The simple rubber plug and rubber drain cover are the most common types of bathtub drain stoppers, according to plumbers. In most cases, you can identify stoppers quickly, and figuring out how they function is not difficult. There’s one type of stopper that seems utterly invisible, but somehow manages to hold water despite not being visible at all. Despite its unseen location, the trip lever stopper performs its work deep inside the drain.
Bathtub stoppers require periodic maintenance, just like any other plumbing component. Some of them are made of rubber, and they can wear out over time. Most of them can also stop working if soap or hair get stuck in the drain. The stopper often needs to be removed for this maintenance. Knowing your stopper’s type and how it works is important to accomplish this.
Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers
1. The Toe-Touch Drain Stopper
Toe-touch drain stoppers save you from bending over. You can close the drain by pushing on its cap with your toe, and you can open it by pressing it again. Upon closing the drain, a rubber seal holds back water.
Among the parts of this stopper that are most vulnerable is the rubber seal. A dirty drain can cause a pool of fetid water in the tub when a stopper wears out and soap and debris stick to it. Replaceable seals are easy to find.
- Cap and shaft cylinder of the stopper need to be grasped with one hand each after the stopper is open. For those who cannot fit their fingers under the cap, use a pair of pliers to grasp the shaft.
- The cap can be unscrewed and removed by twisting it.
- Replacing the rubber seal requires prying off the old one and replacing it with a freshly made one.
- Ensure that the cap is firmly in place.
It can be easily replaced by unscrewing the screw that holds it to the drain grid and lifting it out.
2. The Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper
A lift-and-turn stopper does require you to bend over to use it, but other than that, it works fairly well. In order to close the stopper, you must turn it a tiny bit in order to align a pin in it with a notch in the drain. Once the stopper is aligned, the stopper will drop and seal the opening. The stopper will lock in place after another slight turn. The stopper can be opened by reversing the procedure.
Almost all models feature spring-loaded stoppers that return automatically to the open position. There can be wear and tear on the spring as well as the rubber seal. The following procedure should be followed if either of these components needs to be replaced:
- The stopper cap is held to the post by a set-screw, which you can see when you open and rotate the stopper. Screwdrivers or Allen wrenches can be used to remove this. The stopper cap can be unscrewed by turning the knob counterclockwise while holding it.
- Take off the stopper by taking off the cap. If necessary, replace the rubber gasket and/or spring.
- Make sure all hair is removed from the drain before reassembling the stopper.
Stoppers with worn threads and old stoppers may be difficult to turn. When turning the knob, keep the cap from spinning by wedgeing a screwdriver under it and applying upward pressure.
3. The Flip-It Drain Stopper
In the same way as a wine bottle stopper, a flip-it drain stopper works in drains without strainers. Swing the lever on top of the stopper 180 degrees to fit it into the drain opening. To seal the drain, rubber O-rings are pressed against its sides. To open the drain, push the lever in the other direction and release the seal.
The O-rings may need to be replaced if the stopper is leaking slowly. Plumber’s grease can be used to improve the seal if you don’t have any other options.
4. The PresFlo Drain Stopper
One of the few drain stoppers on this list with a name, the PresFlo is relatively new in the drain stopper market. A tight-fitting stopper rotates inside a sleeve that fits inside a conventional drain. Close the drain by rotating the stopper horizontally, and open it by rotating it vertically.
Rubber O-rings play a large role in stopping the flow of water on most stoppers, and they need to be replaced regularly as well. The stopper must be removed from the sleeve to do this. This can be accomplished by flipping the stopper horizontally, attaching a suction cup to it, and pulling it out. To seat the stopper, insert the O-ring again after replacing the stopper
5. Lever-Activated Drain Stoppers
Last but not least, both stoppers work similarly. Their operation is controlled by a lever on the front of the bathtub that hides behind the front.
The pop-up stopper works the same way as the sink drain stopper.
- Lift the lever on the front of the tub stopper to close the stopper, and lower the lever to drain the tub. This mechanism works by connecting lift rods to levers and rockers that control the stopper.
- You can simply lift the stopper out of the drain opening when you want to clean it or replace the gasket since the lift rod isn’t physically connected to the rocker arm.
- The rocker arm can be extracted from the drain by grasping and lifting straight up for about one inch, then pulling towards the back of the tub. You may have trouble finding a replacement rocker arm if it gets damaged.
Alternatively, you could remove the stopper and use a Flip-it or PresFlo stopper instead if you decide to replace the entire mechanism.
A trip lever stopper is a mystery drain stopper that appears to close the drain without actually doing so. The stopper is located at the junction of the horizontal drain pipe and the vertical overflow pipe containing the lever linkage. Stoppers are heavy, cylinder-shaped cylinders that fit tightly inside pipes but aren’t too tight to impede movement.
Upon lowering the lever, the linkage lowers the stopper, which opens the drain pipe in front of the stopper. Once the lever is lifted, the linkage lifts out the stopper. You lift out the entire linkage-stopper and all-to remove a trip lever stopper for service by unscrewing the overflow plate and lever trip lever from the tub. A linkage adjustment screw can be used if the drain leaks. To speed up draining, shorten the linkage.
FAQs
Can you replace the drain stopper in a bathtub?
The answer is yes, you can replace the drain stopper in a bathtub. There are several types of bathtub drain stoppers, so you will need to know which one you have in order to replace it. The most common type of bathtub drain stopper is the lift and turn type. To remove this type of stopper, simply lift up on the stopper and turn it counterclockwise. Another type of bathtub drain stopper is the push pull type. To remove this type of stopper, simply push down on the center of the stopper and pull it out. For both types of stoppers, be sure to take note of how they are installed so that you can install the new one correctly.
If you need to replace your bathtub drain stopper, be sure to purchase one that is made for your particular tub. That way, you can be sure it will fit properly and work correctly. There are many different styles and types of bathtub drain stoppers on the market, so you should have no problem finding one that meets your needs.
Are bathtub drain plugs universal?
No, bathtub drain plugs are not universal. There are several different types and sizes of bathtub drains, so there is not one size or type of plug that will fit all drains. You’ll need to identify the type of drain in your tub and purchase a plug that is designed to fit that particular drain. The most common types of bathtub drains are pop-up, lift-and-turn, and toe-touch. Other less common types include flip-it, twist-and-lock, and trip lever.
How do I remove a lift and turn drain stopper?
Lift and turn drain stoppers are one of the most common types of bathtub drain stoppers. They are usually easy to remove, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, lift up on the knob or lever that is attached to the stopper. This will release the suction that is holding the stopper in place. Next, turn the knob or lever counterclockwise until it comes all the way out.
Once the knob or lever is removed, you should be able to pull the stopper out by hand. If it is still stuck, you can use a plunger to help loosen it. Be sure to put some lubricant on the plunger first so that it does not damage the finish on your tub.
How do I remove a lift and turn drain stopper?
Lift and turn drain stoppers are one of the most common types of bathtub drain stoppers. They are usually easy to remove, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, lift up on the knob or lever that is attached to the stopper. This will release the suction that is holding the stopper in place. Next, turn the knob or lever counterclockwise until it comes all the way out.
Once the knob or lever is removed, you should be able to pull the stopper out by hand. If it is still stuck, you can use a plunger to help loosen it. Be sure to put some lubricant on the plunger first so that it does not damage the finish on your tub.
How do I remove a pop-up drain stopper?
Pop-up drain stoppers are another common type of bathtub drain stopper. They are usually easy to remove, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, locate the knob or lever that is attached to the stopper. This is usually located near the top of the stopper. Next, push down on the knob or lever to release the suction that is holding the stopper in place. Finally, pull the stopper out by hand.
If the stopper is still stuck, you can use a plunger to help loosen it. Be sure to put some lubricant on the plunger first so that it does not damage the finish on your tub.
How do I remove a toe-touch drain stopper?
Toe-touch drain stoppers are another common type of bathtub drain stopper. They are usually easy to remove, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, locate the knob or lever that is attached to the stopper. This is usually located near the top of the stopper. Next, push down on the knob or lever to release the suction that is holding the stopper in place. Finally, pull the stopper out by hand.
If the stopper is still stuck, you can use a plunger to help loosen it. Be sure to put some lubricant on the plunger first so that it does not damage the finish on your tub.
How do I remove a trip-lever drain stopper?
Trip-lever drain stoppers are another common type of bathtub drain stopper. They are usually easy to remove, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, locate the knob or lever that is attached to the stopper. This is usually located near the top of the stopper. Next, push down on the knob or lever to release the suction that is holding the stopper in place. Finally, pull the stopper out by hand.
If the stopper is still stuck, you can use a plunger to help loosen it. Be sure to put some lubricant on the plunger first so that it does not damage the finish on your tub.
These are just a few of the most common types of bathtub drain stoppers. If you are having trouble removing your stopper, you may want to consult a plumber for assistance. Remember to put some lubricant on the plunger before using it so that you do not damage the finish on your tub.
