How to Replace a Bathtub Trip Lever

If the tub stopper through your trip lever just isn’t holding water like it should, it might be time to replace it.  It’s frustrating when water slowly leaks down and drain and you have to keep adding water to keep a tub full. It’s easy to remove a bathtub trip lever and replace it with a functional overflow plate and new tub stopper.

You should be able to remove the existing trip lever faceplate with just a screwdriver, have a bucket and a rag handy to set the linkage hardware in without scratching or dirtying the tub. Once you free the faceplate from the overflow tube, gently pull the linkage out and away from the tub.  The linkage should come out fairly easily unless it has corroded and broken away from the trip lever.

In this case, use a wire with a hook at the end or a claw type of extension tool to fish out the broken linkage and plunger from the overflow tube. Now you’re ready to replace your overflow plate and bathtub stopper.  Watco offers the easiest DIY solution with the Innovator Snap-On bathtub overflow plate and the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix products.

Innovator Snap-On Overflow Plate

Watco’s Innovator Snap on Overflow Plate comes with a new H bar adapter and black retainer nut to easily retrofit any one or two hole and trip lever overflow plate.  You should use your existing H bar adapter and bolts if you have a one hole or two hole trip lever plate. Simply install the black retainer nut behind the adapter bar with a flathead screwdriver and snap on a brand new, beautiful overflow plate with the opening at the bottom.

Combine with the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix Push Pull stopper and mesh grid drain cover for a functional, watertight seal and a beautiful brand-new look to your tub.  FixMyDrain.com shows you how easy it is to remove and replace a broken bathtub overflow plate and bathtub stopper with quality Watco products and easy to follow videos.


FixMyDrain.com shows you how to repair bathtub drain and stopper problems, without removing your existing drain. We offer quality Watco products trusted by professionals and the choice for DIY enthusiasts.  Contact us to upgrade the look of your tub with a new stopper and overflow plate that installs in minutes.