How to Replace Your Bathtub Overflow Plate

The bathtub overflow plate plays an important role in any tub design, allowing any overflowing water to drain out of the tub in case of overfilling.  An overflow plate will last for many years, although after extended use can begin to look dingy and corroded. If you want to update the look of your bathtub, you may be wondering how to replace your bathtub overflow plate.

It’s easier than you may think to remove an existing overflow plate and replace it with a shiny new one.  Replacing your tub overflow plate along with a brand new bathtub stopper is the easiest way to give your bathtub an upgrade that improves the look of your entire bathroom.  Newer, modern products make this an easy job you can do yourself with beautiful, durable tub fixtures to last for many more years to come.

Removing Your Current Tub Overflow Plate

Most bathtub overflow plates are attached with a screw or set of screws which are simple to remove with a screwdriver.  If you have a lever sticking out of your overflow plate, you probably have a plunger or pop-up style of stopper controlled through the lever.  If you have one of these styles of tub stoppers, the lever is attached to a linking mechanism which controls the tub stopper.

Many people are replacing these types of stoppers with a more modern design, such as the Push Pull tub stopper.  When you remove the screws on your overflow plate and pull out the linking mechanism, you can gently pull out the attached stopper and linking arms for a plunger style of stopper.  A pop-up stopper will also require removing the linking arms and the stopper itself should be easy to remove from the drain.

If you’re pulling out the lever and linking mechanism, just have a bucket and some rags handy to drop the old pieces into so you don’t scratch or dirty up your tub.  With your overflow plate removed, you can quickly replace it with the modern Snap-On Innovator® overflow plate by Watco. This overflow plate is sleek, shiny and will add a brand new look to your tub.

If you’ve removed your stopper as well, you can quickly replace it with a matching Push Pull stopper also by Watco, the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix.  Pairing your new overflow plate with a new tub stopper is the best way to upgrade your bathtub with quick and easy do-it-yourself tub repair products.

Install Your New Snap-On Innovator® Tub Overflow Plate

Watco makes it easy with the snap-On Innovator® overflow plate and includes hardware needed for a quick installation. FixMyDrain.com shows you with step-by-step video instruction just how easy it is to replace your tub overflow plate and bathtub stopper.  Check out the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix trim kit for all the parts you need including the overflow plate and new tub stopper.


FixMyDrain.com offers quality products, exceptional customer support and instructional videos to make your tub fix project a success. Your complete satisfaction is paramount to our success. Contact us for assistance in choosing the right overflow plate and bathtub stopper products.