I need to know what the part is called that has a lever and opens and closes the drain in the tub. I just moved in to an apartment and discovered that my tub doesn't have this so I can't take a bath only a shower. I want to know the right part to request they put back in the tub so they don't bring me a cheap rubber stopper to use. Thanks!

The part you are talking about is called a tub face plate. But you do not need one if your plumbing has never had one. There has to be some parts in the drain for the face plate to lift and down to close the drain. There is a part that would fit in the tub, it is a thing you lift and turn to open and turn again and it drops down to close off the drain. Just tell Home Depot what you want and he will know.

Letmetellu told you what you need. Let me show you,(see image) The part with the lever is called a tub waste and overflow. Good luck, Tom

The part you are talking about is called a tub face plate. But you do not need one if your plumbing has never had one. There has to be some parts in the drain for the face plate to lift up and down to close the drain. There is a part that would fit in the tub, it is a thing you lift and turn to open and turn again and it drops down to close off the drain. Just tell Home Depot what you want and he will know.

Thank you. So does this mean if there wasn't one installed when the tub was installed that they won't be able to provide me with one? There is a face plate there but it doesn't have the lever on it. It's solid.

"Thank you. So does this mean if there wasn't one installed when the tub was installed that they won't be able to provide me with one? There is a face plate there but it doesn't have the lever on it. It's solid."

Which means that you have a "rubber stopper" to seal the tub if you keep the solid plate. If you want the lever pop-up type you will have to purchase one and install it. Good luck, Tom

Thank you Speedball. I appreciate the help. Now all I have to do is convince the apartment management it's their responsibility to fix it! :-)