The Ultimate Guide to Replacing a Tub Drain Stopper: A Step-by-Step DIY


The Ultimate Guide to Replacing a Tub Drain Stopper: A Step-by-Step DIY

A bath drain stopper is a tool that plugs the drain gap in a bath, stopping water from draining out. It’s sometimes made from rubber or plastic and is inserted into the drain gap by hand. Drain stoppers can be found in a wide range of sizes and shapes to suit several types of drains.

Changing a bath drain stopper is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, you will need to select the right alternative stopper in your drain, as not all stoppers are created equal. In case you are uncertain which sort of stopper to buy, you may seek the advice of with a plumbing skilled.

After getting the right alternative stopper, comply with these steps to interchange the previous one:

  1. Take away the previous stopper by pulling it out of the drain gap.
  2. Clear the drain gap with a material or sponge to take away any particles.
  3. Insert the brand new stopper into the drain gap.
  4. Press down on the stopper to create a seal.
  5. Take a look at the stopper by filling the bath with water and checking for leaks.

By following these steps, you may simply substitute a bath drain stopper and preserve your bathtub functioning correctly.

1. Dimension

The scale of a bath drain stopper is a vital consideration when changing it. The stopper should be the right measurement to suit snugly within the drain gap so as to create a watertight seal. If the stopper is simply too small, it won’t be able to successfully plug the drain and water will leak out. If the stopper is simply too massive, it is not going to match into the drain gap and will likely be tough to take away.

  • Measure the diameter of the drain gap: Earlier than buying a brand new drain stopper, you will need to measure the diameter of the drain gap. This may be sure that you buy a stopper that’s the right measurement.
  • Verify the form of the drain gap: Some drain holes are spherical, whereas others are sq. or oval. You should definitely buy a stopper that’s the identical form because the drain gap.
  • Think about the kind of stopper: Pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers can be found in a wide range of sizes. You should definitely select a stopper that’s the right measurement for the kind of stopper you may have.
  • Take a look at the stopper earlier than putting in it: After getting bought a brand new drain stopper, take a look at it earlier than putting in it. Insert the stopper into the drain gap and fill the bath with water. Verify for leaks across the stopper. If there are any leaks, regulate the stopper till it matches snugly and there are not any leaks.

By following the following pointers, you may be sure that you select the right measurement drain stopper in your bathtub.

2. Kind

With regards to changing a bath drain stopper, the kind of stopper you select is a vital consideration. There are two major varieties of tub drain stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers. Every kind has its personal benefits and drawbacks, so it is essential to decide on the one which most closely fits your wants.

  • Pop-up stoppers are the most typical kind of tub drain stopper. They’re simple to make use of and could be opened and closed with only a push of a button. Nevertheless, pop-up stoppers could be harder to scrub than lift-and-turn stoppers, and they’re extra prone to develop into clogged with hair and cleaning soap scum.
  • Elevate-and-turn stoppers are a extra sturdy kind of tub drain stopper. They’re made from steel and are much less prone to clog than pop-up stoppers. Nevertheless, lift-and-turn stoppers could be harder to make use of, as they require you to carry the stopper after which flip it to open or shut it.

Finally, the most effective kind of tub drain stopper for you’ll rely in your particular person wants and preferences. In case you are in search of a stopper that’s simple to make use of and clear, a pop-up stopper is an effective possibility. In case you are in search of a stopper that’s sturdy and fewer prone to clog, a lift-and-turn stopper is a better option.

3. Materials

The fabric of a bath drain stopper is a vital consideration when changing it. The fabric will have an effect on the sturdiness, longevity, and ease of use of the stopper.

The commonest supplies used for tub drain stoppers are rubber, plastic, and steel. Rubber stoppers are the least costly and most typical kind. They’re simple to put in and take away, however they don’t seem to be as sturdy as plastic or steel stoppers. Plastic stoppers are extra sturdy than rubber stoppers, however they are often harder to put in and take away. Steel stoppers are essentially the most sturdy and long-lasting, however they’re additionally the costliest.

When selecting a fabric for a bath drain stopper, you will need to think about the next components:

  • Sturdiness: How lengthy would you like the stopper to final? Rubber stoppers are the least sturdy, whereas steel stoppers are essentially the most sturdy.
  • Ease of use: How simple would you like the stopper to be to put in and take away? Rubber stoppers are the simplest to put in and take away, whereas steel stoppers are essentially the most tough.
  • Price: How a lot do you wish to spend on a stopper? Rubber stoppers are the least costly, whereas steel stoppers are the costliest.

After getting thought-about these components, you may select the fabric for a bath drain stopper that’s best for you.

FAQs on How you can Substitute a Tub Drain Stopper

Changing a bath drain stopper is a straightforward activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, there are a number of frequent questions that folks have concerning the course of.

Query 1: What’s the easiest way to take away a caught drain stopper?

Reply: If the drain stopper is caught, you may attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to softly twist it backwards and forwards till it loosens. You may also attempt utilizing a vinegar and baking soda resolution to dissolve any mineral deposits that could be inflicting the stopper to stay.

Query 2: What’s the greatest kind of drain stopper to purchase?

Reply: The perfect kind of drain stopper to purchase is dependent upon your particular person wants and preferences. Pop-up stoppers are the most typical kind, and they’re simple to make use of and clear. Elevate-and-turn stoppers are extra sturdy and fewer prone to clog, however they are often harder to make use of. Finally, the easiest way to decide on a drain stopper is to contemplate your personal wants and preferences.

Query 3: How usually ought to I substitute my drain stopper?

Reply: Drain stoppers must be changed each few years, or extra usually in the event that they develop into broken or clogged. When you discover that your drain stopper isn’t working correctly, it’s best to interchange it as quickly as attainable.

Query 4: Can I set up a drain stopper myself?

Reply: Sure, putting in a drain stopper is a straightforward activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, if you’re not comfy working with plumbing, it’s best to name a plumber to put in the drain stopper for you.

Query 5: What are some ideas for stopping drain stoppers from clogging?

Reply: Listed below are a number of ideas for stopping drain stoppers from clogging:

  • Use a drain display screen to catch hair and different particles.
  • Clear your drain stopper repeatedly with a vinegar and baking soda resolution.
  • Keep away from pouring grease or oil down the drain.

Query 6: What ought to I do if my drain stopper is leaking?

Reply: In case your drain stopper is leaking, you will need to substitute it as quickly as attainable. A leaking drain stopper can waste water and trigger harm to your rest room flooring.

By following the following pointers, you may preserve your tub drain stopper working correctly and forestall expensive repairs.

For extra data on easy methods to substitute a bath drain stopper, please seek the advice of a professional plumber.

Suggestions for Changing a Tub Drain Stopper

Changing a bath drain stopper is a straightforward activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, there are a number of ideas that may assist you make sure that the job is finished appropriately and that the brand new stopper will operate correctly.

Tip 1: Select the right measurement and sort of stopper. Tub drain stoppers are available in a wide range of sizes and kinds, so you will need to select the one that’s proper in your bathtub. The scale of the stopper ought to match the diameter of the drain gap, and the kind of stopper must be appropriate with the drain mechanism.

Tip 2: Take away the previous stopper rigorously. Earlier than you may set up the brand new stopper, you should take away the previous one. To do that, gently pull up on the stopper to detach it from the drain. If the stopper is caught, you may attempt utilizing a pair of pliers to softly twist it backwards and forwards till it loosens.

Tip 3: Clear the drain gap. As soon as the previous stopper is eliminated, take a couple of minutes to scrub the drain gap. Take away any hair, cleaning soap scum, or different particles that will have amassed. This may assist to make sure that the brand new stopper will match snugly and create a watertight seal.

Tip 4: Set up the brand new stopper. To put in the brand new stopper, merely insert it into the drain gap and press down till it’s seated. Ensure that the stopper is aligned appropriately and that it’s making a watertight seal.

Tip 5: Take a look at the stopper. As soon as the brand new stopper is put in, take a look at it to guarantee that it’s working correctly. Fill the bath with water after which shut the stopper. The water shouldn’t leak out of the drain.

By following the following pointers, you may be sure that you substitute your tub drain stopper appropriately and that it’s going to operate correctly for years to come back.

Conclusion

Changing a bath drain stopper is a straightforward activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, you will need to select the right measurement and sort of stopper in your bathtub, and to comply with the steps rigorously to make sure a watertight seal. By following the information outlined on this article, you may substitute your tub drain stopper rapidly and simply, and preserve your bathtub functioning correctly for years to come back.

In case you are not comfy working with plumbing, or if you happen to encounter any issues whereas changing the drain stopper, it’s best to name a professional plumber for help.