I have a mildew smell not sewer gas coming from my tub overflow. It is the lever type of overflow. I want to remove the two screws that hold the face plate on the overflow. I am fearful that something might fall in behind the rub that I will not be able to reach. I want to remove it so I can pour some bleach in there to kill the mildew smell. Do I have anything to worry about?

Do I have anything to worry about? No! The only things loose will be the 2 screws( see image) The problem with doing it your way would be the bleach simply running through the pipe and not staying in it long enough to do any good, Here's what I'd do. I would open up the tub access panel and remove the bend of the trap. Then you can close off the end of the overflow tube and let the bleach set overnight, You wouldn't even have to remove the innards all the way to pour in the bleach. Good luck, Tom

No! The only things loose will be the 2 screws( see image) The problem with doing it your way would be the bleach simply running through the pipe and not staying in it long enough to do any good, Here's what I'd do. I would open up the tub access panel and remove the bend of the trap. Then you can close off the end of the overflow tube and let the bleach set overnight, You wouldn't even have to remove the innards all the way to pour in the bleach. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom.