How To Fix A Bathtub Drain Stopper Stuck In Closed Position

If your bathtub stopper is stuck in a closed position, you may notice water pooling at your feet every time you take a shower. It might appear that there is a clog from accumulated soap scum or hair, but if your drain is still not draining water after cleaning it, you may find that your bathtub drain stopper is stuck in the closed position. This is a pretty easy remedy; the first thing you need to do is to remove your bathtub stopper, and if cleaning it and reassembling does not do the trick, it is very simple to replace it.

Identify Your Tub Stopper Type to Remove It

There are different types of tub stoppers, such as a push-pull where you simply push it down or pull it up, the toe touch stopper which does the same thing with the tap of your foot, the lift and turn stopper and trip lever systems that go through the overflow drain. This video shows you how to remove the most common types of bathtub stoppers.

For some stoppers that have the knob on top that is stuck, try to put a rag around it and use a pair of pliers to loosen the top while holding onto the base. If the top comes off, but the stopper stays in the drain, there may be a set screw underneath the top of the stopper, which is easy to remove with a flathead screwdriver.

If you have a pop-up drain stopper controlled by a trip lever, you will see a stopper over the drain, although it is controlled by the trip lever. You will need to rotate the overflow plate and pull the stopper straight up and out. These types of stoppers may require adjustment after several years of use and can be replaced with a stopper that is easier to control.

A lift bucket drain stopper is also controlled by the trip lever, although there is no stopper visible in the drain as there is simply a plunger that lifts up and down to stop water at the overflow drain. With this type of stopper, you should see a drain cover over your drain. You will remove this the same way through the overflow plate. Have a rag handy to lay the assembly in the tub without scratching the finish.

Install a New Watco Bathtub Stopper

Watco offers the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, a tub stopper replacement solution that quickly and easily replaces the most common types of tub stoppers. With the universal fit, this tub stopper replacement installs in minutes and can even sit over the drain with broken or missing crossbars. Learn more from the helpful folks at FixMyDrain.com.

FixMyDrain.com offers the latest innovative bathtub stopper solution from Watco, a leader in tub repair and replacement parts. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is easy to install and is backed up by the Watco five-year limited warranty. Get this Watco tub stopper solution today and combine with a matching overflow plate that is just as easy to install.