How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper?

By utilizing a Bathtub drain stopper that has been developed particularly for this use, it is possible to prevent water from running down a Bathtub drain stopper and being wasted. It occurs rather regularly, and when it does, it may become stuck, rendering it hard to turn the faucet on or off. If you decide right now to take out the Bathtub drain stopper, you will better understand the fundamental issue that is the root of the difficulty you are experiencing. You must become familiar with removing the stopper from your drain if it needs to be positioned precisely where you want it to be. If your stopper doesn’t completely cover the bottom of the tub when in place, it won’t effectively retain water. This will make taking a bath an unpleasant experience for you.

If you want to learn how to remove the Bathtub drain stopper, you first need to figure out what sort of stopper you will need to replace once the problem has been fixed. So, how do you go about removing this type of bathtub drain stopper? If you read the text that comes after this one, you will find out about the most frequent drain stoppers used for bathtubs.

Push/Pull Stopper

The push/pull stopper features a push-pull rod located on its side. This rod has a hole at one end that is large enough for your finger to fit into, and the other has a handle that extends in the shape of a sphere from one end. The push-pull mechanism is connected to a plunger, which can halt the flow of water by putting pressure on it while it is inserted into the drain from the bottom up. The following is the procedure that must be followed to remove the push-pull bathtub drain stopper:

1. Remove the knob that is affixed to the very top of the Bathtub drain stopper. Using one’s hands to remove both the stopper and the knob is necessary. To remove the knob, you will need to wiggle it with one hand until it comes loose.
2. Do you find it challenging to turn the knob with your hands since it is so snug? First, to remove the object, secure it with a towel by wrapping it around it carefully, and then use normal pliers.
3. After it has been taken off, you will need to search for the precise spot on the filter’s crossbar where the stopper was attached before it was taken off. It is recommended that a basic screwdriver with a flat head be utilized to release the pot from the filter.

Toe-Touch Tub Stopper

Toe-Touch Tub Stopper Toe-touch tub stoppers resemble pliers and can be lifted to reveal a hole in the tub drain. When applying pressure to it, the handle will dislodge, and the bathtub drain stopper will prevent water from escaping through your bathtub’s drains. What is the best way to eliminate a tub stopper you accidentally touch with your toe?

1. Turning one end of the rod that protrudes out from behind the rubber top requires using a screwdriver or a set of tongs. This is done to remove the plunger. It would help if you made an effort to utilize the tools that are available to you to remove this rod from its current setting.
2. After removing the plunger, the rubber top can be separated from its base by pulling it upward from the opposite side of its initial attachment. If everything has proceeded as intended, you should now be able to release the strainer by turning its head clockwise using your hands.
3. Once the head has been unscrewed, it may be removed from the stopper by lifting it upward and away from it.
4. This knob is placed on the very top of the drain. Gently raise the stopper until it separates from its base, facilitating effortless removal. The Lift and Turn Tub Stopper is secured to the tub with two screws when installed.

Lift and Turn the Bathtub Drain Stopper

How does one extract this type of stopper from the bathtub drain?

1. After verifying that the stopper is in the ‘open’ position, place one hand on top of the body to prevent movement while using the other hand to stabilize it.
2. Take out the stopper from the strainer, then rotate the knob in the opposite direction, while attentively looking for a screw set on the knob. If you cannot find one, turn the stopper around so that it is pointing in the opposite direction of the clock. Because of this, you can take it from the strainer in increments until it can be removed entirely.
3. Sometimes the threads will be removed, which will make it extremely difficult to get rid of the item. You may pick it up while giving it a light twist in the direction of the lift.
4. If your stopper lacks a screw directly on the knob, you can still unscrew it. Lift and rotate the bathtub drain stopper until you locate a small screw concealed somewhere inside it. You may loosen the screw by using either a screwdriver or a wrench.
5. Either one will work. When removing the stopper from its fastenings, do not completely remove the screws from their positions. When employing this approach, it is crucial to exercise great care, as the screw, if entirely loosened, may drop into the drain and become irretrievable.
6. If neither the stopper nor the knob has any set screws, the problem is likely a channel/pin mechanism.
7. After you have removed the stopper from the channel, you will need to gently twist the component in the opposite direction so that the pin on the upper half of the component aligns with the slot on the lower half.
8. Please give it a little wiggle to loosen the cap and make it easier to remove.

Alternative Tub Stoppers

A flip-it Bathtub drain stopper is secured to the underside of the overflow plate with the help of a single screw. In most cases, removing this kind of stopper from a bathtub is not difficult. To remove the stopper from the bottle, take hold of it by its body and twist it in every manner you can think of until it comes loose.

Steps to Take Once The Process Is Completed

Next Steps After Completing the Process Once you have successfully removed the stopper from the bathtub drain, use a flashlight to inspect the drain further. If your bathtub’s water drainage is unusually slow, it may indicate a buildup of soap scum, hair, and other materials causing a persistent obstruction. If the blockage is not too severe, you can try removing the strainer and manually clearing the clog yourself if you feel confident enough. Despite this, you may avoid all the unpleasant mess by hiring Ricks Plumbing to take care of your bathtub.

FAQs

Q1: How do you remove a pop-up sink stopper?

Removing a pop-up sink stopper is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished with a few simple steps. Begin by locating the pivot rod beneath the sink, which is connected to the back of the drain pipe. Loosen the retaining nut on the pivot rod, allowing it to be disconnected from the clevis strap. 

Q2: Can I unscrew my bathtub drain?

Yes, you can typically unscrew a bathtub drain. To do so, you’ll need to use a tub drain wrench or a pair of pliers to grip the crossbars or other suitable parts of the drain. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen and unscrew the drain from the drainpipe beneath. Keep in mind that some drains might have a stopper assembly that needs to be removed first.

Q3: How do you get a stuck bathtub stopper out?

Getting a stuck bathtub stopper out can be a manageable task with a few steps. First, try twisting the stopper counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it’s a lift-and-turn or push-and-pull stopper, these usually have a screw underneath that needs to be loosened. If twisting doesn’t work, you can use pliers or an adjustable wrench to grip the stopper and turn it counterclockwise.

Q4: What are the different types of bathtub drain stoppers?

There are several types of bathtub drain stoppers, each with its own mechanism for sealing and unsealing the drain. One common type is the lift-and-turn stopper, which is operated by twisting it clockwise to close and counterclockwise to open. Push-and-pull stoppers work by pushing down to close and pulling up to open.