How to Remove Bathtub Drain Stopper: Quick Steps

Have you ever stood in a bathtub full of water that just won’t drain? I have, and I know how frustrating it feels. The good news is that removing a bathtub drain stopper is not hard when you know the right way. In this article, you will learn exactly how to do it step by step, without confusion, using simple tools you already have.

Gather Tools and Prepare Your Space

Before you even touch the bathtub drain, you need the right tools and a clear space. This part is often skipped, but it makes the whole job smooth. You do not need expensive tools, but you do need to be ready. When you are prepared, the process feels simple and safe.

Start by finding a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers. You may also want a flashlight to see inside the drain. If you have a drain key or a drain removal tool, keep that nearby as well. Having all these tools at arm’s reach helps you avoid getting up again and again.

Next, make sure your bathtub area is dry. Wipe the floor around the tub with a towel. This way, you avoid slipping while you work. A small towel or mat near the tub is also useful for placing tools, so they do not scratch the surface of the tub.

It is also smart to protect your drain. Place a cloth inside the tub around the stopper area. This cloth catches screws or small pieces if they fall. Losing a screw down the drain can turn a small job into a big headache. With a cloth in place, you will feel more relaxed.

Now, take a deep breath and look closely at your drain stopper. Try to identify what type of stopper you have. The most common ones are push-pull, lift-and-turn, toe-touch, flip-it, and trip-lever. Knowing your type is key because the removal method is different for each.

• Flathead screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• Drain removal tool (optional)
• Towel or cloth for protection

Identify the Type of Bathtub Drain Stopper

Not all stoppers are the same, and this is where most people get stuck. If you do not know what kind of stopper you have, you may try to twist or pull in the wrong way. That can break the stopper or even damage the drain. So, let’s carefully identify yours.

The push-pull stopper is very common. You push it down to close the drain and pull it up to open. Usually, you will see a small knob on top that you can unscrew. If this is what you see, then you are dealing with a push-pull type.

The lift-and-turn stopper looks almost the same as push-pull, but it has a small set screw under the cap. You usually twist it left and right to open or close. If you feel the stopper spinning but not coming out, then it is likely this type.

The toe-touch stopper is flat on top, and you press it with your toe to open or close. It usually has a spring inside. If your stopper bounces up when pressed, then it is a toe-touch. These are easy to recognize because they look very flat.

The flip-it stopper has a toggle lever on top. You flip it sideways to open or close. These stoppers do not need screws because they are held in by simple O-rings. If you see a little lever on top, then you know you have this type.

The trip-lever stopper is different because it is controlled by a lever on the overflow plate near the top of the tub. If you have a lever above your tub and no stopper visible in the drain, then it is a trip-lever type. These are the trickiest, but not impossible.

• Push-pull stopper: knob on top, pull up and down
• Lift-and-turn stopper: twists left and right with set screw
• Toe-touch stopper: flat, spring-loaded, press with toe
• Flip-it stopper: toggle lever on top
• Trip-lever stopper: controlled by lever on overflow plate

Remove a Push-Pull Drain Stopper

Now that you know the type, let’s start with the push-pull stopper. This type is very common in homes. Thankfully, it is also one of the easiest to remove when you know what to do. With a little patience, you can take it out in minutes.

First, pull the stopper up so it is in the open position. This gives you access to the knob on top. Hold the stopper body with one hand to keep it from turning. With the other hand, twist the knob counterclockwise. It should come loose. If it feels tight, use a cloth around it for grip.

Once the knob is off, you will see a small post or screw that attaches it to the stopper body. Use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to unscrew it. Go slowly and make sure not to drop the screw into the drain. Remember, that cloth you placed earlier is there to catch it.

Now, simply pull the stopper body straight out of the drain. If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently side to side. Do not force it, as that can damage the parts. Once it is out, check for hair or dirt stuck around the base. This is a good time to clean the area before reinstalling.

If you want to put it back later, keep the screw and knob in a small container. Labeling it helps if you plan to replace it with a new stopper. When everything is removed, the drain is open and ready for cleaning or repair.

• Pull stopper open
• Twist knob counterclockwise
• Remove screw under knob
• Pull stopper body out gently
• Clean around the drain

Remove a Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper

The lift-and-turn stopper looks a lot like the push-pull type, but it removes differently. This one requires a bit more care because of the set screw. If you miss the screw, you might think the stopper is stuck forever. But once you find it, the rest is simple.

First, lift the stopper into the open position. Now, try to turn the knob left and right. Look closely at the base of the knob. You should see a small hole. Inside that hole is the set screw. Sometimes it is hidden by dirt or soap scum, so use your flashlight if needed.

The set screw can be either a flathead or an Allen screw. If it is flathead, use your screwdriver. If it is Allen, use a small hex key. Turn the screw counterclockwise just enough to loosen it. You do not always need to take it out completely. Just loosen until the stopper comes free.

Once the screw is loose, twist the stopper counterclockwise. It should lift off from the drain. If it feels stuck, check again if the screw is still holding it. Never use too much force, because that can strip the screw or damage the drain threads.

After removing the stopper, clean both the threads and the inside of the drain. This is where hair and soap scum usually collect. Wipe it down with a cloth and warm water. This keeps it smooth for when you put it back later.

• Lift stopper open
• Find the set screw at base
• Loosen screw with screwdriver or hex key
• Twist stopper counterclockwise
• Clean drain and threads

Remove a Toe-Touch Drain Stopper

The toe-touch stopper is another common one. People like it because you can press it with your toe without bending down. But when it stops working, it can be annoying. Removing it is simple once you understand the spring mechanism inside.

Begin by pressing the stopper so it is in the open position. You should now be able to grip the top with your fingers. Hold the base steady with one hand. With the other hand, twist the top cap counterclockwise. It should unscrew and come off easily.

Under the cap, you will see the spring-loaded cylinder. This is the part that moves up and down when you press it with your toe. Use your hand to twist this cylinder counterclockwise until it comes free. If it feels stuck, use pliers, but wrap them in a cloth to avoid scratches.

Once the cylinder is out, you have removed the stopper completely. Take a moment to inspect the spring. If it looks rusty or broken, it is a good time to replace it. Otherwise, just clean the parts and reinstall them when you are ready.

The drain should now be fully open. You can remove hair and buildup easily. Many people find that cleaning the drain at this point solves their slow drainage problem right away.

• Press stopper open
• Twist top cap counterclockwise
• Remove spring cylinder
• Inspect and clean parts
• Reinstall or replace if needed

Remove a Trip-Lever Drain Stopper

The trip-lever stopper is the most confusing type. Unlike the others, you cannot see the stopper in the drain. Instead, it is controlled by a lever on the overflow plate. This type is tricky, but with patience, you can remove it without trouble.

First, locate the overflow plate. It is the small metal plate on the tub wall just under the faucet. The lever is on this plate. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the plate in place. Hold the plate carefully so it does not fall when the screws come out.

Slowly pull the plate forward. Attached to it will be a long rod and a plunger. This is the actual stopper system. It may look dirty or slimy, so have a cloth ready. Pull the whole assembly out gently until it is completely free from the drain.

Once removed, check the plunger for damage. Sometimes the plunger is rubber and may wear out. Other times, it just has a lot of buildup. Clean it with warm water and soap. Wipe down the rod as well, since it often collects slime.

When you are ready to put it back, slide the assembly slowly into the overflow opening. Make sure it goes straight so it does not get stuck. Then screw the overflow plate back on tightly. Your drain should now work smoothly.

• Remove screws from overflow plate
• Pull out lever and rod assembly
• Clean plunger and rod
• Inspect for damage
• Reinstall carefully

Final Thoughts

Removing a bathtub drain stopper may seem hard at first, but once you know the type, it becomes simple. With the right tools, clear steps, and patience, anyone can do it. Cleaning your drain during this process also helps keep your tub working better for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to remove a bathtub drain stopper?

It is not hard when you know the type of stopper you have. Each type has its own way of removal, and once you follow the right method, it comes out smoothly. Many people get stuck only because they try the wrong technique. With the right tools and patience, anyone can do it without calling a plumber.

Can I remove a bathtub drain stopper without tools?

Yes, in some cases you can. For example, a flip-it stopper usually pulls right out without tools. However, most stoppers need at least a screwdriver or pliers. Having simple tools nearby makes the process easier and safer. Trying to force it out with your hands can sometimes damage the parts.

Do I need to replace my stopper after removing it?

Not always. You only need to replace the stopper if it is broken, rusty, or too worn to work again. Many times, simply cleaning it makes it work like new. Hair, soap scum, and dirt often block the stopper, so once you remove and clean it, the problem is solved.

Is it safe to clean the drain while the stopper is out?

Yes, it is a great time to clean the drain. When the stopper is out, you can easily reach inside and remove hair or dirt. You can also pour warm water and mild cleaner to flush it out. This keeps the drain working well and prevents clogs from building up again.

Can I damage the tub if I remove the stopper wrong?

Yes, forcing or using the wrong tools can damage the drain or the tub surface. That is why it is important to identify the stopper type first. Once you know the type, follow the right method and use the correct tool. Working gently prevents scratches or broken parts.

Do I need to turn off the water to remove the stopper?

No, you do not need to turn off the water supply. Just make sure the tub is empty before you start. Working with a full tub of water makes it harder and messier. If you keep the area dry and have a towel nearby, you can remove the stopper safely.

Is it possible to remove a stuck stopper?

Yes, a stuck stopper can usually be removed with patience. Dirt or rust often makes it feel jammed. Use penetrating oil if the screw is rusted, and wiggle the stopper gently. Never use too much force, because that can cause damage. Taking your time is the safest way.

Can I reinstall the same stopper after removing it?

Yes, you can reinstall the same stopper as long as it is not broken. Just make sure you keep all screws and small parts safe. Clean everything before reinstalling, because that prevents the same problem from happening again. Reattaching it properly will make your bathtub drain work like new.