a rocker arm and an overflow assembly, which connects the stopper to a lever that can be flipped up or down to open or close the drain. The drain cover---the stopper itself---is easily removed to allow access for repairs, cleaning hair clogs, or other maintenance needs.

  • How to Repair a Bathtub Link

    A bathtub's link assembly controls the movement of the brass plunger, which actuates the built-in drain stopper. When the link has come out of adjustment or is broken, you must repair it or water will escape past the drain's stopper. Over time, the rate at which the water will escape from the tub will increase, creating even more of a problem. Fixing the tub's link assembly requires some persistence and the proper tools, as well as up to an hour of your time.

  • The Trip Lever in My Bathtub Is Stuck

    The lever on your bathtub operates the hidden stopper in the drain. If you have not used the lever in a while, you might find that it is stuck. This is usually due to the spring mechanism behind the faceplate. Repairing the stuck bathtub drain lever requires removing the entire mechanism from the tub. Often a simple cleaning resolves the issue. If necessary, replacement levers are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores.

  • How to Install a Bathtub Lever Plunger

    Bathtubs that have a built-in drain plug often use a plunger device to stop the water in the bathtub from escaping through the drain. The plunger piece moves up and down along with a linkage assembly, which attaches to the lever located on the drain overflow's cover. Without the plunger, water will flow through the drain no matter the position of the lever. Installing a plunger takes a few minutes and minimal tools, making it a manageable job for a do-it-yourselfer.

  • How to Remove and Replace a Bathtub Drain and Stopper

    Bathtubs feature a drain assembly used to hold water. A trip lever mounted against one wall of the tub features a cylindrical stopper connected to the back of the trip lever with a linkage. When the trip lever is activated, the stopper plugs the overflow drain to seal off the flow of water. If water drains out of the bathtub when the trip lever is activated, chances are good that the stopper requires replacement.

  • My Tub Drain Won't Stay Open

    On many bathtub models, a handle on the front of the tub, just under the faucet, controls the pop-up drain stopper. When you pull up on the handle, a linkage connected to it drops a weight onto a spring-loaded lever, and the lever forces the stopper up. Pushing down on the lever lifts the weight, and the stopper springs closed. When the stopper doesn't go up and the drain stays closed, the problem is usually a misadjusted or broken linkage. You can fix or replace it by removing the handle.

  • My Bathtub Stopper Does Not Stay Open

    You control a built-in bathtub stopper with the lever that is located above the tub's overflow drain opening. The lever attaches to a linkage assembly, which feeds down the overflow drain until it curves. A spring sits below the linkage and presses onto the arm that runs underneath the tub, connecting to the actual drain plug. If the stopper or plug will not stay open, you need to adjust the bathtub's stopper assembly, making it longer so it will stay open and allow all of the water in the tub to drain out.

  • How to Repair a Popup Tub Stopper

    Malfunctioning popup stoppers in a bathtub can either cause water to flow down the tub's drain when the stopper is supposedly in the closed position or they can cause the water in the tub to drain out slowly when you open the stopper. You can eliminate either problem with very few tools and a few moments of your time. If you do find that the rubber flange on the stopper's arm needs to be replaced, take the flange with you to a home improvement store to find an exact match.

  • How to Fix the Lift & Turn Tub Drain

    Many bathtub types have an old trip lever style bathtub drain. Trip style drains have a linkage that attaches to the drain plug. This linkage is quick to rust and break and is finicky to repair. The new style of drain, lift and turn, is easier to maintain, remove and fix. The stopper body is connected to the drain itself. To remove or replace a lift-and-turn drain, remove the entire drain.

  • How to Replace a Tub Drain Lever

    The drain plug lever sits on the side of the bathtub, with an opening in the bottom that allows water to escape through the overflow drain so the bathtub does not overflow and flood the bathroom. Whether the drain lever stops functioning correctly, or you just want to change out all of the hardware in the bathroom for an updated look, you can replace the lever assembly with a new one in a few simple steps.

  • How Do I Replace a Bathtub Spigot?

    Bathtub spigots should be replaced if you buy a new set of handles and faucets. Switch out old hardware with help from an experienced contractor in this free video.

  • How to Fix a Shower Drain That Broke Loose

    Many bathtubs that also serve as showers use a lever-style drain plug, which you activate by pulling up or down on a small metal lever that sits just above the opening in the overflow drain. The drain plug mechanism connects to the lever and extends down the overflow drain, which keeps the tub from overflowing with water, until it meets up with the main drain. Over time the drain plug mechanism can come loose, either where it connects with the lever or the plunger piece. You can fix either problem in a few minutes and with common tools.

  • I Can't Unscrew a Pop-up Bathtub Drain Stopper

    A bathtub pop-up drain stopper may have to be removed to clear a clog or snake the drain. Many people try to twist the stopper, thinking that it screws into a mechanism inside the drain. The stopper is actually attached to linkage that connects to the stopper control. The linkage is accessed through the overflow cover, and once it is removed, the stopper lifts out of the drain. Removing the linkage for a bathtub stopper only takes a few minutes.

  • How to Fix a Tub Drain Linkage

    Many bathtubs have a built-in drain stoppers, which you control with a lever located just over the tub's overflow drain opening. The lever is attached to a linkage assembly that moves a brass plunger in the tub's drainpipe. Over time the brass plunger may become detached from the linkage, or the linkage may come out of adjustment, allowing water to seep past the plug when the plug is supposed to be securely closed, causing bath water to leak out slowly.

  • How to Remove or Take Stopper Out of the Bottom of a Tub

    Most tubs come with either a "pop-up" stopper, which is similar to a sink stopper that is connected to the drain, or with a removable rubber stopper. If you have a clog or just need to drain the water from a bath, you will need to remove the stopper.

  • How to Change a Bathtub Drain Plug

    You actuate a bathtub's built in drain plug using the lever located below the bathtub's faucet. Under the back plate for the drain's lever is the bathtub's overflow drain. The bathtub's plug assembly runs through the overflow drain and into the main drain under the tub. Even though the drain's plug assembly seems complex, changing a broken assembly and installing a new one can be performed by a homeowner with little plumbing knowledge or experience.

  • How to Remove a Tub Drain Assembly

    You may use your bathtub's drain assembly constantly without thinking about the parts that sit outside plain view. As soon as a repair is necessary, such as clearing a stubborn clog, you suddenly need to think about the hidden parts of the drain. Fortunately, bathtub drains are not complex and take only a few minutes to take apart. Installing the assembly is simply the reverse of how you removed it.

  • How to Take a Drain Cover Off a Tub

    There are pop-up drain covers that pop-up when opened, as well as screw-on drain covers held in place with screws. Screw-on drain covers usually sit on top of the drain rather than inside it. You may need to remove the drain cover when a clog develops and requires you to clean the pipes inside the drain, or when you want to replace the tub itself during a bathroom remodel.

  • Tub Drain Styles

    Now that you're remodeling your bathroom, you'll want to purchase a new bathtub that matches the design and decor of the new space. The bathtub drain is a decorative accent that helps to bring the theme of the bathroom together and should make the other decorative items you've chosen for the space.

  • How to Repair a Tub Drain Stopper

    A built-in bathtub drain stopper normally will keep the water in the bathtub from leaking through the drain until you open the drain using the drain's lever. If you notice the drain is allowing water to drain out of the bathtub, you can repair the drain in a few simple steps. You won't need to replace any parts to make the bathtub's drain watertight again, since you will only need to make adjustments to the drain mechanism.

  • How to Get a Drain Stopper Out of a Drain

    A drain stopper is controlled by an external rod. The rod catches a small latch on the drain stopper, forcing it to move up and down when the user presses or lifts from the outside of the sink. Several factors can cause a drain stopper to become stuck in a drain. A buildup of sediment, a poorly fitted stopper or a breakage can lodge drain stoppers in place. If the latch has become disconnected, it is still possible to remove the drain stopper without dismantling the entire sink.

  • How to Remove a Pop-Up Drain Stopper

    A pop-up drain stopper has a plunger on the back of the faucet that controls the position of the stopper. When the plunger is pulled up, the stopper is drawn into the drain and blocks the flow of water. Conversely, when the plunger is pushed down, the stopper is lifted and allows water to travel down the drain. The stopper is held in place with a steel rod that is attached to the plunger mechanism under the sink.

  • How to Adjust a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Over time, your bathtub drain stopper may not be sealing the way it used to. You either need to replace the drain assembly or just adjust the drain stopper. To adjust the drain stopper, you need to get to the lift rod so that you can move the striker. You will need to remove the overflow plate and the lift assembly to be able to work on the lift rod and striker. Adjusting the drain stopper is easy but requires patience to get it just right.

  • How to Fix a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    There are two common tub drain stoppers--pop-up drain stoppers and plunger tub drains. Pop-ups have a stopper in the drain that pops up and down to allow water to pass or stay in the tub. When down, pop-up stoppers cover the opening preventing water from entering the drain. Plunger tub drains have a plunger that hangs below the plunger assembly. The plunger slides down the drain, clogging it to hold water in the tub. Plunger drains usually have a strainer over the drain unstead of a stopper. When a drain stopper doesn't seal, minor adjustments usually are needed.

  • How to Remove a Moen Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Moen manufactures a number of bathroom fixtures, including drain stoppers. The majority of these stoppers are of the lift and turn variety. To open the drain, you pull up on a small handle mounted on the stopper, and then turn the stopper to keep it in the open position. Removing a Moen bathtub drain stopper is simply a matter of unscrewing the handle. After that, the stopper can be removed from the drain.

  • How to Remove a Tub Drain Stopper

    Drain stoppers come in many styles and finishes. Determining the type of drain stopper your bathtub has will aid you in knowing what tools to use for removal. Most typical drain stoppers come out of the tub using the same, simple method. Whether you are replacing the drain stopper with a new one, or removing it for repair, this project will take very little time to complete.

  • How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Drain stoppers operate on a lever to raise and lower them into the tub. A rod or rods run down in the drain for the stopper to rest on and lock into place. Pushing the lever up raises a rod hooked in the bottom of the stopper to raise it and let water flow out of a tub. Pushing the lever down lowers the rod, pushes the stopper down and holds water in a bathtub. Homeowners remove their drain stoppers to clean heavy drain clogs and also to replace fixtures.

  • How to Install Bathtub Stopper

    A bathtub stopper is used to prevent water from leaking into the drain. It is positioned into place when the user wishes to fill the tub with water. In time, you will likely need to install a new bathtub stopper when yours gets loose, broken or worn out. There are several types of bathtub stoppers. The rubber stopper usually is connected with a chain onto the overflow plate on the tub wall. Other types include the pop-up bathtub stopper, lift-and-turn type and the lever-operated type. Modern bathtubs usually come equipped with a built-in stopper mechanism.

  • How to Replace Bathtub Stoppers

    The bathtub stopper is the assembly in the bathtub drain that keeps the water in the tub. There are a number of different types of bathtub stoppers, including the toe tap type, lift and turn and the trip lever models. Regardless of the type, replacing a bathtub stopper is a fairly simple operation that you can accomplish using some common workshop tools.

  • How to Repair a Drain Stopper Assembly

    When your drain stopper isn't working properly, water can leak down the drain when the stopper is closed. You might not even be able to close the stopper at all. The hardware that you'll need to adjust is below the sink, attached to the drain pipes, and is known as a drain stopper assembly.

  • How to Remove a Lift and Turn Bath Drain

    Unlike many other bathtub drains, the lift and turn is simply the stopper itself. Its simplicity often aggravates people when they want to remove the lift and turn to clean the drain. The lift and turn may have a set screw on the shaft below the stopper that secures the lift and turn. Most lift and turns simply twist off the drain, but the stopper must be down for you to remove the lift and turn.

  • How to Repair a Tub Stopper

    After continued use, a bathtub pop-up stopper may start to wear out. If the plug will not close completely, it allows water to escape down the drain, and if it stays closed, water remains in the tub, rather than going down the drain. The pop-up stopper mechanism is comprised of a metal arm and the overflow assembly that has a lever. You can repair the bathtub stopper yourself.

  • How to Adjust a Tub Stopper in a Bathtub

    After a years of use, a bathtub pop-up stopper may begin to malfunction. Sometimes the pop-stoppers will not close all the way or open easily, which will trap water in the bathtub. The mechanisms inside the stopper can be adjusted to get them working properly. A bathtub pop-up stopper has two parts: an extending arm and the overflow assembly, which consists of a lever that moves the rod up and down. It is possible to adjust the mechanism with a basic tool.

  • How to Take the Stopper Out of the Bottom of a Tub

    Bathtub drain stoppers may not close all the way, allowing water to seep down the drain or may not open all the way, trapping water in the tub, because a mechanism in the bathtub stopper is worn out or defective. If your bathtub stopper is malfunctioning, it can be replaced. There are five different types of tub drains: pop-up, plunger, foot lock, roller ball and lift-and-turn. The stopper is a roller ball if it has a trip lever and a foot lock if the plug has a smooth surface and lacks a handle in the center. If the stopper has…

  • Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers

    Bathtub drain stoppers, also referred to as drain plugs, are circular objects made to fit inside a bathtub drain to prevent water from escaping. There are different types of stoppers available from both bathtub manufacturers and independent retail companies. Not all drain stoppers are compatible with every bathtub because of variations in the diameter of different bathtub drains.

  • How to Repair the Bathtub Drain Stopper

    If you notice that your water seems to seep down the bathtub drain when the stopper is down or the tub drains more slowly than usual, the problem may be that the stopper has become clogged. Knowing how to remove and repair the stopper can help solve this problem as well as keep you from spending money on chemicals that may be of little help in solving the problem.

  • How to Remove a Stuck Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Removing a stuck bathtub drain stopper so that you can replace it is not as difficult or delicate as you may think. Most tubs have one of three basic types of stoppers. Plungers and pop-ups use a linkage system inside the overflow pipe. These types have a lever plate on the bathtub. Twist-and-pull-type plungers screw into a receptacle inside the drain body. Do not be reluctant to pull on linkages. They stick in place due to wet hair and soap scum debris. A little force is necessary to remove a stuck stopper

  • How to Remove a Lever Style Tub Drain Stopper

    Lever style tub drains have a lever attached to a post that lifts up and down to open or block the flow of water from the tub. One type of lever style tub drain stopper, the pop-up type, moves a plunger that is part of the exterior drain, and another type, the grid type, has a plunger in the drain pipe that lifts up or down to open or block the flow of water from the drain. Remove each type of lever style tub drain stopper in the same way.

  • How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper and Overflow Valve

    Removing a bathtub drain stopper and overflow valve on your own can save you hundreds of dollars on plumbing and installation costs. A new shower floor drain can be an important upgrade if you are experiencing drainage or clogging issues with your current system. Without a proper drainage system in your shower, you will experience excess water build-up in the shower which will eventually result in the pooling of water at the bottom of the tub. While removing a drain may seem like an extremely difficult process, it is actually quite simple if you follow proper instructions.

  • How to Remove a Watco Drain Stopper

    Watco Manufacturing produces a wide selection of bathtub and drain products for residential and commercial customers around the world including push/pull style drain stoppers--sold individually or as part of a complete drain kit. Watco drain stopper designs feature a stopper and seal, brass pin insert and a knob at the top of the stopper. As push/pull drain stoppers can easily catch/retain hair and require regular cleaning to deter clogs, Watco has designed the stoppers for quick removal using no more than your hands and a flat-head screwdriver.

  • How to Replace a Bathtub Drain Stopper, Plunger type

    A bathtub drain stopper of the plunger type has an overflow plate in the wall of the tub, with a lever to move the plunger up and down. There is no stopper visible at the drain. Drain parts can wear and corrode over time, requiring replacement. This is an easy tub repair that the average homeowner can do using a few common tools. You can change just the faceplate, if the drain stopper still works well, or replace the whole assembly. Here's how to do it.

  • Bathtub Drain Stopper Removal

    Repairing tub drain stoppers is necessary from time to time for cleaning or just replacement. The constant amounts of water, hair and other gunk that flows past them can lead to corrosion over time and clogs that need to be cleaned out and removed. With the proper tools and know-how a tub drain stopper can be removed from a tub in about five minutes. Cleaning or replacing can be done thereafter.

  • How to Replace a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Replacing a bathtub drain stopper could be as simple as buying a new rubber stopper or as involved as accessing the back of the tub to take out a dysfunctional part. Discover the different ways to replace a drain stopper in a bathtub with tips from a master plumber in this free video on bathroom maintenance.

  • How to Unclog a Bathtub

    Unclogging a bathtub is most efficiently done by using a high-quality plunger that produces more air than a standard plunger. See how a plunger can clear clogs in a tub drain with tips from a master plumber in this free video on bathroom maintenance.

  • How to Remove a Push Pull Tub Drain Stopper

    There are a couple different kinds of push pull tub drain stoppers. One is a rubber stopper that isn't attached to the drain, and the other is a metal stopper that is attached to the drain. Removing both of these is a quick and simple procedure, and can enable you to unclog drains and clean the drain area on the tub thoroughly.

  • How to Fix a Bathtub Stopper

    When operating correctly, a bathtub stopper prevents water from flowing down the drain, allowing the tub to fill. It also opens fully when released, allowing the tub to drain easily. Hair, soap or sludge buildup, and improper adjustment of the stopper's lift rod assembly impede stopper function, preventing it from either opening fully or seating correctly. Cleaning and adjusting the stopper and its mechanism, and replacing worn or broken parts, restores proper bathtub stopper function.

  • How to Unscrew a Bathtub Stopper

    Unscrewing the bathtub stopper might be necessary for replacement or to get a clog out of the drain. Doing it yourself will save you money by not having to hire a plumber and will also give you experience in fixing and maintaining your bathtub. Removal is very easy and simple to do when you know what type of drain plug you have. Following the correct steps will ensure successful removal of the bathtub stopper.

  • How to Install a Bathtub Drain Stopper

    Thinking about taking a relaxing bath? Before you get into the tub, check the drain stopper. If you have a bathtub drain that the stopper won't stop the water from draining, it can be pretty frustrating. In fact, it makes taking a bath virtually impossible. Fortunately they are replaceable with a few simple hand tools.

  • About Bathtub Stoppers

    Believe it or not, people get very excited about bathtub stoppers. If they have one that will not completely plug up the drain, they run out of bath water. If they have one they cannot unplug, they end up with a tub of lukewarm water. Many a person in the shower or tub has yanked and pulled and kicked at handles and stopper lids to get some cooperation. That is why it is so important to pick the right stopper in the first place, or to replace it with the right one later.

  • How Does a Bathtub Stopper Work?

    The purpose of a bathtub stopper is simple--to prevent water from passing down a drain. Usually a bathtub stopper is put into place when the user wishes to fill up the tub with water. The pop-up bathtub stopper is a common built-in variety that uses simple mechanics to open and close the drain. From the outside, it looks like a small silver lever placed 3/4 of the way above the tub drain.

  • How Does a Bathtub Drain-Stopper Work?

    In order to fill a bathtub full of water you must have a way to keep the water from going down the drain. A bathtub stopper can do this. There are a few types of bathtub stoppers that you can use. The first is the bathtub stopper that is round with a small ring at the top. You can see an example of it in the picture above. The stopper is placed over the bathtub drain hole. It covers the hole and keeps the water from going down the drain allowing you to fill up your bathtub. The ring gives…

  • How to Replace a Bathtub Drain-Stopper

    There aren't too many things more frustrating than wanting to take a hot bubble bath and discovering the bathtub won't hold water because you have a drain-stopper problem. It's really not that difficult to replace the drain-stopper in your bathtub if you have the proper tools and knowledge. By following the steps in this article, your tub will be as good as new in very little time.

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