How To Remove A Bathtub Drain Stopper

How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

A bathtub drain stopper is a small, round device that fits into the drain hole to prevent water from draining out. It's typically made of rubber, plastic, or metal and can be either a pop-up stopper or a lift-and-turn stopper. Removing a bathtub drain stopper can be a simple task, but it can also be tricky if you don't know how to do it properly. Here are some tips on how to remove a bathtub drain stopper: ### 1. Identify the Type of Stopper Before you start, you need to identify the type of drain stopper you have. There are two main types: *

Pop-up stoppers:

These stoppers fit into the drain hole and pop up when you press down on them. *

Lift-and-turn stoppers:

These stoppers have a small lever that you lift up and turn to open or close the drain. ### 2. Gather Your Tools You'll need a few tools to remove the drain stopper: * A flashlight * A screwdriver * A pair of pliers * A bucket or bowl to catch the water ### 3. Prepare the Bathtub Before you start, make sure the bathtub is empty and the drain is closed. You may want to place a towel or old blanket in the bathtub to protect it from scratches. ### 4. Locate the Stopper Assembly Look inside the drain hole for the stopper assembly. It's usually a small, round piece of metal or plastic with a hole in the center. The stopper is attached to a rod that runs down the drain. ### 5. Remove the Stopper If you have a pop-up stopper, simply press down on the stopper to pop it up. Then, use the pliers to grasp the stopper and pull it out of the drain hole. If you have a lift-and-turn stopper, use the screwdriver to pry open the lever. Then, use the pliers to grasp the stopper and pull it out of the drain hole. ### 6. Clean the Stopper and Drain Assembly Once you've removed the stopper, take a few minutes to clean it and the drain assembly. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. You may also want to use a toothbrush to clean the inside of the drain hole. ### 7. Reinstall the Stopper Once the stopper and drain assembly are clean, you can reinstall the stopper. Simply insert the stopper into the drain hole and press down on it until it's secure. If you have a lift-and-turn stopper, use the screwdriver to close the lever. ### 8. Test the Stopper Once the stopper is reinstalled, test it to make sure it's working properly. Fill the bathtub with water and then open the drain. The water should drain out quickly and smoothly. ### Troubleshooting If you're having trouble removing a bathtub drain stopper, here are a few troubleshooting tips: * Use a flashlight to get a better look at the stopper assembly. * If you can't pry open the lever on a lift-and-turn stopper, try using a pair of pliers. * If the stopper is stuck in the drain hole, try using a pair of pliers to gently pry it out. * If you can't remove the stopper, you may need to call a plumber. ### Conclusion Removing a bathtub drain stopper is a simple task that can be done in a few minutes. By following these tips, you can easily remove your drain stopper and keep your bathtub draining properly.