How to Remove a Bathtub Drain

The drain stopper is the part of the drain that’s closed to fill the tub and opened to empty the tub. It is the most visible part of the drain.

There is a variety of bathtub drain stoppers available. Removing a bathtub drain starts with identifying the type of drain stopper. You will then know the proper removal technique to use.

Listed here are the most common bathtub stopper types, followed by how to remove each tub stopper. It's true that any type of tub drain can be removed. But note that experts recommend hiring a professional plumbing service if the drain is old. An expert may also be needed if you cannot easily identify the type of stopper.

1. Toe-Touch Drain Stopper
   

A toe-touch drain stopper is spring-loaded. It is designed to be opened and closed with just a press of your toe. This stopper is convenient and easy to install. But the spring may need to be replaced with age and frequent use.

How to Remove a Toe-Touch Drain Stopper

• Set the drain to its open position.
• Unscrew the shaft cylinder, which is the part of the drain stopper that fits into the drain opening. It is usually screwed into a threaded section of the drain opening.
• Depending on the design of the stopper, you may need to use a screwdriver. Or you may simply be able to twist the drain stopper counterclockwise with your hand.

2. Push-Pull Drain Stopper
   

Also known as a foot plug, a push-pull drain stopper opens and closes, just as its name describes. You pull up on its small knob to open the drain and push down to close it again. This simple drain stopper is easy to remove and to install. It also has a long lifespan.

How to Remove a Push-Pull Drain Stopper:

• Set the drain to its open position.
• Lift up on the drain stopper’s knob. Turn it counterclockwise.
• After enough turns, the drain stopper should be unscrewed and come free from the drain opening.

3. Lift-And-Turn Drain Stopper
   

A lift-and-turn drain stopper is also known as a twist-and-pull drain stopper. It appears similar to a push-pull drain stopper, since both types have small knobs on the top. To open this drain stopper, turn it clockwise, while pulling up slightly on the knob. Turn it counterclockwise to close.

How to Remove a Lift-And-Turn Drain Stopper:

• Set the drain to its open position.
• Unscrew the knob on the top of the drain stopper to see if there is a setscrew underneath. a setscrew is designed to prevent relative movement. It's screwed through either one part of a screw tightly upon or into another part.
• If your drain stopper has a setscrew, use a small screwdriver or a hex key to unscrew it.
• Twist the entire stopper counterclockwise until it pulls free from its mounting post.
• Remove the mounting post using pliers.

4. Trip-Lever Drain Stopper
   

The trip-lever drain stopper is the most distinctive type. Also called a flip-level drain stopper, it requires a different removal technique. You use a trip lever installed on the overflow drain on the side of the tub, just below the faucet. The trip lever is attached to a rod that runs through the overflow drain. It connects to and controls a stopper that is inside the drain, rather than on the tub’s floor. Due to the interior hardware, a trip-lever drain stopper can be more difficult to remove than other types.

How to Remove a Trip-Lever Drain Stopper:

• Set the drain to its open position.
• Unscrew the faceplate that is mounted to the overflow drain.
• Pull the faceplate free, and the rest of the drain stopper’s connected hardware should follow. You will pull the entire drain stopper out through the overflow drain.
• You may need to wiggle the drain stopper to free its entire length. Be patient as you remove it.

5. Flip-it Drain Stopper
   

Flip-it drain stoppers feature a toggle on the top that opens and closes the drain. Flip-it drains have O-rings inside that help create a strong seal. The O-rings will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. A flip-it drain stopper is easy to install, as long as there is not a strainer plate over the drain.

• Remove a flip-it drain stopper by flipping the level to open.
• Twist the stopper out of the drain.
  

6. Pop-up Drain Stopper
   

Pop-up drain stoppers work with the same mechanism as a trip-lever drain stopper. The difference is that instead of a strainer over the drain, the pop-up is spring activated to seal the drain.

How to Remove a Pop-Up Drain Stopper

• Open the drain by flipping the lever.
• Pull the stopper out. The metal arm that goes through the drainpipe will come with it. You may need to wiggle it as you pull.

To remove the drain basket, you will need either locking pliers or a tub drain wrench. A drain wrench is a drain removal tool that is form-fitted to drain basket crossbars. It greatly reduces the risk of accidentally breaking the crossbar.

• If you are using a drain wrench, insert the drain wrench into the drain. Then, turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the drain basket.
  
• If you are using locking pliers, make sure the pliers are small enough to reach into the drain, yet sturdy enough to withstand you turning it. Clamp and lock the pliers onto the center of the metal crossbar and twist them counterclockwise.
• If you have trouble turning the pliers, gain some extra torque by putting a screwdriver between the plier handles. You can then use the screwdriver to turn the pliers.

Bathtub drains usually have a long, deep thread that may take some time to unscrew. Be patient when removing and replacing a bathtub drain.

Tip: The drain basket is sealed with plumber’s putty. First soften the putty with a hairdryer to make the drain basket easier to remove.

• Some of the old seal may remain, so remove any residue with a plastic putty knife.
• Clean the drain opening with a sponge and either a bathroom cleaner or a 50/50 blend of vinegar and baking soda.
• If you plan to reuse the existing drain stopper and drain basket, clean those pieces, as well.

Tip: Once you have removed it, set the drain stopper aside. Then, clean away any remaining grime or debris with a scrub brush.

Whether you are replacing the drain you just removed or installing a new drain, use fresh plumber’s putty.

• Roll the putty between your hands until it is a long log about as thick as a pencil. Wrap the putty around the lip of the replacement drain basket.
• Screw the new drain basket in by hand. Tighten it with the pliers or drain wrench.
• Use the putty knife to remove excess plumber’s putty.

If you are installing a flip-lever drain stopper, first insert the plunger into the overflow drain. Next, screw in the drain basket. Then, screw on the drain’s faceplate. Check the flip-lever drain’s manufacturer’s instructions for details on how to install your specific model.

What if you are installing one of the other types of drain stoppers? You can simply screw the new drain stopper into the drain basket.

Allow the plumber’s putty time to adhere. Close the drain and partially fill the tub with water. Mark the top of the water line with painter's tape. If the fill level remains the same after an hour, you have successfully replaced the drain. If not, then you have a leak. You will need to check to ensure that the new drain is properly installed and sealed.