I have the foot-lock drian stopper broken in my bathtub. Please see the photograph here, this is "Price Pfister" brand.

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I found one similar item from Lowe's -- I tried both the sizes 3/8" and 5/16" screw size. None of them fits into the screw hole. The original [ broken ] one was plastic and the looks little thicker.

So, I thought of replacing the whole assembly and bought the following [picture].

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But I could not take out the original lock stop from the bathtub. I tried real hard but could not. I do not know for sure if it is supposed to come out ?

Can someone please suggest me how can I fix this problem ?

Thanks.

Hi Nira pada...

You need a tub drain removal tool (1st and 3rd pictures... sold at any home supply store) that will set down into the tub basket of the tub drain (once pop up has been removed) and then you will turn the removal tool counterclockwise and remove the threaded tub basket.

Then the unit you purchased will need to have plumber's putty added to it under the lip of the tub basket and the tub basket will need to be installed (remove the pop up part first). Tighten hand tight and then use the tool to tighten well.. until putty squeezes out to paper thin... then install the pop up into place and you should be all set.

Use the new rubber gasket and fiber washer provided with the drain if they came with your unit. They go under the tub on top of the tub shoe (fiber washer against tub shoe, rubber washer against tub). Remove old washers and then replace by squeezing new washers through hole in tub and then install basket assembly as noted above. I provided a picture of tub drain from behind/under tub so you can see what you are working with... ;)

Let me know if need more... Good luck!

MARK

PS...you can use two long screwdrivers as your tub basket removal tool....just engage the cross bar of the tub basket with the two screwdrivers on opposite sides and then cross the screwdrivers above the basket and turn tub basket out. Be careful not to slip or this will turn into a big, ugly scratch if this is acrylic or fiberglass tub!! I'd purchase the correct tool for the job if you are inexperienced at these things!


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What size is the broken one, normally they come with 5/16" or a 3/8" shaft, did you check the threads in the tub basket for any damage, if damaged you can clean it or replace the basket as Mark instructed,you can also call PP at 800-732-8238 and ask them to send you a replacement, good luck.

John

Good info. On the Price Pfister site, John!

MARK

Thanks Mark

Thanks everyone for your replies. It turns out that there is a third thread size as well. I found a similar stopper [ and that fits! ] in another OSH store. Please note this shaft is plastic-made unlike others [metal] and on the box, nothing is mentioned as the thread size. But now a minor problem: I am realizing that this new stopper won't look nice on the old and rusted drain assembly. I took out the drain assembly, tried to put a new one but this new one is too narrow. I mean it is not screwing in. too loose. I do not know where I will get that, keep looking. The last option would be to live with old drain and new stopper.
Thanks much.

Nirapada...

Last option is to remove the old tub basket entirely and replace with a new tub basket and foot-lock drain... ;)

Keep that in mind...

MARK

A very good & useful information; I appreciate all your directions; I'll try to do my best! God bless you!