Easy Tips to Fix a Pop-Up Bathtub Drain

A pop up bathtub drain stopper operates much like a lavatory sink drain stopper, moving up and down by moving a lever.  In a bathroom sink, the lever is typically right behind the faucets and you simply pull it up to pull the stopper down into place. In a bathtub, the lever is seen protruding out of the bathtub overflow plate and you just move it up or down to activate or release the bathtub stopper.
When the lever in the overflow plate moves, it triggers the tub stopper to move up or down through a linking system which moves a rocker arm to operate the pop up stopper.  These types of bathtub stoppers can be intimidating to fix as the rod and links must be disconnected and removed through the overflow plate, while the stopper is removed through the tub drain.

Given the complexity of this type of bathtub drain stopper, it is typically not removed until there is a problem with it not holding water like it should or just not working at all. It is possible to remove a pop-up tub drain stopper, adjust the linkage and see if it works better.  Although by the time you do that, you could have replaced it with a brand-new Push Pull tub stopper that works perfectly and is easy to clean.

Replace Pop-Up with a Push Pull Stopper

A Push Pull bathtub drain stopper is typically very easy to operate and a high flow stopper is easy to clean.  Not all push pull stoppers provide the ability to install right over an existing bathtub drain, however, like the Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix.  We have found this to be the easiest solution to repairing or replacing problematic bathtub stoppers.

This innovative new tub stopper replacement is the easiest to install as it fits right on top of existing bathtub drains, with a universal fit.  With this simple solution, you can install a new Push Pull stopper in minutes, without removing your current tub drain and without fishing rods and links back through the overflow plate.  This tub stopper comes with an attached mesh grid drain cover, to help prevent hair build-up or foreign materials from falling down the drain.

FixMyDrain.com shows you how easy it is to install the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix and how to remove the most common types of tub stoppers.  You’ll find easy to follow videos, quality products backed by a 5-year limited warranty and helpful customer service.


FixMyDrain.com is committed to providing the best tub repair solution with quality products and knowledgeable service.  We offer high quality Watco products, the choice of professional plumbers. Contact us to learn more about the best way to repair or replace your bathtub drain stopper.