[homeskillet66]

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to close the plug on my tub drain. I'm sure it plugs up, because I've done it before.

The setup is as follows: single handle faucet; no shower nozzle; for tub use only; no lever to move the plug up/down.

I can remove the chrome plug by unscrewing it (it screws to the middle of the drain). I can screw it back on. I can't close it fully, though. It stays open about an inch or so. It has a rubber gasket on it which somewhat confirms that it should close.

It's not one that you step on to open and close.

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

[ballengerb1]

Is this a toe tap plug, one that you just push down with your toe?

[homeskillet66]

I have a toe-tapping one on my other tub, so I know what you're referring. This is different from that, at least I think it is. I screwed it on and then tried stepping on it, but it didn't budge. Are the toe-tapping ones screwed onto the base somehow?

[ballengerb1]

They do screw onto a spinal in the center of the drain, usually a brass threaded rod. Any chance of a pic?

[homeskillet66]

It sounds like you've described it correctly. I screw the brass rod into the center of the drain. It stops at a certain point. I tried pushing it down from there, but it didn't seem to budge. I have extremely hard water... could that we obstructing it somehow? I didn't want to jump on it for fear of doing more damage.

[ballengerb1]

If it is a toe tap it can be so full of scale that its stuck. Remove it and soak it overnight in vinegar or Limeaway.

[speedball1]

Do any of these look like what you have? Cheers, Tom

[ballengerb1]

As a last resort if my ideas did not work try slowly rotating the plug to see if there is a slot where it will drop down when you hit the right spot. Tell us how its going.

[homeskillet66]

Speedball Tom,

If I remember correctly, the drain looks like the third of the four pictures. It has a center post (rod) that screws into a center anchor. I can screw the post onto the anchor up to a certain point and then it won't screw any further. I think it needs to close about another 3/4 inch in order to seal the tub.

[speedball1]

Speedball Tom,

If I remember correctly, the drain looks like the third of the four pictures. It has a center post (rod) that screws into a center anchor. I can screw the post onto the anchor up to a certain point and then it won't screw any further. I think it needs to close about another 3/4 inch in order to seal the tub.

This is what your stopper looks like inside, (see image), Now point out your problem. Regards, Tom

[homeskillet66]

RESOLUTION:

I soaked the drain plug in white vinegar for two days which removed all the hard water deposits. I screwed the plug post into the center anchor and, voilà, the plug worked as it was supposed to. Another big thanks to Ballenger and Speedball for their expert input!