When your bathtub drain stopper turns into caught or clogged, it could possibly result in water backups and unsanitary circumstances. Luckily, eradicating a bath drain stopper is normally a easy activity with considerably various steps, relying on the kind of stopper you’ve got. Whether or not you’ve got 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, it is very important collect the required instruments and supplies. You have to 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. After you have your instruments and supplies, you can begin the elimination course of by figuring out the kind of drain stopper you’ve got. This may decide the particular steps you must take to take away it.
You probably have a pop-up stopper, step one is to take away the overflow plate. That is the small, spherical plate situated on the aspect of the tub, just under 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 Sort
Raise and Flip Stopper
The commonest 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 free, you possibly can pull it out of the drain.
Push and Pull Stopper
Push and pull stoppers are one other widespread sort of tub drain stopper. These stoppers are usually fabricated from metallic 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 recent sort of tub drain stopper that’s operated by foot. These stoppers are usually fabricated from metallic or plastic and have a small lever on the underside. To take away a toe contact stopper, merely press the lever along with your foot and pull the stopper out of the drain.
Flip It Stopper
Flip It stoppers are designed to be straightforward to take away and re-insert with a easy twist. They’re usually fabricated from sturdy supplies like stainless-steel or brass and can be found in varied finishes to enhance totally different rest room types.
Strainer Stopper with Locknut
Strainer stoppers with locknuts present a safe match and stop undesirable drainage. They usually include a metallic or plastic strainer basket hooked up to a threaded locknut. To take away such a stopper, chances are you’ll want a wrench or pliers to loosen the locknut.
Eradicating a Raise-and-Flip Stopper
Raise-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 would 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 Raise-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 normally 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 possibly can raise the stopper up and out of the drain.
| Sort of Tub Drain Stopper | How you can Take away |
|---|---|
| Raise-and-turn | Raise 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 along with your toe to open or shut |
Unclogging a Toe-Contact Stopper
Toe-touch stoppers are designed to be straightforward to open and shut along with your toe, however they’ll generally turn into clogged with hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles. In case your toe-touch stopper is clogged, you possibly can normally unclog it with out having to name a plumber.
Listed here are the steps on the best way 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 sizzling water and cleaning soap. You too can 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 can assist you see higher. If you happen to see any hair or different particles, take away it with a pair of tweezers or a wire hanger.
| Trigger | Answer |
|---|---|
| Clogged drain | Use a drain snake or a plunger to clear the clog. |
| Damaged stopper | Change the stopper with a brand new one. |
| Worn-out washer | Change the washer with a brand new one. |
4. Reinstall the stopper. As soon as the drain is evident, 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 usually fabricated from metallic or plastic and have a flange that matches over the drain gap. To take away a flange stopper, you will have 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 obligatory to make use of some power.
- As soon as the flange is eliminated, you possibly can 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 possibly can clear the drain gap. Use a brush or a sponge to take away any hair or particles from the drain gap. You too can use a drain cleaner to assist take away any clogs.
- As soon as the drain gap is clear, you possibly can exchange the stopper. Insert the stopper into the drain gap after which exchange the flange. Make it possible for the flange is correctly seated over the drain gap.
Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers
Chain-link pliers, also called “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
Alter the chain-link pliers to their widest setting to accommodate the diameter of your drain stopper. Make sure the chain is free 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 Strain
Apply regular stress with the pliers, progressively tightening the chain to grip the stopper firmly. Keep away from extreme power, as it could 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 power, as chances are you’ll harm the drain or your pliers. If the stopper proves troublesome to take away, seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber or attempt different elimination strategies.
| Possibility | Issue |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers | Straightforward |
| Utilizing a Drain Snake | Medium |
| Calling a Plumber | Laborious |
Eradicating a Pop-Up Stopper
Pop-up stoppers are a typical sort of drain stopper present in bathtubs. They’re usually fabricated from rubber or plastic and are hooked up to the drain by a metallic or plastic rod. To take away a pop-up stopper, you will have a pair of pliers or a screwdriver.
Supplies Wanted
| Pliers or screwdriver |
Directions
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is normally held in place by a couple of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws after which raise off the quilt.
- Find the stopper rod. The stopper rod is hooked up to the stopper and runs by way of the middle of the drain. It’s normally fabricated from metallic or plastic.
- Grip the stopper rod with the pliers. Grip the stopper rod as near the stopper as attainable.
- 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 possibly can 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 dust 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.
- Change the drain cowl. Change the drain cowl and tighten the screws to safe it in place.
Cleansing the Drain After Elimination
As soon as you’ve got efficiently eliminated the drain stopper, it is necessary to totally clear the drain to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles that will have gathered. 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 free particles from the drain opening.
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Pour Boiling Water
Boil a pot of water and thoroughly 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 instances to dislodge any cussed clogs.
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Attempt a Drain Snake
If the plunger does not work, attempt 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 possibly can attempt utilizing a chemical drain cleaner. Comply with the producer’s directions fastidiously and keep away from utilizing it too usually as it could possibly harm the pipes.
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Vinegar and Baking Soda
For a pure drain cleansing technique, combine equal components 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 sizzling water.
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Test the P-Entice
If the drain continues 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 examine for any blockages. Clear or exchange the P-trap as wanted.
Reinstalling the Stopper
After you have 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 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 matches snugly.
- Tighten the stopper. In case your stopper has a tightening mechanism, equivalent to a screw or lever, tighten it to safe the stopper in place.
- Take a look at the stopper. Activate the water and examine if the stopper is working correctly. It ought to create a watertight seal and stop water from leaking out of the drain.
- Clear the overflow plate. In case your bathtub has an overflow plate, clear it with a material 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.
- Extra ideas for cussed stoppers:
a. Use a rubber band or wrench. You probably have a troublesome time eradicating the stopper, attempt utilizing a rubber band or wrench for further 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 possibly can attempt 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 will want a pair of needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver, and presumably a pair of rubber gloves to guard your arms.
Eradicating a Push-and-Pull Stopper
Merely pull up on the stopper to take away it. If it is caught, attempt wiggling it forwards and backwards whereas pulling up.
Eradicating a Raise-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 metallic rod that runs by way of 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 possibly can 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 metallic cable that runs by way of the middle of the stopper. Pull the cable as much as launch the stopper.
Troubleshooting Frequent 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.
Change 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 interchange the stopper or the washer that sits between the stopper and the drain.
Use a Drain Cleansing Instrument
If you happen to’re unable to take away the drain stopper by hand, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleansing software. These instruments are designed to succeed in into the drain and seize the stopper so you possibly can pull it out. There are a number of drain cleansing instruments obtainable, so you possibly can select one which’s greatest suited in 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. This may assist to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles that might construct up and trigger the stopper to get caught.
- Apply a lubricant to the drain stopper. This may assist to maintain the stopper from sticking to the drain.
- Examine the drain stopper frequently. If you happen to discover any harm or put on, it’s best to exchange the stopper to stop it from getting caught.
- Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances to scrub your drain. These chemical substances can harm the drain stopper and make it extra prone to get caught.
- You probably have a pop-up drain stopper, be certain that to raise it up and down frequently to maintain it from sticking.
- You probably have a screw-in drain stopper, be certain that to tighten it securely.
- You probably have a flange drain stopper, be certain that to scrub the flange frequently.
- You probably have a basket drain stopper, be certain that to empty it frequently.
- You probably have a toe-touch drain stopper, be certain that to scrub the toe-touch mechanism frequently.
- You probably have a cable drain stopper, be certain that to lubricate the cable frequently.
Sorts of Drain Stoppers Sort Description Pop-up A pop-up drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that’s hooked up 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 sort of drain stopper that screws into the drain pipe. Flange A flange drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that has a flange that matches over the drain pipe. Basket A basket drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that has a basket that catches hair and different particles. Toe-touch A toe-touch drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that may be opened and closed by touching it along with your toe. Cable A cable drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that’s hooked up to a cable that runs to a deal with. How you can Take away a Tub Drain Stopper
Eradicating a bath drain stopper is usually a easy activity, however it may be irritating if you do not know the best way to do it. Listed here are the steps on the best way to take away a bath 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 most important water valve.
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is normally 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 normally held in place by a rubber gasket. Use your fingers to drag up on the stopper and take away it from the drain.
Folks Additionally Ask About How you can Take away Tub Drain Stopper
How do I take away a caught tub drain stopper?
If the drain stopper is caught, you possibly can attempt 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 too can attempt 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 bath drain stopper?
To switch a bath drain stopper, merely insert the brand new stopper into the drain and switch it clockwise till it’s tight. You could want to make use of a wrench to tighten the stopper.
How do I clear a bath drain stopper?
To scrub a bath drain stopper, take away it from the drain and soak it in an answer of sizzling water and vinegar. Let the stopper soak for 10-Quarter-hour after which rinse it with clear water. You too can use a toothbrush to wash away any dust or particles.
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