When your bathtub drain stopper turns into caught or clogged, it will possibly result in water backups and unsanitary circumstances. Happily, eradicating a bathtub drain stopper is normally a easy job with considerably various steps, relying on the kind of stopper you may have. Whether or not you may have a pop-up stopper, a lift-and-turn stopper, or a toe-touch stopper, we are going to 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 will have 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 removing course of by figuring out the kind of drain stopper you may have. This may decide the particular steps you could take to take away it.
When you’ve got 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 notice 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 commonest kind of tub drain stopper is the carry 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 carry and switch stopper, merely carry 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 kind of tub drain stopper. These stoppers are sometimes 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 moderen kind of tub drain stopper that’s operated by foot. These stoppers are sometimes fabricated from metallic 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 chrome steel or brass and can be found in varied finishes to enrich totally different rest room types.
Strainer Stopper with Locknut
Strainer stoppers with locknuts present a safe match and forestall undesirable drainage. They sometimes include a metallic or plastic strainer basket hooked up to a threaded locknut. To take away this 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 carry the stopper up so far as it is going to 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 considered one of these stoppers, you will must 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 carry the stopper up and out of the drain.
| Kind of Tub Drain Stopper | The best 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 will typically change 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 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 utilize a flashlight that will help you see higher. Should you 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 | 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 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 kind of tub drain stopper. They’re sometimes fabricated from metallic 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 could be needed to make use of some drive.
- 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 can too 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, often known 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
Modify 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
Fastidiously 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, progressively 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 | Problem |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers | Straightforward |
| Utilizing a Drain Snake | Medium |
| Calling a Plumber | Arduous |
Eradicating a Pop-Up Stopper
Pop-up stoppers are a typical kind of drain stopper present in bathtubs. They’re sometimes 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 want 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 number of screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws after which carry off the duvet.
- Find the stopper rod. The stopper rod is hooked up to the stopper and runs by 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 utilize a gentle cleaning soap and water answer to wash 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 vital 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 Unfastened 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 punctiliously pour it down the drain. The recent 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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Strive 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 possibly can strive utilizing a chemical drain cleaner. Comply with the producer’s directions rigorously 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 methodology, combine equal elements white vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain. Go away it to sit down for half-hour after which flush with scorching water.
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Examine the P-Lure
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 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. Ensure 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, comparable 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 forestall 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. When you’ve got a tough time eradicating the stopper, strive 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 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 will 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 carry 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 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 carry out the stopper.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Chain
Pull up on the chain to carry 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 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.
Strive utilizing pliers to grip the stopper and wiggle it forwards and backwards whereas pulling up. If that does not work, chances are you’ll must name a plumber.
The stopper is damaged.
Substitute the damaged stopper with a brand new one that matches your drain. You will discover substitute 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 switch the stopper or the washer that sits between the stopper and the drain.
Use a Drain Cleansing Software
Should you’re unable to take away the drain stopper by hand, you possibly can strive utilizing a drain cleansing software. These instruments are designed to achieve into the drain and seize the stopper so you possibly can pull it out. There are a number of drain cleansing instruments accessible, so you possibly can select one which’s greatest suited on your wants.
Ideas for Preventative Upkeep
To forestall your tub drain stopper from getting caught sooner or later, there are some things you are able to do:
- Clear your drain recurrently. This may 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. This may assist to maintain the stopper from sticking to the drain.
- Examine the drain stopper recurrently. Should you discover any harm or put on, you need to exchange the stopper to stop it from getting caught.
- Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances to wash your drain. These chemical substances can harm the drain stopper and make it extra more likely to get caught.
- When you’ve got a pop-up drain stopper, ensure to carry it up and down recurrently to maintain it from sticking.
- When you’ve got a screw-in drain stopper, ensure to tighten it securely.
- When you’ve got a flange drain stopper, ensure to wash the flange recurrently.
- When you’ve got a basket drain stopper, ensure to empty it recurrently.
- When you’ve got a toe-touch drain stopper, ensure to wash the toe-touch mechanism recurrently.
- When you’ve got a cable drain stopper, ensure to lubricate the cable recurrently.
Forms of Drain Stoppers Kind Description Pop-up A pop-up drain stopper is a kind 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 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 hooked up to a cable that runs to a deal with. The best way to Take away a Tub Drain Stopper
Eradicating a bathtub drain stopper could be a easy job, however it may be irritating if you do not know do it. Listed here are the steps on 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 foremost 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 carry 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 The best way to Take away Tub Drain Stopper
How do I take away a caught tub drain stopper?
If the drain stopper is caught, you possibly can 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 scrub 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 dust or particles.
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