Bathtub Drain Stopper Stuck? Follow These Steps for Removal
By Roto-Rooter
In some cases, the solution to clogs and other drain problems lies closer to the surface than you might expect. While bathtub drain stopper removal sounds simple on paper, cleaning the drain and removing the clog can actually be a fairly difficult process, especially if your stopper is stuck. That's why so many people turn to Toccoa, GA's Roto-Rooter when it comes to camera inspections and related drain services. With a few helpful tips, however, you can take care of those surface-level issues before they get even worse.
The process for removing a stuck bathtub drain stopper starts with knowing the type of stopper you're dealing with in the first place. Here are a few of the most common varieties, along with tips for removing them:
- Toe-Touch Stoppers: These spring-loaded stoppers are relatively easy to remove. First, you will need to unscrew the stopper cap, under which you should see a large screw head that will fully remove the stopper body. Use this opportunity to clean out any clogs and examine the spring to make sure everything is working accordingly.
- Twist-&-Turn Stoppers: If you have a stopper with a small center knob at the top that you turn to open and close the drain, you have the appropriately named twist-and-turn stopper. Pull yours up as far as possible, use a tool to grip the body, and unscrew the stopper's center knob with a pair of pliers. Doing so will expose another mounting screw that can be removed to free the body from the drain.
- Trip-Lever or Plunger-Style Stoppers: Those who have trip-lever pop-up bathtub drains will need to remove the lever itself from the overflow plate, being careful not to lose any small parts, such as the overflow washer. Once it’s off, you should be able to wiggle the trip lever loose to gain access to the stopper within the pipe. Adjust the plunger/stopper to the correct height, and you will be able to properly drain your bathtub again.
Bathtub drain stoppers can be tricky pieces of equipment if you haven't dealt with them before. If you find yourself needing help with commercial or residential drain cleaning tasks of all sizes, go with the experts at Roto-Rooter. Visit them online for more information, and call them at (706) 839-7277 to schedule drain services today.