Eliminate Drain Stopper From Your Bathtub

Does your bathtub drain slowly or not at all? Is there a buildup of gunk around the drain that causes smelly odors? If so, the problem likely lies with the drain stopper.

Over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate under the drain stopper, blocking water from flowing properly. Luckily removing and cleaning the stopper is an easy DIY task.

Reasons to Remove Tub Drain Stopper

Before jumping into removal methods, understanding why it's necessary will help. Here are the top reasons to take out the tub drain stopper:

• Clear clogged drains - Hair and soap buildup under stoppers is the #1 cause of slow tub draining.
• Remove foul odors - Smelly drains occur when mold and mildew accumulate around the stopper.
• Conduct regular maintenance - Taking out the stopper to rinse away debris every 1-2 months prevents major clogging.
• Replace broken stoppers - Over time, stoppers can crack, bend, or get stripped and no longer function properly.

Failing to occasionally remove the stopper for inspection and cleaning risks water backing up or the tub not draining at all. So even if you don't have an existing issue, it's wise to take preventative action.

Identifying Type of Bathtub Drain Stopper

Before taking out a tub stopper, you must identify the type. There are several varieties found in most tubs, and removal techniques differ depending on the style.

Push-Pull Stopper

The push-pull stopper is probably the most common. You simply push down to close it and pull up to open it. Underneath will be a horizontal bar connected to a center post.

Toe-Touch Tub Stopper

As the name suggests, you use your toe to press on a lever that opens and closes the stopper. The recessed overflow plate will have a button that controls the plunger.

Flip-It Stopper

Flip-it stoppers utilize a horizontal control rod under the bathtub. You pivot the drain stopper up or down to toggle between open and closed positions.

Lift and Turn Stopper

Unlike other stoppers, these have no push/pull or flip mechanism. Instead, you manually lift the stopper out of the drain opening directly to remove it.

Removing Push-Pull Drain Stopper

Push-pull tub stoppers are easily removable once you know the trick. Follow these instructions:

Locate Small Hole in Stopper

Examine your push-pull drain stopper closely while in the closed position. Look for a tiny hole on the body near the bathtub drain strainer location.

Insert Hooked Tool and Pull Up

Most stoppers come with a special plastic hooked tool upon installation. Carefully insert the hooked end into the small hole. Once in place securely, pull straight up to dislodge the stopper.

Alternatively, a stiff wire or hook fashioned out of a coat hanger works too. Without this special tool, needle nose locking pliers can pull up the stopper.

Remove Hair Clogs Under Stopper

With the stopper removed, check underneath for packed hair, soap scum, or other debris near the crossbars. Use a zip-it drain cleaner to pull out hair or manually remove any large gunk.

This is also the opportunity to inspect the condition of the stopper. Ensure the center post is straight and threads are intact. Replace if severely bent or cracked.

Take Out Toe-Touch Tub Drain Stopper

Bathtubs with a toe-touch or pop-up drain stopper utilize a horizontal control rod and lever system.

Start by looking inside the tub's overflow drain plate. Look for a circular button recessed inside. This mechanism connects to the lift rod.

Press Button to Release Stopper

Use a finger or small screwdriver to press the recessed button. You'll feel it depress and disengage the horizontal bar connected to the stopper below.

Remove Stopper and Clear Hair Clogs

Reach inside the drain opening with pliers or needle nose locking pliers to grip and pull out the dislodged stopper. With it removed, clean away any stuck-on debris or hair inside the drainpipe with a pipe brush before replacing.

Flip Up Flip-It Type Tub Stopper

Tubs that use a flip-it style stopper follow this routine:

Locate Small Tab on Stopper

Peer down into the drain opening while the stopper is closed. Look for a small metal tab attached directly to the stopper itself (not on the surrounding drain grate).

Pull Tab to Release Stopper

Use needle nose pliers to grip the metal stopper tab and pull it upwards. This will cause the stopper to pivot up vertically to the open position.

Take Out Stopper and Clear Debris

With the stopper flipped up into the tub's overflow plate, reach down with your fingers or pliers to grab and remove it fully. Then clean hair and gunk off the stopper itself before replacing it.

Lift and Rotate Stopper to Remove

Lift and turn stoppers have no control rod or tab mechanism. Here are the removal steps:

Turn Stopper Counter-Clockwise

Start with the stopper in the open position. Gripping tightly with pliers, rotate it counter-clockwise to unscrew from the threaded drain post.

Lift Stopper Straight Out of Drain

Some lift and turn stoppers screw off while others lift directly out when unsealed. Use pliers to pull straight up gently. Take care not to bend the delicate lift rod.

Remove Hair and Gunk Under Stopper

Check the underside of the stopper and drain opening for compacted hair and grime. Use a zip-it tool or long hook to pull out hair. Wipe away any stuck-on gunk with a rag or old toothbrush.

Be sure to inspect threads on the stopper and drain post. Replace if you observe cracks, chips, or damage that would prevent proper sealing.

Once you have the stopper removed and drain unclogged, take actions to prevent future clogging:

• Use drain catchers and hair traps to collect hair before going down the drain.
• Pour boiling water weekly to clear soap scum inside pipes.
• Don't pour fats/oils down the drain to avoid grease buildup.
• Install removable tub drain screens that collect debris.
• Use enzyme drain cleaners monthly to break down organic matter.