Bathtub Trip Lever Stuck? 3 Reasons Why

It's frustrating when the trip lever in your bathtub suddenly stops working properly. You flip it up and down, but it feels stiff and the drain doesn't open or close like it should.

Before calling a plumber, there are a few common issues that cause bathtub trip levers to get stuck. Identifying the root cause is key to getting it working again.

Reason 1: Grime Buildup

Over time, grime from soap, body oils, and mineral deposits in the water can accumulate on the moving parts of the trip lever. This sticky buildup makes the lever harder to operate and can even cause it to jam.

Signs of Grime Buildup

• The trip lever feels stiff and takes extra effort to move
• It may become completely stuck in one position

Removing Grime

Cleaning off the grimy buildup will often get the trip lever moving freely again. Try spraying CLR or another calcium/lime remover on the stuck components. Allow it soak in for 5-10 minutes to dissolve the gunk before operating the lever several times. The CLR will break up grime and loosen the lever.

Reason 2: Detached Linkage

Inside the bathtub's drain apparatus, a linkage assembly connects the outer trip lever to an inner plunger that seals the drain closed. If parts of this linkage become disconnected, it can stop the trip lever from properly controlling the drain.

Symptoms of a Detached Linkage

• The trip lever moves but doesn't open or close the drain
• Loose or disconnected rods moving inside the drain

How to Fix a Detached Linkage

If the lever isn't engaging the plunger as it should, the linkage likely needs to be reattached. First remove the cover plate to expose the linkage assembly. You may see the plunger has come completely disconnected from the outer lever. Carefully reconnect the rods, getting everything lined up correctly. Some adjustment of the plunger height and new gaskets may be needed to get a watertight seal.

Reason 3: Dislodged Plunger

Proper drainage relies on the plunger inside your tub creating a tight seal when lowered into the closed position. If the plunger gets knocked out of alignment, it can result in leaks and cause problems for the entire trip lever mechanism.

Signs of a Leaking Plunger

• Water level doesn't rise when tub is filled
• Drain doesn't fully close and leaks persist

To realign a faulty plunger, remove the drain apparatus to inspect it. Look for obstructions around the plunger seal that may be blocking it from seating properly. Clean the area thoroughly before reinstalling the plunger assembly. Replacement of old gaskets is recommended. Adjust as needed to regain a complete water seal.

As you can see, several issues with drain components can make your bathtub's trip lever stuck and dysfunctional. Carefully diagnosing whether grime buildup, disconnected linkage, or plunger problems lie behind the stuck lever will set you on the right path to fixing it.