I have a plunger tub drain. We have never been able to engage the drain because the lever is locked in the down (open) position. I purchased a new overflow/lever housing because I thought the spring may have been bad. I just went to install it and the lever still won't go up! Could there be a blockage at the base? It doesn't feel like the plunger is going down all the way, so I don't know if adjusting the arm length is worth wile.

It is tricky to properly install "plunger" inside tub overflow assembly...
The new plunger should be the same type/brand/style as the old one. Than, if it is, you have to adjust the "plunger" length exactly so it seals water from draining. Read the instructions...

It is tricky to properly install "plunger" inside tub overflow assembly.....
The new plunger should be the same type/brand/style as the old one. Than, if it is, you have to adjust the "plunger" lenght exactly so it seals water from draining. Read the instructions...

Milo,

The plunger and arm were not replaced, just the lever housing. I don't even know if the existing plunger mechanism worked to begin with. My wife always took baths in another bathroom. Now that I am trying to fix it, I have discovered the issue described in my original post. There are no instructions since I only purchased the lever unit.

Given click on the link below and will tell how to adjust the plungr, ggod luck.

John

How to Fix a Bathtub Drain Stopper | Video | Tub | Bathrooms | This Old House (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20186457,00.html)

Okay, I readjusted the arm length and it is sitting a little bit better, but I can only screw in one screw... there was only one to begin with. I noticed that there is a screw with no head lodged in the screw hole. This will prevent the lever housing from sitting straight. I feel this may have contributed to the original problem. If it can not sit straight, the arm will not operate on a straight up and down path. Any suggestions?

Ok, you have a problem. You could drill that broken screw out...

But, you could install "Touch-Down" overflow and by-pass all these problems. Costs $15.00 at Home Depot, takes 10 minutes to install and you eliminate the lever assembly problem completely since it will be covered with supplied "dummy" overflow cover. Interior plunger assembly is pulled out and not used at all. See pic below:

Thank you Milo. I may just do that. Will it be hard to remove the existing drain assembly? I don't know the proper name, but am referring to the catch that's in the drain hole currently.

They sell a drain removal wrench. Cost about $10.00 at home depot. Put it into drain collar, use channel locks ( or screw driver ) to turn it counter clock wise. It goes easily. Apply bit of plumber's putty (home depot: $3.00 smallest size ), and screw new collar in. The upper part is easy. Just install new plate cover over the hole.

Excellent Milo. Thank you. Any suggestions for my "Hot Water" post?

Glad to be of service... Let me jump over to the other question