How to Remove a Metal Bath Tub Stopper

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By Deborah Cohn
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

Whether you need to treat a stubborn clog, make a repair or make a replacement for cosmetic reasons, changing a bathtub stopper is a fairly simple process. You first need to identify the stopper type to determine how to remove it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Screwdriver

Identify Stopper Type

Step 1

Examine your stopper. If the stopper doesn't have a handle and pops when you push it, it's a foot-lock drain. If it does have a handle that you push down and pull up to open, it's a roller-ball drain. And if it has a handle in the center and involves twisting the handle to open, it's a lift-and-turn drain.
Step 2

Examine your tub wall. If your tub has a trip lever on the wall of your tub, it's a pop-up drain.
Step 3

Examine your tub base. If your tub has a drain with a flat stopper plate that you can't manipulate, it's a plunger drain.

Removing a Roller-Ball, Foot-Lock or Lift-and-Turn Stopper

Step 1

Put the stopper in the open position. Lift the stopper up and turn the stopper counterclockwise. It should lift off. If it doesn't, try Step 2.
Step 2

Examine the lock to see if it has a set screw; if so, you won't be able to turn the stopper. Lift the stopper, and you will see a small screw. With your screwdriver, loosen the screw. You probably won't have to remove the screw completely.
Step 3

Lift off the stopper completely.

Removing a Pop-Up Stopper

Step 1

On your bathtub wall, turn the trip lever so that the stopper is unlocked.
Step 2

Pop-up the stopper and turn it back and forth to remove it.
Step 3

Unscrew the screws from the overflow drain and the cover plate of the trip lever.
Step 4

Remove the trip lever and the parts from the overflow drain.