If you are facing an issue of blockage in your drain or when the water takes long to drain after it has been opened, then you require the services of a plumber. It is important that you learn how to remove a bathtub stopper because it is useful for cleaning and functionality of the tub. No matter if you have a pop-up, lift-and-turn, or push-pull stopper, you will find out how to remove a particular sort in this article. In this article, you will find easy instructions on how to clean your drain to remove piled-up hair, soap scum, and debris. If you know what to do and what to use, it would be possible to spend less when undertaking plumbing services for your bathtub.
Tools You’ll Need
The following preparations should therefore be made before proceeding:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers or wrench
- Rubber gloves
- Drain cleaner (optional)
- Flashlight (for better visibility)
- Old rag or cloth which will be used to cover the floors and tables to avoid scratches.
- Bucket (to contain the debris and water)
It is ideal to have these tools at hand to avoid wasting much time and effort on sorting the photographs.
Identifying Your Bathtub Stopper Type
Throwing away money is not completely an option as not all bathtub stoppers are the same. The following are the most commonly occurring:
1. Lift-and-Turn Stopper – It is equipped with a small knob that rotates to unlock and lock it.
2. Lift and Turn Stopper – The door is opened and closed with the use of a handle which must be lifted and turned; Pull and push Stopper – This type of door can only be opened and closed after pulling or pushing.
3. Toe-Touch Stopper – one can control with a push with the use of your foot.
4. Flip-It Stopper – Lever openers and closers are considerable, when there is Flip-It Stopper is used which helps to stop the flipper type doors by rotating a lever.
5. Pop-Up Stopper – Observed in most of the contemporary models and has a built-in lever.
6. Trip Lever Stopper – It is positioned and operated by a lever located on the tub’s side wall.
7. Grid Drain Stopper is a fixed type of drain developed with small opening to prevent accumulation of debris in the drain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Each Bathtub Stopper
1. Removing a Lift-and-Turn Stopper
- While holding the knob, turn the stopper anti-clockwise for removing it.
- This screw might be under the cap or inside the drain area usually observed on the walls of the basin.
- You need to use flathead screwdriver to remove the screw that is screws in the chemical holder.
- Pull down the plug from the outlet of the sink.
- It is also necessary to clean the area around the stopper and the drain once the stopper is ready for reinstallation.
2. Removing a Push-Pull Stopper
- When in the lowered position it is kept as such and when in the open position, the hole is fully exposed.
- Assemblies, the knob and turn it counter clockwise.
- Mention that to remove the cap, also provided beneath the body of the pen, turn a screwdriver around the set screw.
- Before using the plunger, try to lift the rubber stopper out of the drain if it is readily removable as this makes its usage easier.
- Hence it is advisable to inspect and clean the stopper to ensure that it is free from buildup.
3. Removing a Toe-Touch Bathtub Stopper
- Tighten the cap by locating the stopper at the opening and pulling it downwards.
- Squeeze the base while twisting the cap in the soaking tool clockwise and then reverse the direction.
- If the cap does not come off easily, then, you have to use pliers with a cloth as you twist the cap.
- Twisting it anti-clockwise will free up the stopper and once in this state, pull it out.
- Ensure that all surface of the rooms is free from any dirt or any other form of substance before cleaning.
4. Removing a Flip-It Stopper
- Open the lever by rotating it to this side.
- Simply, unscrew the stopper by twisting it in a way that is parallel to the handle.
- If it is difficult to remove it further, try rotating the cap while pulling it out slightly.
- Clean the stopper and drain to reduce accumulations that may hinder the inspection and passing of food items.
5. Removing a Pop-Up Stopper
- Rotate the stopper counterclockwise until the cone shaped portion sticks to the drain edges then pull upward to remove it.
- These should be pulled whereas if they get jammed one should twist the vessel slightly in the same direction as the pulling.
- If your drain has a stopper it is even better as it will be fitted with a linkage arm.
- Clean any debris before reinstallation.
- Apply oil on the prospective surfaces to ensure that they will move freely.
6. Removing a Trip Lever Stopper
- To do this, you need to find the trip lever situated on a wall of the tub.
- Disconnect the faceplate by unscrewing the screws that are under the plate.
- Remove the whole assembly and the linkage as well.
- It may be an idea to clean the drain or reinstall the system if necessary.
- The finality of the system can be ascertained by taking a trial of the mechanism to see whether or not everything is functioning as it should.
7. Removing a Grid Drain Stopper
- To remove the stopper, it is necessary to take out any screws which were used to secure the stopper in place.
- Lift the stopper out carefully.
- Clear the debris trapped in the grid but ensure that no remnants of the remains are left in the process.
- Some hubs require that the drain opening be cleaned before the replacement is done.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Bathtub Drain
Follow the following sequence of steps to maintain a clear drain after removing the stopper.
- Using a drain snake: A drain snake tool will help pull out hair and accumulated substances.
- Flush with hot water and baking soda: A hot water rinse with baking soda proves to be a natural method for drain cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners: Installing drain cleaning chemicals will produce pipe damage.
- Install a drain cover: The drain needs an installed cover to prevent blockages from collecting debris.
- Regularly remove and clean the stopper: You should routinely remove the stopper for cleaning to stop clogs from occurring in the future.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
What if My Stopper Won’t Unscrew?
- Stuck screws require WD-40 or another lubricant to gain sufficient loosening.
- Plastic pliers with rubber handles will provide you better grip in case of stuck screws.
- To break mineral deposits you should tap gently with a rubber mallet.
What if the Stopper Falls into the Drain?
- Needle-nose pliers offer the right tools to pull it back.
- The overflow plate needs removal to extract the stopper from below when it becomes inaccessible.
- A bendable grabbing tool will effectively reach the object.
Why is My Drain still Clogged?
- Hair together with soap scum continue to accumulate inside the pipes.
- The plunger or drain snake can remove blockages which are situated in deeper pipe areas.
- Problems that do not resolve can require the expertise of a professional plumber.
Preventative Tips for a Clog-Free Bathtub
- Hot water flowing through the drain pipes each week dissolves accumulated substance buildup.
- Placing a brush on your hair before bathing will help reduce hair loss through the drain.
- The drain should never receive poured oil or grease since these items will eventually solidify.
- Regular monthly cleaning of your stopper will stop buildups from forming.
Conclusion
A knowledge of bathtub stopper removal plays a critical role for proper drainage and continuous bath operation. This comprehensive guide enables users to eliminate stoppers of any style while ensuring drain clearage to prevent clogging incidents which lead to high repair expenses. Regular maintenance creates painless bathtub use which you can achieve today by understanding drain control.
Comfortable operation of your bathtub stopper depends on your regular maintenance which promotes a clean and sanitary bathroom environment. Simple steps provided above will maintain the smooth operation of your drain for many years regardless of your maintenance purpose.