When your bathtub drain stopper turns into caught or clogged, it could result in water backups and unsanitary situations. Thankfully, eradicating a bath drain stopper is often a easy job 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 harm to your drain and restoring the performance of your bathtub.
Earlier than you start, it is very important 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 elimination course of by figuring out the kind of drain stopper you will have. This can decide the particular steps it’s essential to take to take away it.
You probably 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 bath, 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
Carry and Flip Stopper
The commonest kind of tub drain stopper is the elevate and switch stopper. This stopper is often manufactured from rubber or plastic and has a small tab or deal with on high. To take away a elevate and switch stopper, merely elevate 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 manufactured from steel 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 manufactured from steel or plastic and have a small lever on the underside. To take away a toe contact stopper, merely press the lever along 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 manufactured from sturdy supplies like chrome steel or brass and can be found in numerous finishes to enrich completely different rest room kinds.
Strainer Stopper with Locknut
Strainer stoppers with locknuts present a safe match and forestall undesirable drainage. They sometimes include a steel or plastic strainer basket hooked up to a threaded locknut. To take away this kind of stopper, you could want a wrench or pliers to loosen the locknut.
Eradicating a Carry-and-Flip Stopper
Carry-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 elevate the stopper up so far as it would go. Then, flip it counterclockwise till it comes free. If the stopper is caught, you need to use a pair of pliers to grip the flange and switch it.
Eradicating a Carry-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 elevate the stopper up and out of the drain.
| Kind of Tub Drain Stopper | Methods to Take away |
|---|---|
| Carry-and-turn | Carry 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 along with your toe to open or shut |
Unclogging a Toe-Contact Stopper
Toe-touch stoppers are designed to be simple to open and shut along with your toe, however they’ll generally turn out to be 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 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 sizzling water and cleaning soap. You too can 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 use 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 | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 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 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 manufactured from steel or plastic and have a flange that matches over the drain gap. To take away a flange stopper, you’ll need 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 mandatory to make use of some pressure.
- 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 too can 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. Be sure 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
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 forestall 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 Strain
Apply regular stress with the pliers, step by step tightening the chain to grip the stopper firmly. Keep away from extreme pressure, as it might harm 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 pressure, as you could harm the drain or your pliers. If the stopper proves troublesome to take away, seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber or attempt different elimination strategies.
| Possibility | Issue |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a Chain-Hyperlink Pliers | Simple |
| Utilizing a Drain Snake | Medium |
| Calling a Plumber | Exhausting |
Eradicating a Pop-Up Stopper
Pop-up stoppers are a typical kind of drain stopper present in bathtubs. They’re sometimes manufactured from rubber or plastic and are hooked up to the drain by a steel or plastic rod. To take away a pop-up stopper, you’ll need 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 elevate off the duvet.
- Find the stopper rod. The stopper rod is hooked up to the stopper and runs via the middle of the drain. It’s often manufactured from steel or plastic.
- Grip the stopper rod with the pliers. Grip the stopper rod as near the stopper as doable.
- 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 use a gentle 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 absolutely 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 essential to totally clear the drain to take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles which will have collected. Here 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 new 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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Attempt a Drain Snake
If the plunger does 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 could harm 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. Depart it to sit down for half-hour after which flush with sizzling water.
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Examine the P-Entice
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 test 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. 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.
- Check the stopper. Activate the water and test 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 fabric 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.
- Further suggestions for cussed stoppers:
a. Use a rubber band or wrench. You probably 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 harm the stopper or the drain.
Getting the Proper Instruments
You will want a pair of needle-nose pliers, a screwdriver, and probably a pair of rubber gloves to guard your fingers.
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 Carry-and-Flip Stopper
Flip the stopper counterclockwise to loosen it, then elevate 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 steel rod that runs via 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 elevate out the stopper.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Chain
Pull up on the chain to elevate the stopper out of the drain.
Eradicating a Stopper with a Cable
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the small steel cable that runs via the middle of the stopper. Pull the cable as much as launch the stopper.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
The stopper is caught and will not come out.
Attempt utilizing pliers to grip the stopper and wiggle it backwards and forwards whereas pulling up. If that does not work, you could have to name a plumber.
The stopper is damaged.
Change the damaged stopper with a brand new one that matches your drain. You’ll find alternative stoppers at most {hardware} shops.
The stopper is leaking.
Tighten the screw that holds the stopper in place. If the leak persists, you could want to switch the stopper or the washer that sits between the stopper and the drain.
Use a Drain Cleansing Instrument
Should 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 succeed in into the drain and seize the stopper so you possibly can pull it out. There are a selection of drain cleansing instruments out there, so you possibly can select one which’s finest 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 often. 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 often. Should you discover any harm or put on, you must exchange the stopper to forestall 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 prone to get caught.
- You probably have a pop-up drain stopper, make sure that to elevate it up and down often to maintain it from sticking.
- You probably have a screw-in drain stopper, make sure that to tighten it securely.
- You probably have a flange drain stopper, make sure that to wash the flange often.
- You probably have a basket drain stopper, make sure that to empty it often.
- You probably have a toe-touch drain stopper, make sure that to wash the toe-touch mechanism often.
- You probably have a cable drain stopper, make sure that to lubricate the cable often.
Kinds 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 along 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. Methods to Take away a Tub Drain Stopper
Eradicating a bath 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 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 most important 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 elevate 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.
Folks Additionally Ask About Methods 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 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 too can 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 exchange a bath 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 bath drain stopper?
To wash a bath drain stopper, take away it from the drain and soak it in an answer of sizzling water and vinegar. Let the stopper soak for 10-Quarter-hour after which rinse it with clear water. You too can use a toothbrush to clean away any dust or particles.
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