If you own or rent a home with a bathtub, you've probably encountered the frustration of trying to remove a stubborn bathtub stopper. You might need to remove your bathtub drain stopper to clean off the trapped hair and other residues, or it might only need replacing.
But don't worry - there are a few simple tricks to know so you can easily remove any stopper. We've done the hard part by finding the best methods and sharing them with you in this post so that you can have free-flowing drains in no time!
Removing a bathtub stopper depends a little on the type of stopper you have, but there are a few simple steps that apply to most styles.
- Unscrew and remove the knob on top of the stopper, or the top of the stopper itself. Hold the stopper or lower part of the stopper firmly with your hand or a rag to keep it from turning while you unscrew the knob or top. You may need a screwdriver for this step.
- Remove the knob or stopper top. At this point, you should be able to see and remove any hair or other debris clinging to the stopper.
- To reattach the knob or stopper top, place the screw or head back into the hole and screw it securely with a screwdriver or your fingers.
Of course, there are many different types of bathtub stoppers you might potentially encounter, and they might need to be removed in different ways. That's why we've explained how to remove the most common types of bathtub stoppers in this post. Keep reading, and we'll answer all of your questions.
How Do You Unscrew a Bathtub Stopper?
No matter the type of bathtub stopper you have, unscrewing it is almost always a necessary step toward removing it. Depending on the type of stopper and screws, you'll need a screwdriver, a wrench, a rag, or sometimes just your own two hands! There are only a few things to keep in mind:
- Select the tool that gives you the best amount of traction when unscrewing the stopper. Your choice might depend on the type of screw, or it might just mean the decision to use a rag to get a better grip on the stopper or screw.
- If the base of the stopper tries to turn with the top as you unscrew it, hold it firmly in place. Holding the bottom with a rag might be helpful to get a more secure grasp.
- If the top or screw spins instead of unscrewing, the screw might be stripped. If that's the case, you should be able to pull until the screw comes out.
- Sometimes the residue from soaps and body oils calcify around the stopper, making it difficult to unscrew. Try using a liquid wrench to get everything moving again. Click here to find one on Amazon.
How Do You Remove a Lift and Turn Tub Stopper?
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Lift and turn tub stoppers, also called "turn and lock" or "lift and pull" stoppers, are one of the most common types of bathtub stoppers. They're simple to use, but require a few tools to remove for cleaning. You might need a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, adjustable pliers, and a rag, depending on your stopper's specific make.
- Put the stopper in the sealed and locked position by turning it and pushing it down.
- Remove the knob on top by turning it counterclockwise. If it's challenging to get a grip on the slippery metal, use the rag for more traction.
- With the knob removed, you'll see a screw in an insert in the middle of the stopper. Unscrew it with either your screwdriver or your Allen wrench, depending on the type of screw.
- After removing the insert, lift the stopper out of the drain.
How Do You Remove a Toe Touch Tub Stopper?
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Toe touch stoppers look similar to lift and turn stoppers, but as the name implies, you can open or close them with a simple touch of the foot. And unlike a lift and turn stopper, you can remove it using only your fingers (and maybe a screwdriver, for some models).
- First, put the stopper in its open position by pulling the top up as far as you can without damaging it.
- Next, turn the top counterclockwise to remove it. Hold onto the base to keep it still if it starts trying to turn as well.
- Use your fingers or a screwdriver to unscrew the shaft cylinder inside the drain and remove it.
How Do You Remove a Kohler Bathtub Stopper?
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Removing a bathtub stopper made by Kohler can be a little more tricky, but it's simple when you know what to look for. Most of their stoppers have a set screw on the knob that can be unscrewed, enabling you to remove the drain. To remove this type of stopper, you'll need a flathead screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
- After putting your stopper in the "open" position, hold the base firmly in place, turn the knob, and look for the set screw. It could be easily visible on the knob, on the bottom of the stopper beneath the post shaft, or it might be built into the stopper (in which case you don't need to worry about unscrewing it).
- Once you've located the screw, loosen it with the screwdriver or Allen wrench. You don't need to remove it altogether.
- Take the stopper off the post and unscrew the filter. Now you can remove the stopper from the drain.
How Do You Remove the Stopper From a Moen Bathtub?
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Moen bathtub stoppers are usually made in the lift and turn style. Removing them is simple, and you need two pairs of pliers.
- Open the stopper by pulling it as far as it goes.
- Using one pair of pliers, grasp the base of the stopper. You could also use a rag if that helps you get a better grip.
- With the other pair of pliers, grab the knob on top of the stopper and unscrew it in a counterclockwise direction. Use the pliers to provide the necessary traction.
- When the knob is loose enough, remove the stopper from the drain.
How Do You Fix a Bathroom Sink Stopper?
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In the course of cleaning the drains in your bathroom, you might have to learn how to remove the bathroom sink stopper as well. Or, your sink stopper may have become dislodged and need to be removed to fix it. As is the case with bathtub stoppers, sink stoppers come in several varieties, each with their removal techniques. However, one of the most common is called a pop-up drain (you apply pressure to open or close it ), and that's the one we'll talk about here.
- First, try to lift the stopper out of the drain. If this doesn't work, you'll need to remove the stopper by going under your sink.
- While you're under the sink, look for a long piece of plastic hanging from the sink bowl. That's called the stopper's tailpipe, and you'll need to find the nut on the back of it.
- When you've located the nut, unscrew it using your fingers, a rag, or a wrench.
- After you've removed the nut, you'll be able to remove the sink stopper control rod.
- Remove the rod, and the stopper should quickly come out of the drain.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you know of other methods to remove a stubborn bath tub stopper or plug, leave us a comment to let us know.