Bathtub Won't Drain? How to Remove and Replace Stoppers Quickly

Is your bathtub filled with inches of standing water because the drain is clogged yet again? Do you have to wait ages for the tub to drain after a bath or shower? A stubborn or faulty tub drain stopper is often the culprit behind slow-draining or fully clogged bathtub drains.

Replacing old or damaged drain stoppers is an easy DIY project that can get your tub draining properly in no time.

Identifying Your Bathtub Drain Stopper Type

Before attempting to remove your tub's drain stopper, you first need to identify what type it is. The most common styles of mechanical drain stoppers include:

• Toe-touch stopper: Stopper remains closed unless pushed with your toe to activate the pop-up drain closure
• Push-pull stopper: Manually pull open to drain then close stopper after use
• Lift-and-turn stopper: Turn drain knob counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close
• Trip lever stopper: Linkage connected to an overflow plate controls the stopper

Once you determine the style, you can follow the applicable steps below to detach and remove the stopper from your tub's drain pipe. Having the right stopper name will also ensure you buy an appropriate replacement later on.

Images of Bathtub Drain Stopper Types

Removing Different Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers

To detach your existing tub drain stopper, you'll need a few basic tools: adjustable pliers, a small flathead screwdriver, channel lock pliers, and potentially some lubricant like WD-40 if your stopper is really stuck.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for safely removing each type of stopper:

Toe-Touch Stopper

For toe-touch stoppers:

1. Hold the stopper base firmly with adjustable pliers to prevent spinning
2. Turn the circular cap at the very top counterclockwise by hand or with channel locks
3. Unscrew and detach the cap to reveal the mechanism below
4. Lift out the loose stopper pieces before wiping out the drain pipe

Push-Pull Stopper

Removing a push-pull stopper takes two easy motions:

1. Pull the stopper straight up until it detaches from the drain closure
2. Give the stopper a half twist counterclockwise as you pull up to unseat it fully

Lift-and-Turn Stopper

For stoppers with a lift-and-turn knob activation:

1. Turn the knob at the drain opening counterclockwise to detach
2. Lift out the stopper assembly still connected to the knob

Trip Lever Stopper

Removing a trip lever mechanism takes a few more steps:

1. Unscrew then detach the oval faceplate from the overflow drain pipe
2. Use pliers to detach the rocker arm from the plunger rod below it
3. Pull the plunger straight up and out of the drain pipe

Troubleshooting a Stuck Bathtub Drain Stopper

If your existing tub drain stopper simply spins freely without actually coming loose, there are a couple troubleshooting tips that can help free the stuck stopper:

• Lubricate the stopper: Apply WD-40 or another penetrating oil around the stopper. Allow it to soak for 15+ minutes then retry unscrewing.
• Increase grip and torque: Use pliers on both the stopper base and activating knob/cap to get enough countering friction and leverage to finally break the stopper free.

For trip lever mechanisms where just the rocker arm detaches but leaves the plunger stuck, slide a long flathead screwdriver down into the overflow pipe. Use it to wedge and pry until the plunger pulls free.

If lubricating and using pliers does not solve the problem, the entire stopper is likely too deteriorated and will need replacing.

Choosing a Replacement Bathtub Drain Stopper

Once removed, examine your existing drain stopper unit closely. Make note of:

• The drain pipe diameter
• The vertical or horizontal stopper rod direction
• Any unique mounting brackets or hardware

Then shop for an identical match or universal retrofit stopper kit made to adapt to your existing tub drain configuration. Carefully follow any provided instructions to ensure cutoff rods and lift rods get sized and positioned properly.

Types of Replacement Stoppers

Basic replacement stopper kit styles include:

• Toe-tap or foot-actuated stoppers
• Push/pull sink stoppers with a horizontal control rod
• Lift-and-turn stoppers controlled by a vertical rod and actuator knob
• New trip lever assemblies for linkage-based actuation

What to Look for When Selecting a Replacement

Key aspects to evaluate when choosing a replacement tub drain stopper include:

• durable corrosion-resistant materials like brass, stainless steel, or chrome
• a watertight seal when closed to prevent leaks
• smooth actuation that opens and closes stopper fully
• compatibility with your drain configuration

Installing a New Bathtub Drain Stopper

Installation techniques vary slightly by stopper type but generally involve:

1. Cleaning the drain pipe threads and sealing surfaces
2. Applying plumbers putty around threaded areas
3. Lowering the stopper into the drain opening
4. Reconnecting any control rods or actuating arms
5. Making proper cutoffs for lift rods or control rods
6. Securing mounting nuts, caps, and face plates

Double check your work by filling the bathtub with a few inches of water then opening and closing the stopper multiple times. Visually inspect for leaks at joints or seals that may need further tightening.

Preventing Future Bathtub Drain Clogs

To maximize your drain stopper's longevity and minimize clogs after replacing it:

• Use a drain catcher and remove accumulated hair/debris regularly
• Pour hot water with some liquid plumber down the tub drain monthly to dissolve buildups
• Take apart and clean stopper pieces that get sticky or stuck
• Avoid forcing small objects down the drain

Periodically removing and inspecting the stopper and P-trap under the tub for clogs can also help you spot issues before water starts backing up.

Replacing a worn-out or constantly stuck tub drain stopper truly is a DIY-friendly project. Follow our step-by-step removal and replacement guide above to get your bathtub draining properly again.

Stuck on one step or noticing leaky joints? Don't hesitate to call in a professional plumber to diagnose and service your unique bathtub setup. Investing in quality drain stoppers and staying on top of drain maintenance will have your bathtub working great for years of relaxation.