When your bathtub drain stopper turns into caught or clogged, it might probably result in water backups and unsanitary circumstances. Fortuitously, eradicating a bath drain stopper is often a easy activity with considerably various steps, relying on the kind of stopper you will have. Whether or not you will have 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 injury to your drain and restoring the performance of your bathtub.
Earlier than you start, you will need to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You’ll need 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. Upon getting your instruments and supplies, you can begin the removing course of by figuring out the kind of drain stopper you will have. This can decide the precise steps it’s worthwhile to take to take away it.
In case you have 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 Sort
Raise and Flip Stopper
The most typical kind 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 frequent 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 recent 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 straightforward to take away and re-insert with a easy twist. They’re sometimes fabricated from sturdy supplies like stainless-steel or brass and can be found in numerous finishes to enhance totally different rest room kinds.
Strainer Stopper with Locknut
Strainer stoppers with locknuts present a safe match and stop undesirable drainage. They sometimes encompass a metallic or plastic strainer basket connected to a threaded locknut. To take away this sort of stopper, it’s possible 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’s 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 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 every of these stoppers, you may have to take away the screw first. The screw is often 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 | 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 together with your toe to open or shut |
Unclogging a Toe-Contact Stopper
Toe-touch stoppers are designed to be straightforward to open and shut together with your toe, however they’ll typically turn into clogged with hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles. In case your toe-touch stopper is clogged, you possibly can often unclog it with out having to name a plumber.
Listed below are the steps on the 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 scorching water and cleaning soap. You can even 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 need to use a flashlight that can assist you see higher. In the event 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 | 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 obvious, 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 commonest 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 have to 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 crucial 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 even 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. Ensure that the flange is correctly seated over the drain gap.
Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers
Chain-link pliers, also referred to as “channel locks,” supply a safe grip and ample leverage for eradicating tub drain stoppers. Observe these detailed steps to successfully use chain-link pliers:
1. Put together the Pliers
Regulate 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, making certain the enamel of the pliers are securely engaged with the stopper’s floor.
3. Apply Strain
Apply regular stress with the pliers, steadily tightening the chain to grip the stopper firmly. Keep away from extreme drive, as it could injury the stopper or your pliers.
4. Rock the Stoppers
As soon as the stopper is securely gripped, gently rock it backwards and forwards 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 it’s possible you’ll injury the drain or your pliers. If the stopper proves troublesome to take away, seek the advice of an expert plumber or attempt various removing strategies.
| Possibility | Issue |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers | Simple |
| Utilizing a Drain Snake | Medium |
| Calling a Plumber | Onerous |
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 connected to the drain by a metallic or plastic rod. To take away a pop-up stopper, you have to a pair of pliers or a screwdriver.
Supplies Wanted
| Pliers or screwdriver |
Directions
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often held in place by just a few screws. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws after which raise off the duvet.
- Find the stopper rod. The stopper rod is connected to the stopper and runs by means of the middle of the drain. It’s often 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 filth or particles. You need to use a light cleaning soap and water resolution 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.
- Change the drain cowl. Change 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 accrued. This 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 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 occasions to dislodge any cussed clogs.
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Strive a Drain Snake
If the plunger would 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. Observe the producer’s directions rigorously and keep away from utilizing it too typically as it might probably injury the pipes.
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Vinegar and Baking Soda
For a pure drain cleansing methodology, combine equal components 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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Verify 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
Upon getting cleaned the stopper and drain, it is time to reinstall the stopper. This is a step-by-step information:
- Align the stopper with the drain. Make 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 suits snugly.
- Tighten the stopper. In case your stopper has a tightening mechanism, similar to a screw or lever, tighten it to safe the stopper in place.
- Check 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. In case you 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 injury the stopper or the drain.
Getting the Proper Instruments
You may want a pair of needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver, and probably 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 backwards and forwards 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 means 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 means 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.
Strive utilizing pliers to grip the stopper and wiggle it backwards and forwards whereas pulling up. If that does not work, it’s possible 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 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, it’s possible you’ll want to exchange the stopper or the washer that sits between the stopper and the drain.
Use a Drain Cleansing Software
In the event you’re unable to take away the drain stopper by hand, you possibly can attempt utilizing a drain cleansing instrument. 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 out there, so you possibly can select one which’s greatest suited in 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 commonly. This can 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 can assist to maintain the stopper from sticking to the drain.
- Examine the drain stopper commonly. In the event you discover any injury or put on, you need to exchange the stopper to stop it from getting caught.
- Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds to wash your drain. These chemical compounds can injury the drain stopper and make it extra prone to get caught.
- In case you have a pop-up drain stopper, be sure that to raise it up and down commonly to maintain it from sticking.
- In case you have a screw-in drain stopper, be sure that to tighten it securely.
- In case you have a flange drain stopper, be sure that to wash the flange commonly.
- In case you have a basket drain stopper, be sure that to empty it commonly.
- In case you have a toe-touch drain stopper, be sure that to wash the toe-touch mechanism commonly.
- In case you have a cable drain stopper, be sure that to lubricate the cable commonly.
Varieties of Drain Stoppers Sort Description Pop-up A pop-up drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that’s connected 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 together with your toe. Cable A cable drain stopper is a sort of drain stopper that’s connected to a cable that runs to a deal with. 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 way to do it. Listed below are the steps on the 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 primary water valve.
- Take away the drain cowl. The drain cowl is often 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 often held in place by a rubber gasket. Use your fingers to drag up on the stopper and take away it from the drain.
Individuals Additionally Ask About 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 backwards and forwards till it loosens. You can even 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 interchange a bath drain stopper, merely insert the brand new stopper into the drain and switch it clockwise till it’s tight. You might 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 scorching water and vinegar. Let the stopper soak for 10-Quarter-hour after which rinse it with clear water. You can even use a toothbrush to wash away any filth or particles.
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