Bathtub Stopper Remove - Home Bathtub

Bathtub Stopper Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide to Unclog Your Drain

A clogged bathtub stopper can be a common household issue. Whether it's hair, soap scum, or other debris, a blocked stopper can cause water to pool in your tub and prevent proper drainage. Fortunately, removing a bathtub stopper is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. ### Tools Needed: - Adjustable wrench or pliers - Screwdriver - Putty knife or butter knife - Flashlight (optional) - Gloves (optional) ### Step 1: Identify the Type of Stopper There are generally two types of bathtub stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers. -

Pop-up Stoppers:

These stoppers typically have a small button or lever that you push down to close the drain and pull up to open it. To remove this type of stopper, you'll need to remove the stopper assembly from the drain. -

Lift-and-Turn Stoppers:

These stoppers have a knob that you lift to close the drain and turn to open it. To remove this type of stopper, you'll need to remove the drain cover and lift out the stopper. ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply Before you begin working on the stopper, turn off the water supply to your bathtub. This will prevent water from leaking out while you remove the stopper. ### Step 3: Remove the Stopper Assembly (Pop-up Stopper) If you have a pop-up stopper, you'll need to remove the stopper assembly from the drain. 1. Locate the overflow plate, which is typically a small, round plate located near the top of the bathtub. 2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the overflow plate. 3. Once the overflow plate is removed, you'll see the stopper assembly. 4. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the nut that holds the stopper assembly in place. 5. Pull the stopper assembly out of the drain. ### Step 4: Remove the Drain Cover (Lift-and-Turn Stopper) If you have a lift-and-turn stopper, you'll need to remove the drain cover. 1. Locate the drain cover, which is typically a round or square plate located at the bottom of the tub. 2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the drain cover. 3. Lift the drain cover off of the drain. ### Step 5: Clean the Stopper and Drain Once you've removed the stopper assembly or drain cover, you can clean it and the drain. 1. Use a putty knife or butter knife to scrape off any debris from the stopper and drain. 2. Rinse the stopper and drain with warm water. 3. Apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the stopper and drain, and scrub with a sponge or soft brush. 4. Rinse the stopper and drain thoroughly with warm water. ### Step 6: Reinstall the Stopper Once the stopper and drain are clean, you can reinstall the stopper. - For pop-up stoppers, insert the stopper assembly into the drain and tighten the nut until it's snug. Replace the overflow plate and secure it with the screws. - For lift-and-turn stoppers, place the stopper in the drain and turn it clockwise until it's closed. Replace the drain cover and secure it with the screws. ### Step 7: Test the Stopper Turn on the water supply and test the stopper to make sure it's working properly. The water should drain freely and the stopper should close tightly to prevent water from leaking out. ### Additional Tips: - If you have a hard time removing the stopper, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the nut or screws. - If you're still having trouble removing the stopper, you may need to call a plumber for assistance. - Regular cleaning and maintenance of your bathtub stopper can help prevent it from becoming clogged.