but Important Part of Your Bathroom,Bathtub Drain Stopper: Tiny, but Important Part of Your Bathroom

A bathtub drain stopper is the smallest item in your bathroom, but you can’t relax in a hot tub without it. Jokes aside, a bathtub drain stopper serves an important purpose. It can keep the water in the tub and allow it to drain.

Problems may occur when your stopper doesn’t work as well, or it gets stuck. If you want to know what to do in those situations, keep reading!

Moreover, learn everything about different models of bathtub drain stoppers and their purpose. Become your own plumber with this guide and don’t let this tiny part bother you anymore!

Interior Marble — Bathtub stoppers are handy items that prevent the water from draining so you can relax

Bathtub Drain Stopper at a Glance

There are six types of bathtub stoppers:

Round stoppers
Toe-touch
Flip-it
Pop-it
Trip-lever
Lift and turn stoppers

The most common issue with a bathtub stopper is that it gets stuck. You can remove most stoppers by yourself by wiggling the item, turning it clockwise, and pulling it out from the tub. However, some stoppers, such as lift-and-turn models, might require you to use tools and unscrew them from the tub.

What is a Bathtub Drain Stopper?

A bathtub drain stopper is a small item you put in the drain hole in your tub or shower. It prevents the water from draining and keeps the large debris outside your drain pipes, so it prevents clogging.

These items come in a standard size to match the holes in the standard tubs. The diameter of most bathtub drain stoppers is 1 1/2 inches.

You don’t need a plumber to assemble and connect the bathtub drain stopper, you can easily do it yourself.

They are usually made from brass, ABS plastic, or PVC. Brass bathtub drains stoppers prove to be the most durable.

Six Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers

To answer the question: How does a bathtub drain stopper work, we need to take a closer look at different drain stoppers types. The principle behind them is to block the water from draining, but the inner mechanism differs from model to model.

Here are the six types of drain stoppers you can find. If you know which type you have, you’ll be able to troubleshoot.

Lift-and-Turn Stopper

Lift-and-turn drain stoppers have a small knob that you can adjust with your hand. You can open and close it by twisting the stopper. The pin inside the stopper aligns with the notch to open the passage or close it. You can lock it in place if you turn it one more time.

To open a lift-and-turn stopper, lift and twist the knob in the opposite direction. That way, the pin will move and won’t align with the drain.

You can install the stopper with a center set screw, and it won’t take you more than several minutes. But, removing it is trickier if you screw it too tight during installation. Overall, lift-and-turn stoppers have a simple design, don’t need maintenance, and rarely get stuck or cause any problem.

All you have to do is to remove the plug occasionally to clean the hair and put it back in place.

Round Stoppers

The oldest type of stopper is round and has a ring. You make them fit your drain manually, and connect them to the tub using a built-in chain.

They just cover the drain hole to prevent the water from leaking. Once you want to empty the tub, lift the stopper and the passage will be open. These are the cheapest bathtub drain stoppers and can be made of plastic and metal.

Toe-Touch Stoppers

Toe-touch stoppers are a handy option. As the name suggests, you control them with your toe, which is very convenient.

The toe-touch stopper has a spring-loaded mechanism. You push the stopper in with your toe to prevent the water from draining. If you want to empty the tub, put pressure with your toe on the stopper, and it will pop out to unblock the drain.

A toe-touch stopper has a rubber seal, which prevents the water from leaking. The rubber can wear out and get thinner over time, but you can replace it without the need to replace the stopper itself.

But when the spring mechanism wears out, the stopper won’t work and it can get stuck inside the drain hole. Then, you have to remove it and replace the stopper.

Flip-It Stoppers

Flip-it stoppers are pretty common around the world. A flip-it stopper goes directly into the drain opening and operates by turning for 180 degrees. If you want to block the drain hole, turn it for 180 degrees so the rubber seal covers the edges of the hole. To empty the tub, flip the item the other way.

The best thing about the flip-it stopper is the installation. You don’t need any tools and there are no ways to mess up the installation. All you have to do is put the stopper in the drain hole!

Similar to the toe-touch stopper, the rubber seal is replaceable and these are relatively inexpensive and maintenance-free items.

Pop-Up Stopper

Pop-up stopper operates via a rod that connects the knob (or lever) with a rocker arm. If you want to stop the water from draining, twist the knob. Do the same movement, but in the opposite direction to lift the stopper and drain water from the tub.

Trip-Lever Stoppers

The last type of stopper operates using a rod, which connects the hidden lever mechanism and the stopper. When you want to lift the stopper, move the lever down. If you want the tub to be filled with water, lift the lever.

They are sometimes called plumber-style stoppers. However, plumber-style toppers are a separate subcategory of them. The plumber-style stoppers have a longer rod and sit deep in the drain hole. You cannot even see them because there is a cover on top of the drain hole.

Sink Drain — Stoppers needs to be regularly clean because too much dirt around them can make them stuck

Removing Every Type of Bathtub Stopper

Now when you are familiar with different types of bathtub stoppers, let’s take a look at common problems with these items.

Bathtub drain can get clogged with your hair or bath products. The mechanism inside the stopper may deteriorate, so the stopper gets stuck in the drain. Luckily, these issues aren’t difficult to fix, and you don’t need to call a plumber!

In most cases, fixing a problem with the bathtub drain stopper will require the removal of the stopper. Then you can clean the drain and install the stopper again. If the stopper is broken, replace it with the new one.

How to Remove Lift-And-Turn Stopper?

A lift-and-turn stopper is the most challenging to fix and remove. So, once you finally remove it, I recommend replacing it with another model of bathtub stopper.

Step 1:

Set the stopper to the open position as if you would like to empty your tub. Hold the stopper with one hand and turn it counter-clockwise until you can lift it.

If your stopper has a visible set screw, you’ll need to lift and turn the stopper, until you expose the set screw entirely. Then, you can use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it and lift it.

You won’t need to unscrew the stopper all the way through, to lift it. Loosen it a bit and remove it too from the drain.

Step 2:

If the stopper keeps turning around without allowing you to lift it, you might need to adjust the pressure or use a liquid wrench solvent to loosen it up.

Watch this video to know more:

Watch this video: How to remove a lift and turn stopper

How to Remove Round Stoppers?

All it takes to remove the round stopper is pulling it up upwards. There are no steps or tools. You can hold the round body with your hand or use a chain to pull it out easier.

How to Remove Toe-Touch Stoppers

To remove a toe-touch stopper, prepare a flathead screwdriver. The process isn’t complex, but it can take a couple of minutes.

Step 1:

Push the stopper in the open position.

Step 2:

Turn the stopper top counter-clockwise. If the shaft cylinder rotates, stop what you’re doing and start again but with lower pressure.

Step 3:

While you rotate the top, the cylinder moves and detaches. Then you’re able to lift the stopper.

Additional Step:

If only the top of the stopper lifts this way, use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew the cap. Once you lift the top, the shaft cylinder will be exposed.

Find the tiny screwdriver slot and unscrew the shaft cylinder. Then, remove all parts of the bathtub drain stopper.

How to Remove Flip-It Stopper?

The flip-it stopper can be removed in a minute because all you have to do is pull it from the drain. You don’t need any tools or heavy pressure.

Step 1:

Use your hand to hold the round body and rotate it without moving the toggle in the center. While you rotate the stopper, pull it upwards.

Step 2:

If you installed your stopper a long time ago, you might need to wiggle it back and forth to loosen it and pull it up easier.

How to Remove a Trip Lever Stopper?

Removing a trip lever stopper requires patience and precision to prevent the rod from breaking and causing more problems. Here is how to remove the stuck trip-lever stopper.

Step 1:

Remove the cover plate. If you are lucky, the rod will be lifted with it and go out. If that doesn’t happen, follow the next steps.

Step 2:

Check the clip that connects the plunger rod and plate and remove it.

Step 3:

Use WD-40 in the drainpipe, around the plunger. It will help loosen the plunger so you might be able to pull it out easier.

Step 4:

Do up and down motions to loosen the rod.

Step 5:

Use pliers and gently pull the rod upwards at a straight angle. If you aren’t gentle enough, you’ll break the rod and it will go down the drainpipe. In that case, you’ll have to call a plumber to replace the pipe.

Use more WD-40 if the rod won’t come out. Repeat the up and down motions if the rod stays intact.

Eventually, you’ll be able to lift it.

Drain Plug — Bathtub stoppers are made from brass, plastic, or PVC

How to Remove Pop-Up Stopper?

Removing a pop-up stopper is relatively easy. Follow the next steps.

Step 1:

Put the stopper in the open position.

Step 2:

Pull the stopper up. If it won’t go up easily, wiggle back and forth until you’re able to pull it up.

Step 3:

If there is a rocker arm, be careful to prevent it from scratching your tub. While you hold the top of the stopper, clean the area around the rocker arm for hair and debris.

Watch this video to know more:

Watch this video: Bathroom Repair

How to Clean Bathtub Stopper?

Once you have removed the stopper, it is time to clean it! All stoppers can be cleaned the same way.

Use pliers to remove hair and stuck debris on the stopper. Then, soak it in the water and white vinegar solution.

If the stopper remains dirty, make a paste using baking soda and water and scrub it with the toothbrush.

Don’t forget to clean the drain before you put the stopper back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you tried to remove a bathtub drain stopper? If you haven’t done it yet, please check the next section. The answers to the most commonly asked questions might help you.

Why Does My Tub Drain Stopper Not Work?

Most often, if the stopper doesn’t work, the spring mechanism is probably broken. Therefore, the stopper isn’t connected with the lever, and it cannot stay tight in the close position.

How Do You Fix A Bathtub Stopper That Won't Stay Open?

Remove the stopper, and clean it thoroughly. Inspect the mechanism for malfunction. If the stopper seems okay, reassemble it back in the drain hole. If it is broken, get a new one.

How to Plug a Bathtub Drain When the Stopper Doesn't Work?

You can use a plastic cup to prevent the water from draining. The alternative is using a washcloth in a plastic bag, jar lid, or a clean toilet plunger.

Why Won't My Pop Up Plug Stay Down?

If the stopper works, but cannot hold in place, turn the nut clockwise to tighten it up. Don’t make it too tight, to ensure the mechanism works properly.

Stop Calling Plumber for Trivial Fixes

The most common issue with the bathtub stopper is that it won’t move, so you have to remove it from the drain with your hands. It isn’t that difficult, you can do it yourself, without paying for expensive plumber service.

If you are looking for bathtub drain stoppers, choose stoppers with simple mechanisms, such as a pop-up stopper. Those are easier to maintain and work pretty well.

What bathtub drain stopper do you have? Does it ever get stuck?

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