In this article, we will go over four simple methods for removing a stopper from a bathtub drain.

1. 1

   For a drain stopper with a knob, try: Lift-and-turn stoppers and push-pull stoppers can be distinguished by the knob protruding from their tops, respectively. Either the knob or the entire stopper assembly can be removed with a twisting motion, making this a universal method.

   • The action taken after lifting a stopper determines whether it is a lift-and-turn or push-pull type. A push-pull stopper requires only lifting, as the names imply, while a lift-and-turn stopper also requires turning.

2. 2

   See if it comes off by turning the knob counterclockwise. You may find the bolt that secures the drain stopper under the knob. With a few twists, you can free the knob and gain access to the screw. Your fingers might be able to turn the knob if it's only loosely attached, but if it's too firmly secured, you might need pliers. [1]

   • Don't force your way into turning knobs that clearly aren't meant to be turned, such as many push-pull knobs.

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3. 3

   If you have a pair of pliers, twist the bolt that's underneath the knob. You can expect the bolt to protrude through the hole where the knob used to be. When the screw is loosened sufficiently, the entire plug will come out in one piece. [2]

   • To make loosening the bolt easier, close the drain after turning the knob.
   • Push-pull stoppers are more prone to this than lift-and-turn ones.

4. 4

   If the knob won't budge, try turning it at its base. The knob on some stoppers is permanently attached to the base, making removal of the entire stopper a one-step process. When you hear the stopper slid into the drain's groove, you can twist it with pliers. Once the stopper is broken, it can be easily removed from the drain. [3]

   • Using this method, you can easily remove the stoppers that you normally have to lift and turn.

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1. 1

   Check to see if there is a "Push" symbol or if the stopper is rounded without a knob. You can open and close this stopper with the touch of your foot, hence the name "toe-touch stopper." Toe-touch stoppers are among the simplest to install, but they can be challenging to eliminate if you don't know what you're doing.

2. 2

   Hold the stopper in your open hand. Raise the plug so that water can flow through it, and then grasp the cap firmly with your hands or pliers. When the stopper is depressed, it is pressed into a metal ring, which can be used as a handhold. [4]

   • Toe-touch stoppers can only be removed from the open position. If you try to remove it, you risk scratching the metal, and it won't budge.

3. 3

   The stopper cap can be twisted counterclockwise using your fingers or pliers. If you twist the metal cap with enough force, it will come off in a snap. If twisting doesn't unscrew it, try pulling it up vertically as you turn. [5]

4. 4

   Turn the flathead screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the screw inside the stopper. To remove the stopper from the drain, turn the screwdriver's flat tip in a counterclockwise direction. To remove the stopper, you need only loosen the screw until you can lift it. [6]

5. 5

   Simply yank the drain's stopper set up. In addition to the metal cap you unscrewed earlier, the stopper can be removed in one fluid motion. After you've finished fixing or cleaning the stopper, simply screw it back into place. [7]

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1. 1

   Examine the stopper to see if there is a small hole or a lever that can be flipped. Both the "Flip-It" and "Press-Flo" stoppers are well-known brands of easily removable bathtub drain stoppers. These stoppers are affixed to the drain with an o-ring to prevent them from falling down the drain and can be easily removed by pulling on the ring.

2. 2

   If there is a flip lever, use it to raise the stopper. You can use the lever as a convenient plug-pulling handle. The drain stopper should be able to be lifted straight out of the drain with the help of the handle, but if it is stuck, a little jiggling should do the trick.

3. 3

   Suction cup removal of a "Press-Flo" stopper The original suction cup that came with this name-brand plug was probably the ideal size for your needs, but you may have misplaced it. When you press the stopper's center, a small suction cup will attach to it. For easy removal of the drain stopper, simply lift the suction cup. [8]

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1. 1

   To adjust the bathtub overflow, locate the control on the overflow faceplate. Overflow drains are typically situated beneath the tub spout and feature either a trip lever or a twistable spout. The drain stopper can be opened and closed with the help of this device, which is typically mounted on a cable or arm. Grates are commonplace in this configuration and placed directly atop drains.

2. 2

   Open the plug by rotating the cover plate or flipping it over. The drain stopper assembly can be taken out by opening the drain. To completely remove the drain stopper from behind the faceplate, you must first open the drain. [9]

3. 3

   Take off the front panel by unscrewing it. You can get rid of the screws holding the faceplate on by turning them anti-clockwise with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. Especially if you have already taken out the metal grate, unscrew them carefully so that you don't lose any of the parts that are hidden behind the plate. [10]

4. 4

   The overflow plate, arm, and stopper must be removed as a unit from the bath tub. To prevent water from entering the drain pipe below the metal grate in the bathtub, reattach the plate you unscrewed to an arm or cable mechanism. All that's required is a gentle tug to remove the whole thing from the tub's overflow. [11]

   • The drain stopper must be removed in a straight line from the wall. Upon its own, the lever mechanism will open.

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