If your bathtub drain is clogged and you can’t remove the stopper, don’t despair. There are a few simple tricks you can try to get it out. First, try using a pair of pliers to grip the stopper and pull it out. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a suction cup to create a seal around the stopper and pull it out. Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the clog and free the stopper.
Before you start trying to remove the stopper, it’s important to make sure that the water in the tub is turned off. Once the water is off, you can start trying the methods описаны above. If you’re using pliers, be careful not to damage the stopper or the drain. If you’re using a suction cup, make sure that you create a good seal around the stopper so that you can get a good grip on it. And if you’re using a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.
Once you’ve successfully removed the stopper, you can clean it and the drain to prevent future clogs. To clean the stopper, simply wash it with soap and water. To clean the drain, you can use a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Once the drain is clean, you can replace the stopper and turn the water back on.
Remove Pop-Up Stoppers
Pop-up stoppers are a common type of drain stopper found in bathtubs. They are typically made of rubber or plastic, and they have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows them to open and close automatically. Pop-up stoppers can be removed for cleaning or replacement. Here are the steps on how to remove a pop-up stopper:
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Gather your tools. You will need a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a small bucket or bowl.
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Locate the trip lever. The trip lever is a small metal lever that is attached to the pop-up stopper. It is usually located on the side of the drain.
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Depress the trip lever. Use the pliers to depress the trip lever. This will release the spring-loaded mechanism and allow you to remove the stopper.
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Remove the stopper. Once the trip lever is depressed, you can simply pull the stopper up and out of the drain.
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Clean the stopper. If the stopper is dirty, you can clean it with soap and water.
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Reinstall the stopper. To reinstall the stopper, simply insert it into the drain and push it down until it snaps into place.
Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to remove a pop-up stopper:
Step | Action |
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1 | Gather your tools. |
2 | Locate the trip lever. |
3 | Depress the trip lever. |
4 | Remove the stopper. |
5 | Clean the stopper. |
6 | Reinstall the stopper. |
Remove Screw-In Stoppers
Many late-model tub stoppers feature a screw-in mechanism that provides a secure and watertight seal. To remove this type of stopper, you’ll need a pair of pliers or a large flathead screwdriver.
Step 1: Locate the screw that holds the stopper in place. It’s usually located in the center of the stopper, on the underside.Step 2: Use the pliers or the flathead screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise.Step 3: Once the screw is loose, pull the stopper straight up to remove it. If the stopper is stuck, you may need to use a little force. Be careful not to damage the stopper or the tub drain.
As further detailed instructions:
Screw-In Stopper Removal with LeverageIf you’re having trouble removing the stopper by hand, you can use a lever to provide more force. Insert a screwdriver into one of the slots on the screw head and use the other end of the screwdriver to push against the tub drain. This will create a lever that will help you turn the screw more easily.Removing a Damaged ScrewIf the screw is damaged or stripped, you may need to use a different method to remove it. One option is to use a screw extractor. Screw extractors are designed to grip damaged screws and remove them. Another option is to drill out the screw. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. Drill a hole into the center of the screw head, and then use the pliers to remove the screw.Replacing the StopperOnce you have removed the old stopper, you can replace it with a new one. Simply screw the new stopper into place, making sure that it is tight enough to create a watertight seal.
Tool | Purpose |
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Pliers | To grip and turn the screw |
Flathead screwdriver | To turn the screw or create leverage |
Screw extractor (optional) | To remove damaged screws |
Drill (optional) | To drill out damaged screws |
Tips:- If the stopper is stuck, you can try using a lubricant to help loosen it.
- Be careful not to overtighten the screw when replacing the stopper.
- If you have any questions or concerns, consult a qualified plumber.
Clear Clogged Stoppers
For minor clogs that prevent the stopper from closing properly, try the following methods:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
2. Drain Snake
Insert a drain snake into the drain and twist it to loosen any debris. Pull the snake out and discard the debris.
3. Plunger
Fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the drain. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously up and down. The suction should help dislodge the clog.
4. Manual Removal
Type of Stopper | Removal Method |
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Lift-and-Turn | Lift the stopper slightly and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. |
Push-and-Pull | Push down on the stopper to release the spring mechanism, then pull it up to remove it. |
Trip-Lever | Trip the lever on the overflow drain to release the stopper. |
If you are unable to remove the clog with these methods, contact a professional plumber. They have specialized tools and techniques to effectively clear even the most stubborn clogs.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to remove clogs from drains. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and slowly feed it down the pipe while turning the handle. The snake will eventually reach the clog and break it up.
Tips for Using a Drain Snake
Tip | Description |
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Use a flashlight to see inside the drain. | This will help you to identify the location of the clog. |
Start by feeding the snake into the drain slowly. | This will help to prevent the snake from getting stuck. |
Turn the handle of the snake clockwise to advance the snake into the drain. | Do not turn the handle counterclockwise, as this could cause the snake to get stuck. |
Once the snake reaches the clog, continue to turn the handle to break up the clog. | You may need to use some force to break up the clog. |
Once the clog is broken up, slowly pull the snake out of the drain. | Be careful not to pull the snake out too quickly, as this could cause the clog to re-form. |
If you are unable to remove the clog with a drain snake, you may need to call a plumber.
Use a Plunger
A plunger is a household tool that is commonly used to unclog toilets. However, it can also be used to remove a bathtub drain stopper. To use a plunger, follow these steps:
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Fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the drain stopper.
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Place the plunger over the drain stopper and make sure that it creates a seal.
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Plunge the plunger up and down vigorously for several times. This will create suction and pressure that will help to dislodge the drain stopper.
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If the drain stopper does not come loose after several plunges, try adding some dish soap to the water and then plunging again.
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If the drain stopper still does not come loose, you can try using a pair of pliers to grip the stopper and pull it out.
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If none of the above methods work, you may need to call a plumber to remove the drain stopper. However, in most cases, you should be able to remove the drain stopper yourself using one of the methods described above.
Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic cleaning duo can work wonders on clogged drains. Here’s how to use it:
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Flush the drain with hot water.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
Here are some additional tips for using baking soda and vinegar to clean a clogged drain:
- For tougher clogs, you can let the mixture sit overnight.
- If you don’t have vinegar, you can substitute lemon juice or citric acid.
- To prevent clogs from forming in the future, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain once a month and flush with hot water.
Tip | Benefits |
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Use a plunger | Forces water through the drain to dislodge clogs. |
Remove the drain stopper | Allows you to access and remove the clog directly. |
Use a drain snake | Hooks the clog and pulls it out of the drain. |
Remove Toe-Touch Stoppers
Remove Lift-and-Turn Stoppers
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Lift the stopper out of the drain. Grip the top of the stopper with your fingers and pull it straight up.
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Turn the stopper counterclockwise to unlock it. The stopper will be held in place by a locking mechanism that is engaged when the stopper is turned clockwise.
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Pull the stopper straight up to remove it from the drain.
Remove Push-and-Pull Stoppers
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Push down on the stopper to disengage the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is located on the bottom of the stopper.
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Pull the stopper straight up to remove it from the drain.
Remove Toe-Touch Stoppers
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Locate the access panel under the bathtub. The access panel is usually located near the base of the bathtub, on the side that is opposite the drain.
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Remove the access panel screws. The access panel screws are usually located around the perimeter of the access panel.
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Pull the access panel off of the bathtub. The access panel may be held in place by clips or magnets.
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Locate the toe-touch stopper mechanism. The toe-touch stopper mechanism is usually located behind the access panel, near the drain.
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Disconnect the toe-touch stopper mechanism from the drain. The toe-touch stopper mechanism is usually connected to the drain by a flexible hose.
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Pull the toe-touch stopper out of the drain. The toe-touch stopper is usually held in place by a friction fit.
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Reverse the steps to reinstall the toe-touch stopper.
Reset Pop-Up Stoppers
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Push down on the stopper to open the drain. The stopper will be held in place by a spring-loaded mechanism.
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Insert a thin object, such as a paper clip or a wire, into the small hole on the side of the stopper. The hole is usually located near the top of the stopper.
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Push the object into the hole until you feel resistance. The resistance is caused by the spring-loaded mechanism.
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Pull the object out of the hole. The stopper will pop up and reset the spring-loaded mechanism.
How To Remove Bathtub Drain Stopper
A bathtub drain stopper is a small device that helps prevent water from draining out of the bathtub. It’s typically made of rubber or plastic and fits snugly into the drain hole. Over time, drain stoppers can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can make it difficult to remove them when you need to clean the drain.
There are a few different ways to remove a bathtub drain stopper. The easiest way is to use a pair of pliers to grip the stopper and pull it out. If the stopper is too slippery to grip with pliers, you can try using a pair of rubber gloves.
Another way to remove a bathtub drain stopper is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to hook onto the stopper. Once the stopper is hooked, you can pull it out of the drain.
If you don’t have a pair of pliers or a drain snake, you can try using a coat hanger. Straighten out the coat hanger and bend one end into a hook. Insert the hook into the drain and try to hook onto the stopper. Once the stopper is hooked, you can pull it out of the drain.
No matter which method you use, be sure to clean the drain stopper thoroughly before reinstalling it. This will help prevent it from becoming clogged again.
People Also Ask
How do I remove a bathtub drain stopper that is stuck?
If the bathtub drain stopper is stuck, you can try using a pair of pliers to grip it and pull it out. If the stopper is too slippery to grip with pliers, you can try using a pair of rubber gloves.
Another way to remove a stuck bathtub drain stopper is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to hook onto the stopper. Once the stopper is hooked, you can pull it out of the drain.
How do I remove a bathtub drain stopper without pliers?
If you don’t have a pair of pliers, you can try using a coat hanger to remove the bathtub drain stopper. Straighten out the coat hanger and bend one end into a hook. Insert the hook into the drain and try to hook onto the stopper. Once the stopper is hooked, you can pull it out of the drain.
How do I clean a bathtub drain stopper?
To clean a bathtub drain stopper, simply remove it from the drain and rinse it with water. You can also use a mild soap solution to clean the stopper. Be sure to rinse the stopper thoroughly before reinstalling it.