How to Remove a Bathtub Plug

When a drain is clogged, it may be necessary to remove the bathtub plug to unclog it. Though the process may not be obvious on first glance, removing a modern bathtub plug is easy and requires few tools. Unlike older models, the majority of bathtub plugs today simply twist out of their bases.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Bathtub drain wrench

Instructions

1. Run water over the drain plug while it's in the upright position, removing any soap scum or other slippery substances that would make it hard to grip. Dry underneath the drain plug with a clean, dry towel.

2. Lower the drain plug to the "down" position and wipe it dry with a towel. Grip the drain plug just underneath its base with the towel and twist it counterclockwise until it unscrews from the rod. If the drain plug is screwed on too tight, use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to loosen and remove it. Set aside.

3. Insert a bathtub drain wrench into the drain hole and twist it counterclockwise to remove the rod that the drain plug was connected to, if removing the entire mechanism is necessary. If a clog is the issue, try clearing it with the pair of pliers before moving on to this step. Sometimes, simply removing the drain plug is all that's needed to eliminate a clog.