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Bathtub stoppers are an essential a part of any toilet, however they’ll generally turn out to be caught or clogged. For those who’re having bother eradicating your stopper, don’t fret – there are a number of easy strategies you’ll be able to attempt. First, attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to softly grip the stopper and pull it out. If that does not work, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a screwdriver to pry the stopper free. Lastly, if all else fails, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the clog.
Nonetheless, earlier than you begin eradicating the stopper, it is essential to establish what kind of stopper you’ve gotten. There are two fundamental kinds of bathtub stoppers: pop-up stoppers and screw-in stoppers. Pop-up stoppers are the commonest kind, and so they’re normally manufactured from rubber or plastic. Screw-in stoppers are much less frequent, and so they’re normally manufactured from steel. As soon as you recognize what kind of stopper you’ve gotten, you’ll be able to comply with the suitable directions beneath to take away it.
When you have a pop-up stopper, you’ll be able to take away it by following these steps: First, take away the drain cowl. Subsequent, insert a pair of pliers into the drain and grip the stopper. Lastly, pull the stopper out of the drain. When you have a screw-in stopper, you’ll be able to take away it by following these steps: First, insert a screwdriver into the slot on the highest of the stopper. Subsequent, flip the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the stopper. Lastly, pull the stopper out of the drain.
Figuring out the Kind of Stopper
Earlier than trying to take away a tub stopper, it is essential to establish its kind. Bathtub stoppers are available varied designs, every requiring a particular removing technique. Listed here are the commonest kinds of bathtub stoppers:
Raise-and-Flip Stopper
This kind of stopper consists of a small knob or deal with that you just carry and switch to open or shut the drain. The knob is normally situated on the highest of the stopper, and it could have a easy or ornamental design. To take away a lift-and-turn stopper, merely carry the deal with and unscrew it counterclockwise.
Pop-Up Stopper
Pop-up stoppers are designed to open and shut by urgent or stepping on a small button or lever situated on the highest of the stopper. Once you press the button, the stopper pops as much as open the drain, and while you launch it, the stopper sinks again down to shut the drain. To take away a pop-up stopper, you will want to make use of a particular software known as a pop-up stopper wrench. This wrench has an extended, skinny deal with with a U-shaped finish that matches across the underside of the stopper. As soon as the wrench is securely in place, you’ll be able to flip it counterclockwise to loosen and take away the stopper.
Flip-It Stopper or Toe-Faucet Stopper
A flip-it stopper operates by flipping a small lever or plate on the highest of the stopper. This lever is normally situated on the facet or again of the stopper. To open the drain, you flip the lever up or down. To shut it, you merely flip the lever again to its unique place. Flip-it stoppers may be eliminated by unscrewing a small screw that’s situated within the middle of the lever.
| Tub Stopper Kind | Removing Methodology |
|—|—|
| Raise-and-Flip | Raise and unscrew counterclockwise |
| Pop-Up | Use a pop-up stopper wrench to loosen and take away |
| Flip-It | Unscrew the small screw within the middle of the lever |
Instruments and Supplies Required
Earlier than you start the method of eradicating the tub stopper, it is important to collect the mandatory instruments and supplies to make sure a easy and environment friendly process. This is a complete record:
Wrench
Relying on the kind of bathtub stopper, chances are you’ll want an adjustable wrench or a specific-size wrench. The adjustable wrench offers versatility for various stopper designs, whereas a specific-size wrench provides a cosy match for optimum grip.
Pliers
A pair of needle-nose pliers is a worthwhile software for gripping and manipulating small parts of the tub stopper. Their precision ideas help you entry and maneuver in tight areas, making them preferrred for delicate operations.
Screwdriver
A screwdriver, both a flathead or a Phillips head, could also be required based mostly on the stopper’s design. Select the suitable screwdriver that aligns with the screw heads on the stopper to keep away from any stripping or injury.
Flashlight
A flashlight offers illumination in poorly lit areas beneath the tub, permitting you to obviously see the stopper and its parts. This enhanced visibility helps in figuring out the situation of screws and different particulars that might not be obvious in dim lighting.
Gloves
Sporting a pair of rubber gloves is beneficial for cover from potential publicity to water, grime, or cleansing brokers in the course of the removing course of.
Cleansing Resolution
A light cleansing answer, corresponding to dish cleaning soap diluted with water, can be utilized to wash the eliminated stopper and different parts. This step helps take away any particles or buildup that will have amassed over time.
| Device | Objective |
|---|---|
| Wrench | Loosening and tightening nuts or bolts |
| Pliers | Gripping and manipulating small parts |
| Screwdriver | Eradicating or tightening screws |
| Flashlight | Offering illumination in poorly lit areas |
| Gloves | Defending arms from grime or water |
| Cleansing Resolution | Cleansing eliminated stopper and parts |
Eradicating a Screw-In Stopper
Step 1: Find the Stopper’s Screw
Rigorously study the drain stopper for a small screw or bolt head. This normally lies within the middle of the stopper, the place the rod protrudes.
Step 2: Take away the Screw
Utilizing a screwdriver or wrench, loosen the screw by turning it counterclockwise. Be mild and keep away from overtightening, as this might injury the stopper or the drain meeting.
Step 3: Extract the Stopper
As soon as the screw is eliminated, you’ll be able to detach the stopper. Grasp the stopper firmly together with your fingers or a pair of pliers. Gently pull it straight up and out of the drain gap. If the stopper is caught, attempt wiggling it or utilizing a gentle pry software to loosen it.
Extracting a Pop-Up Stopper
This kind of drain stopper is the commonest. It consists of a rubber or silicone plug that matches right into a drain opening and is related to a steel rod that extends up by way of the drainpipe. To take away this sort of stopper, comply with these steps:
- Seize the stopper stem. The stopper stem is the steel rod that extends up by way of the drainpipe and is related to the rubber or silicone plug. On most pop-up stoppers, you need to use the steel a part of the stopper stem because the place to know together with your pliers.
- Pull up on the stopper stem. Grip the stopper stem with pliers and pull up on it. You might want to make use of a bit little bit of drive, however the stopper ought to ultimately come free.
- Take away the rubber or silicone plug. Upon getting pulled up on the stopper stem and eliminated the steel rod, you’ll be able to take away the rubber or silicone plug by pulling it out of the drain opening.
- Clear the drainpipe. Upon getting eliminated the stopper, take a couple of minutes to wash the drainpipe. You are able to do this by working scorching water down the drain and utilizing a drain cleaner to take away any build-up or particles.
Coping with a Flip-It Stopper
A flip-it stopper is a kind of tub stopper that’s operated by a lever. To take away a flip-it stopper, comply with these steps:
- Find the lever. The lever is normally situated on the highest of the stopper.
- Flip the lever. Push down on the lever to unlock the stopper.
- Pull the stopper. Raise the stopper out of the drain.
- Clear the stopper. Wash the stopper with cleaning soap and water.
- Reinstall the stopper.
- For a 1 1/4-inch drain: Take away the stopper by pulling straight up on the highest of the stopper.
- For a 1 1/2-inch drain: Take away the stopper by turning the highest of the stopper counterclockwise after which pulling it straight up.
- For a 2-inch drain: Take away the stopper by pulling straight up on the highest of the stopper. If the stopper is caught, use a pair of pliers to softly pull it out.
As soon as the stopper is eliminated, clear it with cleaning soap and water and reinstall it by following the steps in reverse order.
Troubleshooting a Caught Stopper
In case your bathtub stopper is caught, there are some things you’ll be able to attempt to loosen it.
- Use a wrench. If the stopper has a deal with, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a wrench to loosen it. Place the wrench on the deal with and switch it counterclockwise.
- Use pliers. If the stopper doesn’t have a deal with, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise.
- Use a screwdriver. If the stopper is manufactured from steel, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a screwdriver to loosen it. Insert the screwdriver into the slot on the stopper and switch it counterclockwise.
- Use a butter knife. If the stopper is manufactured from plastic, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a butter knife to loosen it. Insert the butter knife into the slot on the stopper and switch it counterclockwise.
- Use a pair of needle-nose pliers. If the stopper is small or tough to achieve, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a pair of needle-nose pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise.
If you’re unable to loosen the stopper utilizing any of those strategies, chances are you’ll must name a plumber. A plumber can have the instruments and experience to take away the stopper safely and with out damaging your bathtub.
| Methodology | Problem | Instruments Required |
|---|---|---|
| Use a wrench | Straightforward | Wrench |
| Use pliers | Medium | Pliers |
| Use a screwdriver | Medium | Screwdriver |
| Use a butter knife | Straightforward | Butter knife |
| Use a pair of needle-nose pliers | Troublesome | Needle-nose pliers |
Cleansing and Inspecting the Stopper
As soon as you have eliminated the stopper, it is essential to wash and examine it. This can aid you decide if it must be changed. To scrub the stopper, use a gentle cleaning soap and water answer. You should definitely rinse the stopper completely and dry it utterly earlier than reinstalling it.
Examine the stopper for any injury. For those who see any cracks, chips, or different injury, the stopper needs to be changed. A broken stopper can leak water and trigger injury to your bathtub.
Along with cleansing and inspecting the stopper, you also needs to examine the drain opening for any particles. Particles can construct up over time and forestall the stopper from sealing correctly. To scrub the drain opening, use a drain snake or a pair of pliers to take away any particles.
As soon as you have cleaned and inspected the stopper and drain opening, you’ll be able to reinstall the stopper. To reinstall the stopper, merely insert the stopper into the drain opening and switch it clockwise till it is tight.
| Stopper Kind | Removing Methodology |
|---|---|
| Raise-and-Flip | Raise the stopper up and switch it counterclockwise to take away it. |
| Push-and-Pull | Push down on the stopper and pull it as much as take away it. |
| Screw-in | Use a screwdriver to take away the screw that holds the stopper in place. |
Eradicating the Stopper
Find the screw that holds the stopper in place. It’s normally situated within the middle of the stopper, beneath a small cap. Use a screwdriver to take away the screw.
As soon as the screw is eliminated, the stopper will come free. You might want to make use of a pair of pliers to softly pry it off.
Cleansing the Drain
Use a drain cleaner to wash the drain. Comply with the producer’s directions to be used.
As soon as the drain is clear, rinse it completely with water.
Putting in the New Stopper
Place the brand new stopper within the drain.
Insert the screw into the opening within the middle of the stopper. Tighten the screw till the stopper is safe.
Changing the Stopper
In case your bathtub stopper is broken or not works correctly, chances are you’ll want to switch it. Listed here are the steps on learn how to exchange a tub stopper:
1. Take away the previous stopper. See the directions for eradicating the tub stopper above.
2. Clear the drain. See the directions for cleansing the drain above.
3. Buy a brand new stopper. When buying a brand new stopper, ensure that to decide on one that’s the proper dimension and form on your bathtub drain.
4. Insert the brand new stopper. Place the brand new stopper within the drain and press down firmly till it’s in place.
5. Tighten the screw. Most stoppers have a screw that must be tightened to carry it in place. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw till the stopper is safe.
6. Check the stopper. As soon as the brand new stopper is put in, check it to ensure that it’s working correctly. Run some water into the tub and examine to see if the stopper stops the water from draining. If the stopper just isn’t working correctly, modify the screw till it’s.
| Kind of Stopper | Directions |
|---|---|
| Pop-up stopper | Raise the stopper to open it and push it down to shut it. |
| Toe-touch stopper | Use your toe to push the stopper down to shut it and carry it as much as open it. |
| Raise-and-turn stopper | Raise the stopper to open it and switch it to shut it. |
Eradicating a Bathtub Stopper
1. Examine the stopper to find out its kind (pop-up or drain plug).
2. For pop-up stoppers, use a flathead screwdriver or suction cup to carry the stopper and take away it.
3. For drain plug stoppers, flip the knob or lever counterclockwise to loosen and take away it.
4. Use pliers or a wrench to grip and unscrew the carry rod from the drain meeting.
5. Pull up the stopper meeting to take away it from the drain opening.
6. Clear all parts with an answer of vinegar and water or industrial drain cleaner.
7. Reassemble the stopper meeting and tighten the carry rod securely.
8. Check the stopper to make sure it operates correctly.
9. To stop future clogs, frequently take away particles from the stopper and drain, corresponding to hair, cleaning soap scum, and grime.
Stopping Future Clogs
To stop future bathtub clogs, contemplate the next ideas:
| Tip |
|---|
| Use a tub strainer to catch hair and different particles. |
| Clear the tub drain frequently with an answer of vinegar and water or industrial drain cleaner. |
| Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or bleach within the bathtub, as they’ll injury the drain. |
| Examine the drain periodically for leaks or obstructions. |
| Think about putting in a hair catcher or drain cowl to stop bigger particles from coming into the drain. |
| Preserve an everyday cleansing schedule for the tub and drain to stop buildup of grime and particles. |
| Search skilled assist from a plumber if persistent clogs happen or in the event you can’t take away the stopper your self. |
Security Precautions
Earlier than beginning any work, guarantee your security by taking these precautions:
1. Put on Gloves
Shield your arms from sharp edges or chemical compounds by sporting gloves, ideally of rubber or nitrile materials.
2. Flip Off Water Provide
Shut off the primary water provide valve to stop any flooding or water injury in the course of the course of.
3. Disconnect Pop-Up Stopper
If the tub has a pop-up stopper, carry it up and pull the plug out of the drain.
4. Take away Raise Rod
If the stopper is related to a carry rod, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to disconnect it from the stopper on the base.
5. Safety for Knees
Place a towel or mat beneath your knees to cushion them when you work.
6. Use a Flashlight
If vital, use a flashlight to light up the drain space and see higher inside.
7. Put on Security Glasses
Stop any eye accidents by sporting security glasses to guard your eyes from falling particles or splashing water.
8. Test for Hair and Particles
Examine the drain and take away any seen hair or particles that would hinder the method.
9. Keep away from Utilizing Harsh Chemical substances
Whereas utilizing chemical compounds like drain cleaner could seem tempting, it is not beneficial as they’ll injury the tub or drain.
10. Search Skilled Assist if Wanted
For those who encounter any difficulties or have a particular kind of tub stopper that you just’re unsure learn how to take away, do not hesitate to name a plumber for skilled help.
Tips on how to Take away a Bathtub Stopper
There are a number of other ways to take away a tub stopper, relying on the kind of stopper you’ve gotten. Listed here are the commonest strategies:
When you have a lift-and-turn stopper:
- Raise the stopper up till it is totally open.
- Flip the stopper counterclockwise to loosen it.
- As soon as the stopper is free, pull it up and out of the drain.
When you have a push-and-pull stopper:
- Push the stopper down to shut it.
- Pull up on the stopper to open it.
- As soon as the stopper is open, pull it up and out of the drain.
When you have a screw-in stopper:
- Use a screwdriver to take away the screw that holds the stopper in place.
- As soon as the screw is eliminated, pull the stopper up and out of the drain.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Tips on how to Take away a Bathtub Stopper
How do I take away a caught bathtub stopper?
In case your bathtub stopper is caught, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to loosen it. Grip the stopper with the pliers and switch it counterclockwise. If the stopper continues to be caught, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the threads of the stopper and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than making an attempt to take away it.
How do I exchange a tub stopper?
To interchange a tub stopper, first take away the previous stopper utilizing one of many strategies described above. As soon as the previous stopper is eliminated, clear the drain and apply a bead of silicone caulk across the base of the brand new stopper. Insert the brand new stopper into the drain and press down firmly to safe it. Permit the caulk to dry utterly earlier than utilizing the stopper.
What’s the finest kind of tub stopper?
There are lots of various kinds of bathtub stoppers out there, so the very best kind for you’ll rely in your wants and preferences. Raise-and-turn stoppers are the commonest kind, and they’re simple to make use of and take away. Push-and-pull stoppers are additionally simple to make use of, however they are often tougher to take away than lift-and-turn stoppers. Screw-in stoppers are probably the most safe kind of stopper, however they are often tougher to put in and take away.
