My house was built around 1953. We have lived in it for only 8 months. The whole time we have lived there the lever to move the drain stopper in the bathtub has not budged. We only ever shower so I didn't worry about it. About a week ago, the tub started draining slower and slower. It now will not drain at all. We unscrewed the plate around the lever and removed that. There is what looks like a metal spring that came out also, but I believe it is the actual plug that has broken off and is now stuck in the pipe. I've read about and tried using a wire coat hanger like a long fishing hook but this has been ineffective (I think because this is an older style plug that does not have an eye on the top) What else can I try to get the plug out myself?

I have put up two types of tub waste and overflows. Which one do you have? Regards, Tom

It is the pop up stopper.

Then the stopper isn't secured and will pull right out. That will clear the line for a snake. Send the snake down the open plate. You'll hit the traps return bend about 18 inches down but crank and work your way around it and put out about 8 more feet. Flush the line with hot water afterwards. Good luck. Tom