bathtub drain/stopper replacement

7 posts / 0 new

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 13:46

67drake

bathtub drain/stopper replacement

The lever on my tub for the drain's stopper is jammed. If the internals need replacing,can this be done without access from below and behind?

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 16:39

(Reply to #1) #2

MLB Construction

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

pretty simple fix. there should be two screws, one on each side of the lever. remove both screws then pull the plate with the lever up and out. there will be a metal rod and at the bottom of the metal rod will be a round plunger. take it all out. bring it with you to a plumbing supply or big box store and get a replacement one. install it the opposite way that you removed it. you might have to do a few tests to make sure that the plunger is set at the correct height to stop the water when filling the tub.

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 17:18

(Reply to #2) #3

dj1

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

To add to MLB's answer:

Your plunger could be detached (broken link) from the lever, requiring a much more involved repair.

If that's the case, you'll need to access the plumbing from behind or any other way possible.

Sat, 07/13/2013 - 11:54

(Reply to #3) #4

67drake

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

Thanks guys.
The tub does not get used too much for baths,just showers. So I took it apart and the plunger freed up after working the rod up and down a few times by hand. To get at this one from under or behind would have been a major PIA because of it's placement in the house.

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:36

(Reply to #4) #5

dj1

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

67drake wrote:

Thanks guys.
The tub does not get used too much for baths,just showers. So I took it apart and the plunger freed up after working the rod up and down a few times by hand. To get at this one from under or behind would have been a major PIA because of it's placement in the house.

The overflow was probably dry from lack of use, immobilizing the rod. I'm glad it worked for you.
For the future, run some water through the overflow every once and a while.

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 16:26

(Reply to #5) #6

HoustonRemodeler

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

Our favorites are the cable driven drain kits, the ones that cost $75 or more. They are very well made and have a number of advantages. The cheap $50 ones at the big box stores aren't worth the money.

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 07:13

(Reply to #6) #7

MLB Construction

Re: bathtub drain/stopper replacement

HoustonRemodeler wrote:

Our favorites are the cable driven drain kits, the ones that cost $75 or more. They are very well made and have a number of advantages. The cheap $50 ones at the big box stores aren't worth the money.

couldn't agree more