Here's hoping this is the 2nd dumbest question on the face of the planet.

I have a push pull tub stopper (see uploaded pic) in my master bath tub. A couple of years ago I had a plumber in to clear a laundry room/bathtub clog and I saw him remove the tub's push pull stopper and dig out some rather disgusting goo.

Now the tub is draining slowly and I want to remove the stopper. I believe (but won't bet the ranch on it) the plumber UNscrewed the stopper... but I don't know or remember how! :confused:

What is it exactly that gets unscrewed here... the stopper's nipple, or its base, the stem under the base, or what? And in what direction should I turn "it"? And how hard should I have to turn it? By hand... a couple of pairs of pliers... an act of Gawd?

FYI... tub installed in 1987-built home in 1995, located in (big surprise) Texas.

Thanks in advance.

I have this problem in to tubs. Because of the water in Bel air, MD. The stopper has deteriorated of and the only this left is the part with the threads. I have tried to use pliers inside the drain and turn CCW but there is no much for the pliers to grab on. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am currently replacing this tubs faucets.

Thanks

Gary

If you can't unscrew the knurled nut and open it up that way try unscrewing the set screw,(see image).
Good luck, Tom

Unfortunately the nipple and attached brackets are deteriorated. The inside brackets are gone or short.

That is my major problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

In that case I would lift the top and saw off the nipple, unscrew the stopper and replace it. Good luck, Tom