When your bathtub drain stopper turns into caught or clogged, it will possibly result in water backups and unsanitary situations. Thankfully, eradicating a bathtub drain stopper is often a easy activity with considerably various steps, relying on the kind of stopper you’ve gotten. Whether or not you’ve gotten a pop-up stopper, a lift-and-turn stopper, or a toe-touch stopper, we’ll information you thru the method of eradicating it safely and simply, minimizing harm to your drain and restoring the performance of your bathtub.
Earlier than you start, you will need to collect the required instruments and supplies. You’ll need a pair of needle-nose pliers, a flathead screwdriver, and a flashlight for higher visibility into the drain. In case your stopper has a screw or bolt, additionally, you will want the suitable screwdriver or wrench. Upon getting your instruments and supplies, you can begin the removing course of by figuring out the kind of drain stopper you’ve gotten. It will decide the precise steps it is advisable to take to take away it.
In case you have a pop-up stopper, step one is to take away the overflow plate. That is the small, spherical plate situated on the facet of the tub, slightly below the tap. As soon as the overflow plate is eliminated, you will note a small screw or bolt that holds the stopper in place. Utilizing the suitable screwdriver or wrench, take away the screw or bolt and the stopper will come proper out.
Figuring out the Stopper Kind
Elevate and Flip Stopper
The most typical sort of tub drain stopper is the raise and switch stopper. This stopper is usually fabricated from rubber or plastic and has a small tab or deal with on high. To take away a raise and switch stopper, merely raise the tab or deal with and switch the stopper counterclockwise. As soon as the stopper is unfastened, you may pull it out of the drain.
Push and Pull Stopper
Push and pull stoppers are one other frequent sort of tub drain stopper. These stoppers are sometimes fabricated from steel or plastic and have a small button or lever on high. To take away a push and pull stopper, merely press the button or lever and pull the stopper out of the drain.
Toe Contact Stopper
Toe contact stoppers are a more moderen sort of tub drain stopper that’s operated by foot. These stoppers are sometimes fabricated from steel or plastic and have a small lever on the underside. To take away a toe contact stopper, merely press the lever together with your foot and pull the stopper out of the drain.
Flip It Stopper
Flip It stoppers are designed to be simple to take away and re-insert with a easy twist. They’re sometimes fabricated from sturdy supplies like stainless-steel or brass and can be found in numerous finishes to enrich totally different lavatory kinds.
Strainer Stopper with Locknut
Strainer stoppers with locknuts present a safe match and forestall undesirable drainage. They sometimes include a steel or plastic strainer basket connected to a threaded locknut. To take away the sort of stopper, chances are you’ll want a wrench or pliers to loosen the locknut.
Eradicating a Elevate-and-Flip Stopper
Elevate-and-turn stoppers are held in place by a flange on the underside that matches right into a notch within the drain. To take away one, first raise the stopper up so far as it’ll go. Then, flip it counterclockwise till it comes free. If the stopper is caught, you should use a pair of pliers to grip the flange and switch it.
Eradicating a Elevate-and-Flip Stopper with a Screw
Some lift-and-turn stoppers have a screw that holds them in place. To take away one in all these stoppers, you will have to take away the screw first. The screw is often situated within the heart of the stopper. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw after which take away it.
As soon as the screw is eliminated, you may raise the stopper up and out of the drain.
| Kind of Tub Drain Stopper | The way to Take away |
|---|---|
| Elevate-and-turn | Elevate up, then flip counterclockwise |
| Flip-it | Flip the highest of the stopper to open or shut |
| Push-pull | Push all the way down to open, pull as much as shut |
| Toe-touch | Faucet the stopper together with your toe to open or shut |
Unclogging a Toe-Contact Stopper
Toe-touch stoppers are designed to be simple to open and shut together with your toe, however they’ll typically grow to be clogged with hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles. In case your toe-touch stopper is clogged, you may often unclog it with out having to name a plumber.
Listed below are the steps on easy methods to unclog a toe-touch stopper:
1. Take away the stopper from the drain. To do that, merely pull up on the stopper till it comes out.
2. Clear the stopper. As soon as the stopper is eliminated, clear it with scorching water and cleaning soap. You can too use a toothbrush to take away any cussed particles.
3. Examine the drain opening. As soon as the stopper is clear, examine the drain opening for any clogs. You should use a flashlight that will help you see higher. For those who see any hair or different particles, take away it with a pair of tweezers or a wire hanger.
| Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Clogged drain | Use a drain snake or a plunger to clear the clog. |
| Damaged stopper | Substitute the stopper with a brand new one. |
| Worn-out washer | Substitute the washer with a brand new one. |
4. Reinstall the stopper. As soon as the drain is obvious, reinstall the stopper. To do that, merely push the stopper again into the drain opening till it snaps into place.
Eradicating a Flange Stopper
Flange stoppers are the most typical sort of tub drain stopper. They’re sometimes fabricated from steel or plastic and have a flange that matches over the drain gap. To take away a flange stopper, you will want to:
- Use a pair of pliers to grip the flange. Watch out to not scratch the end of the bathtub.
- Pull the flange straight up. It might be mandatory to make use of some drive.
- As soon as the flange is eliminated, you may take away the stopper. The stopper could also be held in place by a screw or a clip. If the stopper is held in place by a screw, use a screwdriver to take away the screw. If the stopper is held in place by a clip, use a pair of pliers to take away the clip.
- As soon as the stopper is eliminated, you may clear the drain gap. Use a brush or a sponge to take away any hair or particles from the drain gap. You can too use a drain cleaner to assist take away any clogs.
- As soon as the drain gap is clear, you may exchange the stopper. Insert the stopper into the drain gap after which exchange the flange. Be sure that the flange is correctly seated over the drain gap.
Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers
Chain-link pliers, also referred to as “channel locks,” provide a safe grip and ample leverage for eradicating tub drain stoppers. Comply with these detailed steps to successfully use chain-link pliers:
1. Put together the Pliers
Regulate the chain-link pliers to their widest setting to accommodate the diameter of your drain stopper. Make sure the chain is unfastened sufficient to suit round it however tight sufficient to stop slippage.
2. Place the Pliers
Rigorously place the chain-link pliers across the base of the drain stopper, guaranteeing the tooth of the pliers are securely engaged with the stopper’s floor.
3. Apply Stress
Apply regular stress with the pliers, regularly tightening the chain to grip the stopper firmly. Keep away from extreme drive, as it might harm the stopper or your pliers.
4. Rock the Stoppers
As soon as the stopper is securely gripped, gently rock it forwards and backwards whereas sustaining stress. This rocking movement helps to loosen the stopper’s grip on the drain.
5. Take away the Stopper
Proceed rocking and pulling the stopper till it releases from the drain. Be cautious to not apply an excessive amount of drive, as chances are you’ll harm the drain or your pliers. If the stopper proves tough to take away, seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber or strive various removing strategies.
| Choice | Issue |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers | Simple |
| Utilizing a Drain Snake | Medium |
| Calling a Plumber | Exhausting |
Eradicating a Pop-Up Stopper
Pop-up stoppers are a standard sort of drain stopper present in bathtubs. They’re sometimes fabricated from rubber or plastic and are connected to the drain by a steel or plastic rod. To take away a pop-up stopper, you will want a pair of pliers or a screwdriver.
Supplies Wanted
| Pliers or screwdriver |
Directions
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by a couple of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws after which raise off the duvet.
- Find the stopper rod. The stopper rod is connected to the stopper and runs via the middle of the drain. It’s often fabricated from steel or plastic.
- Grip the stopper rod with the pliers. Grip the stopper rod as near the stopper as potential.
- Pull the stopper rod up. Pull the stopper rod up till the stopper is launched from the drain.
- Take away the stopper. As soon as the stopper is launched, you may take away it from the drain.
- Clear the drain and stopper. Earlier than reinstalling the stopper, clear the drain and stopper to take away any grime or particles. You should use a light cleaning soap and water answer to scrub the drain and stopper.
- Reinstall the stopper. To reinstall the stopper, insert the stopper rod into the drain after which push down on the stopper till it’s totally seated.
- Substitute the drain cowl. Substitute the drain cowl and tighten the screws to safe it in place.
Cleansing the Drain After Removing
As soon as you’ve got efficiently eliminated the drain stopper, it is necessary to completely clear the drain to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles which will have collected. Here is a step-by-step information to make sure a clear and functioning drain:
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Take away Free Particles
Use a pair of pliers or tweezers to take away any seen hair, cleaning soap scum, or different unfastened particles from the drain opening.
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Pour Boiling Water
Boil a pot of water and punctiliously pour it down the drain. The new water will assist to dissolve cleaning soap scum and loosen any remaining particles.
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Use a Plunger
Place a plunger over the drain opening and plunge vigorously a number of occasions to dislodge any cussed clogs.
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Attempt a Drain Snake
If the plunger would not work, strive utilizing a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to interrupt up any clogs. Withdraw the snake and take away any particles that comes out with it.
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Chemical Drain Cleaner
As a final resort, you may strive utilizing a chemical drain cleaner. Comply with the producer’s directions fastidiously and keep away from utilizing it too typically as it will possibly harm the pipes.
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Vinegar and Baking Soda
For a pure drain cleansing technique, combine equal elements white vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain. Go away it to take a seat for half-hour after which flush with scorching water.
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Examine the P-Entice
If the drain remains to be clogged, the issue could also be within the P-trap, which is the U-shaped part of pipe beneath the sink. Disconnect the P-trap and verify for any blockages. Clear or exchange the P-trap as wanted.
Reinstalling the Stopper
Upon getting cleaned the stopper and drain, it is time to reinstall the stopper. Here is a step-by-step information:
- Align the stopper with the drain. Be certain that the stopper is correctly aligned with the drain gap.
- Insert the stopper into the drain. Gently push the stopper into the drain gap till it suits snugly.
- Tighten the stopper. In case your stopper has a tightening mechanism, akin to a screw or lever, tighten it to safe the stopper in place.
- Take a look at the stopper. Activate the water and verify if the stopper is working correctly. It ought to create a watertight seal and forestall water from leaking out of the drain.
- Clear the overflow plate. In case your bathtub has an overflow plate, clear it with a fabric or sponge to take away any particles or cleaning soap scum.
- Reinstall the overflow cowl. In case your bathtub has an overflow cowl, reinstall it by aligning it with the overflow plate and urgent it into place.
- Tighten the overflow cowl. If the overflow cowl has a tightening mechanism, tighten it to safe it in place.
- Further suggestions for cussed stoppers:
a. Use a rubber band or wrench. In case you have a tough time eradicating the stopper, strive utilizing a rubber band or wrench for additional grip.
b. Apply penetrating oil. If the stopper is rusted or caught, apply a penetrating oil across the base of the stopper and let it sit for a couple of minutes to loosen it.
c. Use a pair of pliers. If all else fails, you may strive utilizing a pair of pliers to softly grip the stopper and pull it out. Watch out to not harm the stopper or the drain.
Getting the Proper Instruments
You may want a pair of needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver, and presumably a pair of rubber gloves to guard your palms.
Eradicating a Push-and-Pull Stopper
Merely pull up on the stopper to take away it. If it is caught, strive wiggling it forwards and backwards whereas pulling up.
Eradicating a Elevate-and-Flip Stopper
Flip the stopper counterclockwise to loosen it, then raise it out by its heart knob.
Eradicating a Pop-Up Stopper
Press down on the stopper to open it, then use pliers to grip the small steel rod that runs via the middle of the stopper. Pull the rod as much as launch the stopper.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Screw
Use a screwdriver to take away the screw that holds the stopper in place. As soon as the screw is eliminated, you may raise out the stopper.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Chain
Pull up on the chain to raise the stopper out of the drain.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Cable
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the small steel cable that runs via the middle of the stopper. Pull the cable as much as launch the stopper.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
The stopper is caught and will not come out.
Attempt utilizing pliers to grip the stopper and wiggle it forwards and backwards whereas pulling up. If that does not work, chances are you’ll have to name a plumber.
The stopper is damaged.
Substitute the damaged stopper with a brand new one that matches your drain. You could find alternative stoppers at most {hardware} shops.
The stopper is leaking.
Tighten the screw that holds the stopper in place. If the leak persists, chances are you’ll want to exchange the stopper or the washer that sits between the stopper and the drain.
Use a Drain Cleansing Software
For those who’re unable to take away the drain stopper by hand, you may strive utilizing a drain cleansing software. These instruments are designed to achieve into the drain and seize the stopper so you may pull it out. There are a number of drain cleansing instruments accessible, so you may select one which’s greatest suited to your wants.
Ideas for Preventative Upkeep
To stop your tub drain stopper from getting caught sooner or later, there are some things you are able to do:
- Clear your drain frequently. It will assist to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles that would construct up and trigger the stopper to get caught.
- Apply a lubricant to the drain stopper. It will assist to maintain the stopper from sticking to the drain.
- Examine the drain stopper frequently. For those who discover any harm or put on, you must exchange the stopper to stop it from getting caught.
- Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds to scrub your drain. These chemical compounds can harm the drain stopper and make it extra more likely to get caught.
- In case you have a pop-up drain stopper, be certain to raise it up and down frequently to maintain it from sticking.
- In case you have a screw-in drain stopper, be certain to tighten it securely.
- In case you have a flange drain stopper, be certain to scrub the flange frequently.
- In case you have a basket drain stopper, be certain to empty it frequently.
- In case you have a toe-touch drain stopper, be certain to scrub the toe-touch mechanism frequently.
- In case you have a cable drain stopper, be certain to lubricate the cable frequently.
Varieties of Drain Stoppers Kind Description Pop-up A pop-up drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that’s connected to the drain pipe by a spring. When the stopper is lifted, it pops up and blocks the drain. Screw-in A screw-in drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that screws into the drain pipe. Flange A flange drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that has a flange that matches over the drain pipe. Basket A basket drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that has a basket that catches hair and different particles. Toe-touch A toe-touch drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that may be opened and closed by touching it together with your toe. Cable A cable drain stopper is a kind of drain stopper that’s connected to a cable that runs to a deal with. The way to Take away a Tub Drain Stopper
Eradicating a bathtub drain stopper could be a easy activity, however it may be irritating if you do not know easy methods to do it. Listed below are the steps on easy methods to take away a bathtub drain stopper:
- Flip off the water. Step one is to show off the water to the bathtub. You are able to do this by turning off the handles on the tap or by turning off the water provide on the important water valve.
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by a screw. Use a screwdriver to take away the screw after which raise off the drain cowl.
- Take away the stopper. The stopper is often held in place by a rubber gasket. Use your fingers to tug up on the stopper and take away it from the drain.
Folks Additionally Ask About The way to Take away Tub Drain Stopper
How do I take away a caught tub drain stopper?
If the drain stopper is caught, you may strive utilizing a pair of pliers to take away it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and twist it forwards and backwards till it loosens. You can too strive utilizing a drain snake to take away the stopper. Insert the drain snake into the drain and switch it clockwise. The snake will wrap across the stopper and loosen it.
How do I exchange a bathtub drain stopper?
To exchange a bathtub drain stopper, merely insert the brand new stopper into the drain and switch it clockwise till it’s tight. It’s possible you’ll want to make use of a wrench to tighten the stopper.
How do I clear a bathtub drain stopper?
To wash a bathtub drain stopper, take away it from the drain and soak it in an answer of scorching water and vinegar. Let the stopper soak for 10-Quarter-hour after which rinse it with clear water. You can too use a toothbrush to clean away any grime or particles.
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