Bathtub Stopper Replacement

Bathtub Stopper Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Leaky Bathtub

A leaky bathtub stopper can be a real nuisance, causing water to drip constantly and wasting precious water. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can pose health risks. If you're facing this issue, don't worry - replacing a bathtub stopper is a relatively simple task that you can easily do yourself with a few basic tools and some spare parts. ### Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Parts Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts on hand. Here's what you'll need: - Adjustable wrench - Phillips head screwdriver - Flat head screwdriver - Pliers - Replacement bathtub stopper - Stopper gasket - Plumber's putty - Rags - Bucket ### Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply To prevent flooding, it's essential to turn off the water supply to your bathtub before you begin working. Locate the shutoff valve for your bathtub, which is usually found near the bathtub or under the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply. ### Step 3: Remove the Overflow Plate The overflow plate is located near the top of the bathtub, where the water exits when the bathtub is full. It's usually held in place by a few screws. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws and lift the overflow plate off. ### Step 4: Remove the Old Stopper Once the overflow plate is removed, you'll see the old stopper. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the stopper nut, which is located at the bottom of the stopper. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the old stopper by pulling it straight up. ### Step 5: Clean the Drain Hole Before installing the new stopper, take a moment to clean the drain hole. Use a rag and some CLR to remove any dirt, grime, or mineral deposits. This will ensure a good seal between the new stopper and the drain hole. ### Step 6: Apply Plumber's Putty Apply a generous amount of plumber's putty around the base of the new stopper. This will help create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. ### Step 7: Insert the New Stopper Insert the new stopper into the drain hole, making sure that the plumber's putty is evenly distributed around the base. Hand-tighten the stopper nut until it's snug. ### Step 8: Reinstall the Overflow Plate Place the overflow plate back onto the bathtub and secure it with the screws. Tighten the screws until the overflow plate is firmly in place. ### Step 9: Test the Stopper Turn on the water supply and fill the bathtub to check for leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the stopper nut a bit more. You may also need to apply additional plumber's putty around the base of the stopper. ### Step 10: Enjoy Your Leak-Free Bathtub! Once the stopper is installed and there are no leaks, you can enjoy your bathtub again without having to worry about water dripping or mold growth. ### Tips for a Successful Bathtub Stopper Replacement - When choosing a replacement bathtub stopper, make sure you select the right size and type for your bathtub. - If the drain hole is badly corroded or damaged, you may need to replace the drain assembly as well. - If you're not comfortable working with plumbing, you can always call a professional plumber to help you with the replacement. - Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drain hole and applying plumber's putty, can help prevent leaks and extend the life of your bathtub stopper.