I removed my tub overflow cover and found an old, rusty, threaded overflow switch rod just kind of standing in the overflow pipe. I tried pulling it out, but it seems to be locked in somehow. I'd like to remove the rod so I can install a new switch (I currently don't have a switch - just a plain cover). First, will I be able to install a new switch mechanism in this old pipe. Second, how do I get the old rod out? :confused:

Are you talking about the bath tub over flow trip lever, see the pictures below, Thanks?

John

Yes - the trip lever. It looks like the trip lever assembly is still in the overflow pipe. Again, I currently have a plain overflow cover - no trip lever. I'd like to remove the old trip lever assembly (if that's what's in the pipe) and put in a new one. Thanks for your help.

Do you have access to the waste and overflow assembly from either back side of tub, or underside of tub? If you do, I would recommend replacing the complete waste and overflow.

I removed my tub overflow cover and found an old, rusty, threaded overflow switch rod just kind of standing in the overflow pipe. I tried pulling it out, but it seems to be locked in somehow.
Sounds like the plunger's still down there. Can you get in through the access pannel?
You do have a access panel don't you? If you can get in the back then simply loosen the compression nut on top of the tee and pull the pipe up. You may now remove the linkage and plunger. Good luck, tom

Thanks, guys. Access panel -- not so much. I'd have to go in through the ceiling downstairs or pull the moulding off the wall behind the tub and cut the drywall. Not sure my wife would be too keen on that. In fact, I'm not entirely sure I could get to the whole assembly from the wall behind the tub, so I'm thinking it would have to be through the ceiling downstairs. Does that sound about right?

When you use the tub does the water drains good or it drains slow, if it is slow then the plunger is stuck and you need to fallow Tom's and Lee's advice, Thanks.

John

When you use the tub does the water drains good or it drains slow, if it is slow then the plunger is stuck and you need to fallow Tom's and Lee's advice, Thanks.

John

When we've used the shower, the water drains just fine.

Access panel -- not so much. I'd have to go in through the ceiling downstairs or pull the moulding off the wall behind the tub and cut the drywall. Not sure my wife would be too keen on that.
Every tub should have a access panel, (see image) so the tub can be serviced. Home Depot has some attractive panels, (see image) that even your w3ife would approve of. Can you see why going up through the ceiling wouldn't work for you? Regards, Tom

Yep, cutting in a access from backside of tub is best bet, but it can also be done from ceiling below, it's a little tricky, usually involves two people, but it can be done.