Hair, soap residue and other debris can find its way inside your bathtub drain. If left in place, these materials can eventually form massive clogs inside your drain line, causing messy backups, slow drainage and other frustrating plumbing problems. One of the best ways to combat this issue is to use a bathtub drain stopper. Yet sometimes maintenance tasks must be performed, and it isn’t always easy for homeowners to know how to properly remove their stopper. At 1800 Plumber, we provide quality residential and commercial plumbing services for clients in Stamford, Greenwich, Fairfield, Norwalk, New Canaan and other nearby Connecticut communities. With so many different models of drain stoppers on the market, removing one can sometimes be challenging, especially if mineral deposits or rust has caused it to become stuck in place. Here is a list of the most common varieties of drain stoppers and how you can safely get them out of the way for your next drain cleaning or clog removal.

Twist and Pull
The twist and pull, or lift and turn, stopper is one of the most common and easiest to use models. It can be opened or closed by twisting the knob open. To fully remove the stopper, you’ll need to loosen the setscrews on top of the knob. Some varieties of twist and pull stoppers don’t have screws, in which case you will need to twist the stopper until the pin in the mounting post aligns with the release channel.

Toe-Touch
Toe-touch stoppers are opened and closed by pressing the top down with your feet. In order to remove it, you’ll need to take off the outer cap and then unscrew the shaft cylinder that fits inside the drain opening.

Push-Pull
Push-pull stoppers have a tiny knob on top, which can be lifted to allow the water to be drained out. For most models, removal is as simple as twisting counterclockwise until it comes off. However, if it is stuck in position, you may need to use pliers.

Flip Lever
The flip lever drain stopper is perhaps one of the most difficult styles to remove properly. These stoppers are operated by a flip lever that is mounted near the overflow opening on the bathtub. It is connected by a rod that moves inside the overflow pipe, which controls the stopper. To remove this, you will need to set the stopper lever to the open position, and then gently remove the drain stopper, along with the arm linkage. Be careful not to harm any of the delicate components, and carefully place it back into the drain opening when finished. Be sure to test the flip lever to ensure it is working accurately.

Do You Need Help with Your Bathtub Drains? Call 1800 Plumber Today
Are you struggling to remove your bathtub drain stopper? Has your slow draining tub begun to cause issues in your household? Get the help you need by calling the experts at 1800Plumber of CT. Our certified and insured plumbers are proud to offer a wide range of reliable services for families and businesses in Darien, Cos Cob, Greenwich, Fairfield, Greens Farms, Wilton, Norwalk, Southport, Weston, Stratford, Trumbull, Milford, Shelton, Riverside, CT and surrounding communities. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with a licensed plumber in your local neighborhood.