Simple Ways to Remove Your Bathtub Stopper

Dealing with a stuck bathtub stopper can be a frustrating experience. You turn the knob expecting the stopper to pop right up, but it remains lodged in place. Suddenly a routine bath or shower becomes a plumbing project.

Before calling a plumber, try some simple DIY methods to remove the stubborn stopper. With a few household tools and a little elbow grease, you can likely get the stopper unstuck and avoid paying for an expensive house call.

Identify Your Type of Bathtub Stopper

The first step is determining what type of stopper you have. This will dictate the proper technique for removal. There are four common types of bathtub stoppers:

• Lift and turn stopper: Raised and lowered by a horizontal lift rod along the outside of the tub.
• Push and pull stopper: Controlled by a button on the tub's overflow plate.
• Toe-touch stopper: Activated by pushing down on a horizontal control rod near the faucet.
• Pop-up stopper: Moved up and down by turning a pop-up control knob.

If you're not sure what kind you have, trace the stopper back to its control mechanism. If it connects to a horizontal rod, it's likely a toe-touch design. If you see a pop-up knob, that's the style you have.

It's also helpful to pay attention to the stopper's open and closed positions. Lift and turn stoppers can be either open or closed when stuck. Push and pull stoppers also get stuck in either position. However, a toe-touch stopper will always be closed, while a pop-up stopper will remain open when jammed.

When Identifying Gets Tricky

In some cases, stoppers can be incorrectly installed or the design obscures the control method. This makes identification difficult. Here are some tips if you can't determine the type:

• Look under the tub for control rods sticking out of the overflow plate.
• Check for a pop-up knob on the tub deck or wall.
• Try pushing or lifting different components to see if the stopper moves.
• Use a flashlight to follow the stopper apparatus down into the drain.

Taking the time to properly identify the stopper type will make removal much easier. But if you absolutely cannot determine the style, a plumber can inspect and identify it for you.

Assemble the Right Tools

Removing a stubborn bathtub stopper often requires a little added force. Have the following tools on hand:

• Pliers: Help provide grip and torque for turning a stuck stopper. Avoid using locking pliers as they can damage the finish.
• Screwdriver: Use to loosen screws holding stopper pieces together. Flat head and Phillip's head options allow access to different screw types.
• Lubricant: Apply a penetrating oil around the stopper edges to help loosen it. Look for a lubricant safe for plumbing fixtures.
• Old rag or towel: Protect stopper finish from scratches during grip and twist motions. Microfiber cloths add extra cushioning.

For lift and turn stoppers, a large adjustable wrench can help provide additional leverage when unscrewing the stopper from the assembly. You'll also need a basin wrench for removing the drain flange around pop-up stoppers.

Getting a Grip

Pliers often provide the best grip on small, metal stopper components. Here are some tips for using them safely and effectively:

• Wrap pliers jaws completely in a rag or towel.
• Grip component as close to base as possible.
• Squeeze tightly and hold steady while twisting.
• Pull straight up, not on an angle, while rotating.

The right plier technique minimizes damage to the finish. Gripping too high or yanking too hard can result in costly chips or cracks.

Troubleshoot a Stuck Stopper

Before attempting to forcibly yank out the stopper, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Remove any debris around the stopper edges using an old toothbrush.
• Switch the water on briefly to dislodge hair and gunk.
• Squirt lubricant around the stopper and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Try the control knob/rod again to see if the stopper moves.

A little cleaning and lubrication can sometimes jar a lightly stuck stopper loose. If it still won't budge, it's time to employ more force.

Advanced Troubleshooting

For stubborn stoppers that resist basic troubleshooting, try these advanced tactics:

• Use a bent clothes hanger to fish debris from the drain or stopper box.
• Position a flashlight to see down into the drain and inspect for obstructions.
• Use a pair of tweezers to remove hair or debris clogging the works.
• Check lift rods and control cables for correct alignment or detached pieces.

Carefully inspecting the stopper mechanism and fully removing built-up gunk restores smooth operation. But take care not to scratch surfaces or detach small parts.

Grip and Twist the Stopper

Use pliers wrapped in a rag to gain maximum grip and torque on the stopper:

1. Place rag over stopper to protect finish.
2. Grip stopper tightly with pliers at base or side edge.
3. Twist stopper back and forth while pulling up with steady force.
4. Once loose, remove entire stopper apparatus.

Don't yank too hard as you could damage the fragile finish. Gentle twisting is better than brute strength.

Getting a Good Grip

Here are some tips for getting the pliers positioned correctly:

• Try gripping from the side if a top grip won't work.
• Place a finger behind the stopper while twisting to add support.
• Adjust hand position until you achieve maximum twisting force.
• If pliers keep slipping, try a washcloth for more friction.

Having trouble getting a firm grip? A rubber jar opener or piece of inner tube can help improve traction on slick metal stoppers.

Avoiding Damage

Use care when manhandling antique or fragile stoppers:

• Start with minimal force and increase twisting gradually.
• If excessive pressure is needed, stop and reassess the situation.
• Place a towel under the stopper assembly to cushion if dropped.
• Consider contacting a plumber if the vintage stopper won't give.

Preserving the unique finish should take priority over forced removal. On valuable antique tubs, it's better to call in an expert than take risks.

Remove Specific Stopper Types

Use these specialized tips for removing common bathtub stopper designs:

Lift and Turn Stopper

1. Raise lift rod to bring up stopper.
2. Turn stopper counterclockwise to unseat from drain.
3. Pull straight up on stopper to remove.

If the lift rod is detached, you'll need to grip the lift plate directly with pliers and raise it. Use an adjustable wrench to help unscrew the stopper if pliers alone don't work.

1. Press down on button to disengage stopper.
2. Grip sides of stopper and pull straight up.