5 Easy Steps to Remove a Bathtub Stopper

Image of a bathtub stopper

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Bathtub stoppers are an necessary a part of any toilet, however they’ll typically develop into caught or clogged. In case you’re having bother eradicating your stopper, don’t be concerned – there are just a few easy strategies you may attempt. First, attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to softly grip the stopper and pull it out. If that does not work, you may attempt utilizing a screwdriver to pry the stopper unfastened. Lastly, if all else fails, you may attempt utilizing a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the clog.

Nonetheless, earlier than you begin eradicating the stopper, it is necessary to determine what sort of stopper you may have. There are two most important forms of bathtub stoppers: pop-up stoppers and screw-in stoppers. Pop-up stoppers are the most typical sort, they usually’re normally made from rubber or plastic. Screw-in stoppers are much less frequent, they usually’re normally made from metallic. As soon as what sort of stopper you may have, you may comply with the suitable directions under to take away it.

In case you have a pop-up stopper, you may take away it by following these steps: First, take away the drain cowl. Subsequent, insert a pair of pliers into the drain and grip the stopper. Lastly, pull the stopper out of the drain. In case you have a screw-in stopper, you may take away it by following these steps: First, insert a screwdriver into the slot on the highest of the stopper. Subsequent, flip the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the stopper. Lastly, pull the stopper out of the drain.

Figuring out the Sort of Stopper

Earlier than trying to take away a tub stopper, it is essential to determine its sort. Bathtub stoppers are available varied designs, every requiring a selected elimination methodology. Listed here are the most typical forms of bathtub stoppers:

Carry-and-Flip Stopper

Such a stopper consists of a small knob or deal with that you simply elevate and switch to open or shut the drain. The knob is normally positioned on the highest of the stopper, and it could have a easy or ornamental design. To take away a lift-and-turn stopper, merely elevate the deal with and unscrew it counterclockwise.

Pop-Up Stopper

Pop-up stoppers are designed to open and shut by urgent or stepping on a small button or lever positioned on the highest of the stopper. Whenever you press the button, the stopper pops as much as open the drain, and once you launch it, the stopper sinks again down to shut the drain. To take away a pop-up stopper, you may want to make use of a particular software known as a pop-up stopper wrench. This wrench has a protracted, skinny deal with with a U-shaped finish that matches across the underside of the stopper. As soon as the wrench is securely in place, you may flip it counterclockwise to loosen and take away the stopper.

Flip-It Stopper or Toe-Faucet Stopper

A flip-it stopper operates by flipping a small lever or plate on the highest of the stopper. This lever is normally positioned on the facet or again of the stopper. To open the drain, you flip the lever up or down. To shut it, you merely flip the lever again to its authentic place. Flip-it stoppers could be eliminated by unscrewing a small screw that’s positioned within the middle of the lever.

| Tub Stopper Sort | Elimination Technique |
|—|—|
| Carry-and-Flip | Carry and unscrew counterclockwise |
| Pop-Up | Use a pop-up stopper wrench to loosen and take away |
| Flip-It | Unscrew the small screw within the middle of the lever |

Instruments and Supplies Required

Earlier than you start the method of eradicating the bath stopper, it is important to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies to make sure a easy and environment friendly process. Here is a complete checklist:

Wrench

Relying on the kind of bathtub stopper, you could want an adjustable wrench or a specific-size wrench. The adjustable wrench supplies versatility for various stopper designs, whereas a specific-size wrench provides a comfortable match for optimum grip.

Pliers

A pair of needle-nose pliers is a beneficial software for gripping and manipulating small elements of the bath stopper. Their precision suggestions mean you can entry and maneuver in tight areas, making them best for delicate operations.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver, both a flathead or a Phillips head, could also be required primarily based on the stopper’s design. Select the suitable screwdriver that aligns with the screw heads on the stopper to keep away from any stripping or injury.

Flashlight

A flashlight supplies illumination in poorly lit areas beneath the bath, permitting you to obviously see the stopper and its elements. This enhanced visibility helps in figuring out the placement of screws and different particulars that will not be obvious in dim lighting.

Gloves

Sporting a pair of rubber gloves is advisable for defense from potential publicity to water, dust, or cleansing brokers through the elimination course of.

Cleansing Resolution

A gentle cleansing resolution, reminiscent of dish cleaning soap diluted with water, can be utilized to wash the eliminated stopper and different elements. This step helps take away any particles or buildup which will have accrued over time.

Instrument Function
Wrench Loosening and tightening nuts or bolts
Pliers Gripping and manipulating small elements
Screwdriver Eradicating or tightening screws
Flashlight Offering illumination in poorly lit areas
Gloves Defending fingers from dust or water
Cleansing Resolution Cleansing eliminated stopper and elements

Eradicating a Screw-In Stopper

Step 1: Find the Stopper’s Screw

Rigorously look at the drain stopper for a small screw or bolt head. This normally lies within the middle of the stopper, the place the rod protrudes.

Step 2: Take away the Screw

Utilizing a screwdriver or wrench, loosen the screw by turning it counterclockwise. Be mild and keep away from overtightening, as this might injury the stopper or the drain meeting.

Step 3: Extract the Stopper

As soon as the screw is eliminated, you may detach the stopper. Grasp the stopper firmly together with your fingers or a pair of pliers. Gently pull it straight up and out of the drain gap. If the stopper is caught, attempt wiggling it or utilizing a light pry software to loosen it.

Extracting a Pop-Up Stopper

Such a drain stopper is the most typical. It consists of a rubber or silicone plug that matches right into a drain opening and is related to a metallic rod that extends up by way of the drainpipe. To take away such a stopper, comply with these steps:

  1. Seize the stopper stem. The stopper stem is the metallic rod that extends up by way of the drainpipe and is related to the rubber or silicone plug. On most pop-up stoppers, you need to use the metallic a part of the stopper stem because the place to understand together with your pliers.
  2. Pull up on the stopper stem. Grip the stopper stem with pliers and pull up on it. You could want to make use of slightly little bit of power, however the stopper ought to ultimately come unfastened.
  3. Take away the rubber or silicone plug. After getting pulled up on the stopper stem and eliminated the metallic rod, you may take away the rubber or silicone plug by pulling it out of the drain opening.
  4. Clear the drainpipe. After getting eliminated the stopper, take a couple of minutes to wash the drainpipe. You are able to do this by operating sizzling water down the drain and utilizing a drain cleaner to take away any build-up or particles.

Coping with a Flip-It Stopper

A flip-it stopper is a kind of bath stopper that’s operated by a lever. To take away a flip-it stopper, comply with these steps:

  1. Find the lever. The lever is normally positioned on the highest of the stopper.
  2. Flip the lever. Push down on the lever to unlock the stopper.
  3. Pull the stopper. Carry the stopper out of the drain.
  4. Clear the stopper. Wash the stopper with cleaning soap and water.
  5. Reinstall the stopper.
  • For a 1 1/4-inch drain: Take away the stopper by pulling straight up on the highest of the stopper.
  • For a 1 1/2-inch drain: Take away the stopper by turning the highest of the stopper counterclockwise after which pulling it straight up.
  • For a 2-inch drain: Take away the stopper by pulling straight up on the highest of the stopper. If the stopper is caught, use a pair of pliers to softly pull it out.

As soon as the stopper is eliminated, clear it with cleaning soap and water and reinstall it by following the steps in reverse order.

Troubleshooting a Caught Stopper

In case your bathtub stopper is caught, there are some things you may attempt to loosen it.

  1. Use a wrench. If the stopper has a deal with, you may attempt utilizing a wrench to loosen it. Place the wrench on the deal with and switch it counterclockwise.
  2. Use pliers. If the stopper doesn’t have a deal with, you may attempt utilizing pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise.
  3. Use a screwdriver. If the stopper is made from metallic, you may attempt utilizing a screwdriver to loosen it. Insert the screwdriver into the slot on the stopper and switch it counterclockwise.
  4. Use a butter knife. If the stopper is made from plastic, you may attempt utilizing a butter knife to loosen it. Insert the butter knife into the slot on the stopper and switch it counterclockwise.
  5. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers. If the stopper is small or troublesome to succeed in, you may attempt utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise.

In case you are unable to loosen the stopper utilizing any of those strategies, you could have to name a plumber. A plumber can have the instruments and experience to take away the stopper safely and with out damaging your bathtub.

Technique Issue Instruments Required
Use a wrench Simple Wrench
Use pliers Medium Pliers
Use a screwdriver Medium Screwdriver
Use a butter knife Simple Butter knife
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers Troublesome Needle-nose pliers

Cleansing and Inspecting the Stopper

As soon as you’ve got eliminated the stopper, it is necessary to wash and examine it. This may provide help to decide if it must be changed. To scrub the stopper, use a light cleaning soap and water resolution. You should definitely rinse the stopper totally and dry it utterly earlier than reinstalling it.

Examine the stopper for any injury. In case you see any cracks, chips, or different injury, the stopper ought to be changed. A broken stopper can leak water and trigger injury to your bathtub.

Along with cleansing and inspecting the stopper, you must also verify the drain opening for any particles. Particles can construct up over time and stop the stopper from sealing correctly. To scrub the drain opening, use a drain snake or a pair of pliers to take away any particles.

As soon as you’ve got cleaned and inspected the stopper and drain opening, you may reinstall the stopper. To reinstall the stopper, merely insert the stopper into the drain opening and switch it clockwise till it is tight.

Stopper Sort Elimination Technique
Carry-and-Flip Carry the stopper up and switch it counterclockwise to take away it.
Push-and-Pull Push down on the stopper and pull it as much as take away it.
Screw-in Use a screwdriver to take away the screw that holds the stopper in place.

Eradicating the Stopper

Find the screw that holds the stopper in place. It’s normally positioned within the middle of the stopper, beneath a small cap. Use a screwdriver to take away the screw.

As soon as the screw is eliminated, the stopper will come unfastened. You could want to make use of a pair of pliers to softly pry it off.

Cleansing the Drain

Use a drain cleaner to wash the drain. Comply with the producer’s directions to be used.

As soon as the drain is clear, rinse it totally with water.

Putting in the New Stopper

Place the brand new stopper within the drain.

Insert the screw into the outlet within the middle of the stopper. Tighten the screw till the stopper is safe.

Changing the Stopper

In case your bathtub stopper is broken or not works correctly, you could want to exchange it. Listed here are the steps on tips on how to change a tub stopper:

1. Take away the previous stopper. See the directions for eradicating the bath stopper above.

2. Clear the drain. See the directions for cleansing the drain above.

3. Buy a brand new stopper. When buying a brand new stopper, be sure that to decide on one that’s the proper measurement and form on your bathtub drain.

4. Insert the brand new stopper. Place the brand new stopper within the drain and press down firmly till it’s in place.

5. Tighten the screw. Most stoppers have a screw that must be tightened to carry it in place. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw till the stopper is safe.

6. Take a look at the stopper. As soon as the brand new stopper is put in, check it to be sure that it’s working correctly. Run some water into the bath and verify to see if the stopper stops the water from draining. If the stopper just isn’t working correctly, regulate the screw till it’s.

Sort of Stopper Directions
Pop-up stopper Carry the stopper to open it and push it down to shut it.
Toe-touch stopper Use your toe to push the stopper down to shut it and elevate it as much as open it.
Carry-and-turn stopper Carry the stopper to open it and switch it to shut it.

Eradicating a Bathtub Stopper

1. Examine the stopper to find out its sort (pop-up or drain plug).
2. For pop-up stoppers, use a flathead screwdriver or suction cup to elevate the stopper and take away it.
3. For drain plug stoppers, flip the knob or lever counterclockwise to loosen and take away it.
4. Use pliers or a wrench to grip and unscrew the elevate rod from the drain meeting.
5. Pull up the stopper meeting to take away it from the drain opening.
6. Clear all elements with an answer of vinegar and water or industrial drain cleaner.
7. Reassemble the stopper meeting and tighten the elevate rod securely.
8. Take a look at the stopper to make sure it operates correctly.
9. To stop future clogs, commonly take away particles from the stopper and drain, reminiscent of hair, cleaning soap scum, and dust.

Stopping Future Clogs

To stop future bathtub clogs, take into account the next suggestions:

Tip
Use a tub strainer to catch hair and different particles.
Clear the bath drain commonly with an answer of vinegar and water or industrial drain cleaner.
Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or bleach within the bathtub, as they’ll injury the drain.
Examine the drain periodically for leaks or obstructions.
Contemplate putting in a hair catcher or drain cowl to forestall bigger particles from coming into the drain.
Keep a daily cleansing schedule for the bath and drain to forestall buildup of dust and particles.
Search skilled assist from a plumber if persistent clogs happen or when you can’t take away the stopper your self.

Security Precautions

Earlier than beginning any work, guarantee your security by taking these precautions:

1. Put on Gloves

Shield your fingers from sharp edges or chemical compounds by carrying gloves, ideally of rubber or nitrile materials.

2. Flip Off Water Provide

Shut off the primary water provide valve to forestall any flooding or water injury through the course of.

3. Disconnect Pop-Up Stopper

If the bath has a pop-up stopper, elevate it up and pull the plug out of the drain.

4. Take away Carry Rod

If the stopper is related to a elevate rod, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to disconnect it from the stopper on the base.

5. Safety for Knees

Place a towel or mat beneath your knees to cushion them when you work.

6. Use a Flashlight

If needed, use a flashlight to light up the drain space and see higher inside.

7. Put on Security Glasses

Forestall any eye accidents by carrying security glasses to guard your eyes from falling particles or splashing water.

8. Examine for Hair and Particles

Examine the drain and take away any seen hair or particles that might hinder the method.

9. Keep away from Utilizing Harsh Chemical compounds

Whereas utilizing chemical compounds like drain cleaner could seem tempting, it isn’t advisable as they’ll injury the bath or drain.

10. Search Skilled Assist if Wanted

In case you encounter any difficulties or have a selected sort of bath stopper that you simply’re unsure tips on how to take away, do not hesitate to name a plumber for skilled help.

Take away a Bathtub Stopper

There are just a few other ways to take away a tub stopper, relying on the kind of stopper you may have. Listed here are the most typical strategies:

In case you have a lift-and-turn stopper:

  1. Carry the stopper up till it is absolutely open.
  2. Flip the stopper counterclockwise to loosen it.
  3. As soon as the stopper is unfastened, pull it up and out of the drain.

In case you have a push-and-pull stopper:

  1. Push the stopper down to shut it.
  2. Pull up on the stopper to open it.
  3. As soon as the stopper is open, pull it up and out of the drain.

In case you have a screw-in stopper:

  1. Use a screwdriver to take away the screw that holds the stopper in place.
  2. As soon as the screw is eliminated, pull the stopper up and out of the drain.


Folks Additionally Ask About Take away a Bathtub Stopper

How do I take away a caught bathtub stopper?

In case your bathtub stopper is caught, you may attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise. If the stopper remains to be caught, you may attempt utilizing a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the threads of the stopper and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than making an attempt to take away it.

How do I change a tub stopper?

To exchange a tub stopper, first take away the previous stopper utilizing one of many strategies described above. As soon as the previous stopper is eliminated, clear the drain and apply a bead of silicone caulk across the base of the brand new stopper. Insert the brand new stopper into the drain and press down firmly to safe it. Enable the caulk to dry utterly earlier than utilizing the stopper.

What’s the greatest sort of bath stopper?

There are lots of several types of bathtub stoppers out there, so the most effective sort for you’ll rely in your wants and preferences. Carry-and-turn stoppers are the most typical sort, and they’re straightforward to make use of and take away. Push-and-pull stoppers are additionally straightforward to make use of, however they are often harder to take away than lift-and-turn stoppers. Screw-in stoppers are probably the most safe sort of stopper, however they are often harder to put in and take away.