How To Replace Bathtub Drain Lever

How to Replace a Bathtub Drain Lever

The bathtub drain lever, also known as the stopper or lift rod, allows you to control the flow of water in and out of your bathtub. Over time, the lever can become worn, damaged, or even detached, making it difficult to drain the tub. If this happens, you'll need to replace the lever. Luckily, this is a relatively simple DIY project that can be accomplished with basic tools and a few hours of your time.

Before starting any plumbing work, it is essential to shut off the water supply to the bathtub. This is usually done by turning the shut-off valve located beneath the sink. Once the water is off, you can begin dismantling the drain assembly.

Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials to replace your bathtub drain lever:

Adjustable wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Bucket
New bathtub drain lever
Plumber's putty
Teflon tape
Work gloves
Safety glasses

It is always a good idea to have extra tools and materials on hand in case of unforeseen needs. For example, you may need a pair of wire cutters or a small hammer. Be sure to purchase a replacement lever that is compatible with your existing bathtub drain assembly.

Steps to Replace the Bathtub Drain Lever

Here are the steps to replace a bathtub drain lever:

Remove the old drain lever. Locate the drain lever on the bathtub overflow plate. It is commonly a metal or plastic rod that you pull up to open and push down to close the drain. Using the channel-lock pliers, grip the lever firmly near the drain opening and twist it counterclockwise. This should loosen the lever from the drain assembly. Remove the lever completely.
Remove the overflow plate. The overflow plate is the circular plate covering the overflow hole. Remove it by unscrewing the screws holding it in place with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver.
Remove the drain assembly. The drain assembly is the part of the drain that holds the lever, overflow plate, and drainpipe together. You can usually access the drain assembly by removing the overflow plate or by simply unscrewing the drain assembly from the tub. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the threads holding the assembly in place, then remove the entire assembly.
Remove the old lever from the drain assembly. Depending on your drain assembly, you might have to remove a nut or a washer holding the lever in place. Use the channel-lock pliers to carefully remove the old lever.
Install the new lever. With the old lever removed, install the new lever by threading it onto the drain assembly. If there are any washers or nuts, align them correctly. Ensure the new lever is properly seated and the threads are engaged.
Reassemble the drain assembly. Attach the new lever to the drain assembly and replace the drain assembly in the tub. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the assembly securely.
Reinstall the overflow plate. Place the overflow plate over the drain opening and secure it with the screws.
Test the new lever. Turn the water supply back on and test the new lever by opening and closing the drain. Make sure the lever operates smoothly and the drain seals properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any problems during the replacement process, there are a few troubleshooting tips that can help:

Check the drain assembly. If the new lever doesn't fit correctly, the drain assembly may be incompatible. You may need to purchase a new drain assembly as well.
Check the lever's threads. Make sure the new lever's threads are not stripped. If they are, you will need to get a new lever.
Check for leaks. If you see any leaks after replacing the lever, check the connections between the drain assembly and the tub for any loose or damaged parts.

Replacing a bathtub drain lever is a simple and straightforward task that can be done by most homeowners with basic plumbing skills. By following these steps carefully, you can easily repair your bathtub drain and restore its functionality.