How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper: In Easy Steps

A clogged bathtub is a headache nobody wants. Whether it is soap scum, a hairball, or just general grime, the first step to fixing the problem is getting the drain stopper out of the way.

Fortunately, you do not need a plumber for this. We will walk you through how to identify your stopper and the exact steps to remove it so you can get that water flowing again.

Different Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers

Knowing how to remove a bathtub drain plug is a great skill, but you cannot fix what you do not recognize. Manufacturers use several different styles; here is how to spot the difference.

Toe Touch

You operate this stopper with your foot. It relies on a spring mechanism; push it once with your toe to close it, and push it again to pop it open.

Push and Pull

This looks similar to a lift and turn but operates vertically. A knob in the center pushes down to close the drain and pulls up to open it.

Lift and Turn

These are very common. To open it, you lift the stopper and turn it in one direction. To close it, you turn it back and let it drop.

Pop-Up

This traditional style creates a seal using a rocker arm. It is usually controlled by a trip lever on the overflow plate or a rod behind the faucet. Flip the lever, and the plug pops up.

Flip-It

A simple toggle lever sits on top of this stopper. You flip the toggle one way to seal the drain and the other way to open it.

Presflo

This low-profile stopper uses an O-ring to create a seal. You typically rotate the entire stopper within the drain opening to engage or disengage the seal.

Trip Lever (Plunger Style)

You won’t see a pop-up plug in the drain here. Instead, a lever on the overflow faceplate lifts and lowers a heavy plunger hidden inside the pipes to block the water flow.

How to Remove a Lift and Turn Stopper

This is one of the most common stoppers and is fairly simple to take apart.

What You’ll Need

• Flathead screwdriver.
• Allen wrenches.

Steps

1. Set the stopper to the open position.
2. Hold the body of the stopper and turn the top knob to see if there is a small set screw visible.
3. If you see a screw, use an Allen wrench or small flathead screwdriver to loosen it. You do not need to remove the screw entirely.
4. Lift the stopper free from the drain.
5. If there is no set screw, simply turn the entire stopper counter-clockwise. It should unthread from the drain strainer.
6. If it just spins without unscrewing, lift upward while turning to engage the threads.

How to Remove a Toe Touch Stopper

Toe touch stoppers are fantastic for accessibility since you do not have to bend down to use them. Removing them is usually straightforward.

What You’ll Need

• Flathead screwdriver.

Steps

1. Pop the stopper into the open position.
2. Hold the shaft cylinder and twist the top cap counter-clockwise to remove it.
3. Once the cap is off, you will see a screw inside the cylinder shaft.
4. Use your flathead screwdriver to unscrew the shaft from the crossbar in the drain.
5. Lift the entire assembly out.

How to Remove a Pop-Up Stopper

Pop-up stoppers add a little complexity because they connect to a mechanism hidden behind the bathtub wall.

What You’ll Need

• Bucket.
• Clean rags.

Steps

1. Flip the lever to open the stopper.
2. Pull the stopper straight up. Some pull right out, while others need a little wiggle.
3. If it is attached to a rocker arm (a metal bar), you will see it emerge from the drain.
4. Lay a rag over the tub surface to prevent the metal arm from scratching the finish.
5. Pull the rocker arm all the way out. It is often curved, so follow the angle gently.
6. Use a bucket to catch any grime that drips off the mechanism.

How to Remove a Push-Pull Stopper

These are durable and simple. Removal takes just a minute or two.

What You’ll Need

• Clean rags.
• Flathead screwdriver.
• Pliers.

Steps

1. Set the stopper in the “up” (open) position.
2. Hold the body of the stopper still with one hand.
3. Use your other hand (or pliers with a rag to protect the finish) to unscrew the top knob counter-clockwise.
4. Once the knob is off, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the brass post underneath.
5. Lift the strainer and post out of the drain.

How to Remove a Flip-It Stopper

You can usually remove a Flip-It stopper without any tools at all, making it the easiest of the bunch.

What You’ll Need

• Nothing.
• Zilch.
• Nada.

Steps

1. These stoppers are held in place by simpler friction O-rings.
2. Grip the outer chrome body firmly.
3. Rotate the body while pulling upward simultaneously.
4. Wiggle it back and forth until the O-rings release their grip and the stopper pops free.

How to Remove a Presflo Stopper

Presflo stoppers use a suction seal. Because they sit so flush with the tub, getting a grip on them is the hardest part.

What You’ll Need

• Small suction cup, like this Hanger Space Hook.

Steps

1. Ensure the stopper is level (closed position).
2. Stick your suction cup firmly onto the center of the stopper.
3. Pull upward steadily.
4. The O-ring should release, allowing you to lift the unit out.
5. If it sticks, try rotating it slightly while pulling.

How to Remove a Trip Lever (Plunger) Stopper

The actual working parts of this drain are hidden in the overflow pipe, behind the faceplate with the lever.

What You’ll Need

• Screwdriver.

Steps

1. Set the lever to the “open” position (usually flipped down).
2. Remove the two screws holding the round faceplate to the bathtub wall.
3. Pull the faceplate away from the wall carefully.
4. You will see a linkage chain or rod attached to the back of the faceplate.
5. Continue pulling gently until the brass plunger (the heavy cylinder at the end) comes up and out of the overflow pipe.
6. Clean the plunger and lubricate it before putting it back.

Troubleshooting: Bathtub Drain Won’t Unscrew

There is nothing worse than a stuck drain stopper. If the metal has corroded or the threads are seized, do not panic.

First, try getting a better grip. Lay a rag over the stopper and clamp down with a pair of pliers. Turn counter-clockwise with steady pressure.

If that fails, chemical help is the next step. Pour white vinegar over the mechanism and let it sit; this helps dissolve mineral deposits (gunk) that act like glue.

For serious corrosion, WD-40 is your best friend. It is a penetrant and a water displacer. Spray it around the threads and let it soak for 15 minutes before trying to twist the stopper again.

FAQs

Are Bathtub Drain Stoppers Universal?

No, they are not universal. While the thread size for the drain shoe (the part in the tub) is often a standard 1 1/2 inches or 1 3/8 inches, the stopper mechanisms vary significantly. You must match the specific type (e.g., lift and turn, toe touch, trip lever) to your existing drain assembly or purchase a conversion kit.

Which Way Do You Unscrew A Bathtub Drain Stopper?

Most bathtub drain stoppers unscrew counter-clockwise (lefty-loosey). However, if the entire drain assembly is spinning, the putty seal may be broken. In that case, you will need to hold the basket underneath the tub or wedge pliers into the crossbar to hold it steady while you turn.

Can I Replace A Trip Lever Drain With A Toe Touch?

Yes, you can. To do this, you remove the faceplate and pull out the linkage and plunger from the overflow pipe. Then, replace the faceplate with a solid “blank” plate. Finally, remove the old strainer grid from the bottom of the tub and screw in a new toe-touch drain kit.

Final Thoughts

Removing a bathtub drain stopper is a quick win for any homeowner. It saves you the cost of a plumber and lets you tackle clogs immediately.

Whether you are deep cleaning or just upgrading to a newer style, you now have the know-how to get that old plug out of there. Good luck!