September 08/2022
How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper
A bathtub drain stopper can do a lot more than just seal the drain when you decide to take a bath. It can also act as a filter, keeping out large objects and catching hair strands. Every now and then, you will have to remove the bathtub drain stopper to give it a cleaning, readjust it, or replace it. You do not want to yank at the drain stopper to remove it though. Your friends here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey will share some tips on safely removing your drain stopper. If your plumbing issue goes beyond the drain stopper, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a trained plumber. We are ready to schedule your plumbing service today.
What Type of Drain Stopper Do You Have?
There are many types of drain stoppers and we do not have the space to review all of them. Instead, we will focus on a few of the most common types. These are:
- The lift-and-turn drain stopper
- The push-pull drain stopper
- The toe-touch drain stopper
Fortunately, the drain stoppers are conveniently named, making it easy to identify which type of drain stopper is in your bathtub.
Removing a Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper
If your drain stopper has a little knob on the cap, which is used to twist the stopper into the open and closed positions, then this section is for you.
Twist the knob to bring the drain stopper to the open position – that is, the position that allows water to drain. Hold the body of the drain stopper in place and turn the knob counterclockwise, gently pulling upward as you turn it. In some models, the stopper will unthread from the strainer and come off.
Other models have a screw set on the knob. Use a screwdriver to LOOSEN the screw (Do not remove the screw entirely). Simultaneously lift and rotate the stopper counterclockwise to remove the stopper.
Removing a Push-Pull Drain Stopper
Similar to the lift-and-turn, the push-pull drain stopper has a handle which is used to open and shut the drain.
Hold the base of the drain stopper with one hand and use the other to turn the knob counterclockwise until the stopper comes off. Use a washcloth or rag if the knob is too tight. Once the stopper is removed, you should see a post connecting the stopper to the crossbar of the strainer. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the post and lift the stopper from the strainer.
Removing a Toe-Touch Drain Stopper
The more convenient toe-touch drain stopper opens and shuts with the touch of your toe. These do not have a knob and are instead flat at the top.
Bring the stopper to the open position as if draining the tub. Again, you will have to hold the base of the stopper while turning the cap counterclockwise. If it does not unscrew completely, then there might be a screw to loosen.
Need a Plumber?
Are you dealing with a clogged bathtub or dysfunctional drain stopper? If you prefer to let a plumber handle it, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey. We are ready to schedule your plumbing service or repair today.
