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    Elle33664's Avatar
    Elle33664 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 1, 2009, 04:39 PM
    Remove clogged drain stopper
    I'd like advice on how to remove a tub/shower drain stopper, please. My tub is old and the drain is clogging. I removed the hair, etc from the drain at the bottom of the tub and it has not helped the rate of water drainage. I've read that I should remove the overflow plate and remove the drain stopper. I've tried that but I can't pull the drain stopper out. It feels stuck. How can I remove it?

    Thank you.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #2

    Apr 1, 2009, 04:52 PM

    In most tubs you can not see the stooper at all, just a screen. The stopper is like a brass can shaped block that drops down into the drain blocking the water. Before you remove the overflow plate and fish out the stopper I'd suggest you try using a zip it drain cleaner. Cool Tools: Zip-It Drain Cleaner Sears and most hardware store carry them for under$3, you will use it ooften and get your money's worth.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #3

    Apr 2, 2009, 06:05 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Elle33664 View Post
    I'd like advice on how to remove a tub/shower drain stopper, please. My tub is old and the drain is clogging. I removed the hair, etc from the drain at the bottom of the tub and it has not helped the rate of water drainage. I've read that I should remove the overflow plate and remove the drain stopper. I've tried that but I can't pull the drain stopper out. It feels stuck. How can I remove it?

    Thank you.
    Bob,
    It's seldom you slip up but the "ZipIT Drain cleaner won't work on a bath tub and at 24" wouldn't be long enough to get where the real clogs in a sink or lavatory live which are in the horizontal drain in the wall. For that you'll need a 1/4or 3/8ths" snake at least 10 feet long.
    Now on to Elles problem.
    This is what should be down there,(see image) If the plug's stuck try shooting some W-D40 down there and pull harder. Once you get the drain assembly out you may run a snake down the open overflow,(see image).
    About 18" down you'll run into the return bend of the trap but crank and work your way and you should only have about 10 more feet to put out. After, flush the line with a tub full of hot water. Good luck, Tom
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