How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

The best time to remove your bathtub drain stopper is when it first begins to show signs of draining too slowly or not holding water when it’s supposed to.  Usually, a tub that drains too slowly has soap buildup on the stopper or hair clogging the drain. Sometimes a good cleaning will take care of a slow draining stopper, although a tub stopper that is old and showing signs of corrosion should be replaced.

The first thing to do is to recognize the type of stopper that you currently have.  The most common styles of bathtub stoppers are fairly simple to remove with only a screwdriver.  Let’s review how to remove the most common push pull and lift and turn stoppers.

Removing a Push-Pull Tub Stopper

A push pull stopper is a very common type of tub stopper that operates by simply pulling up on a knob or lowering to close the drain.  Follow these steps to remove a push pull stopper:

1)  Lift the tub stopper to the open position
2) Turn the knob counterclockwise while holding firmly onto the strainer body.  If the knob is stubborn, you may need to use a pair of pliers with a rag over the knob to grip it better to turn it.
3) Once the cap is removed you can unscrew the mounting post to separate the stopper from the strainer body. 

Removing a Lift and Turn Stopper

A lift and turn tub stopper works just like it sounds, by twisting the knob and turning one way to open and the other to close.  Follow these steps to remove a lift and turn stopper:

1) Turn the knob to the open position
2)  If there is no set screw, try twisting the knob off  or see if there is a pin on the pointing post to align with a release channel on the strainer.  Then lift the stopper off the mounting post.
3)  If there is a set screw and the knob won’t twist off, just loosen the screw with a small screwdriver or Allen wrench.
4) Unscrew the mounting post from the drain with a screwdriver.

For drains that have broken or corroded crossbars, replacing with a universal tub stopper that fits over the drain cover is the best way to install a new stopper.  Watco makes the SimpliQuick™ Tub Fix which is a push pull tub stopper that can affix over any drain, even drains with broken crossbars.   With convenient, modern options available today there is no need to suffer with an unsightly or broken tub drain.

You can find the SimpliQuick™ Tub Fix at FixMyDrain.com, along with video instruction on how to remove tub stoppers and tips for quickly installing new tub stoppers.  If you’re wanting to upgrade the look of your bathroom, consider replacing the tub overflow plate at the same time for a brand new look.


FixMyDrain.com is the premier online retailer for Watco SimpliQuick™ Tub Fix, overflow plate and lavatory drain solutions.  We provide high quality products combined with knowledgeable and friendly customer service. Stop putting off your tub drain repair project and learn the easiest way to remove and replace your bathtub stopper.