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spleenless9 · May 15, 2009, 08:15 PM

The drain plug on my tub doesn't work. It is connected to the trip lever - when I move the drain plug up or down the trip lever moves - but it will not stay in the up position by itself. The trip lever seems loose, but I don't want to remove it without any advice first. I'm not sure who the manufacturer is, I just bought the house and it was built in 1953. Is this an easy fix? I'm going through the house 1 room at a time, and the bathroom is going to happen a month or 2 from now, but I need to fix this as soon as I can.

Thanks, Pete

speedball1 · May 16, 2009, 05:26 AM

Hey Pete, Easy fix!

The drain plug on my tub doesn't work. It is connected to the trip lever - when I move the drain plug up or down the trip lever moves - but it will not stay in the up position by itself. The trip lever seems loose,

The reason the trip lever feels loose and the plunger won't stay up is because the spring behind the trip levers broke. Simply purchase a chrome trip lever plate,(see image) attach the linkage and plunger, (see image) to the trip lever plate and your problem's solved. Ain't plumbing fun? Any more plumbing questions? Bring them on. We have plumbing experts from all over the nation just waiting to answer.
Good luck in your new home, Tom

Milo Dolezal · May 16, 2009, 09:47 AM

Can you post a photo of it ? If it is connected to drain plug than it could be Kohler overflow or others. We need to see the plug and the lever. Thanks. Milo

spleenless9 · May 17, 2009, 07:13 PM

Thanks for your info. I just got around to taking off the trip lever plate to check things out. Like speedball1 said, the spring is broken. The linkage is held together with cotter pins. I couldn't pull the plunger up by the linkage, and the stopper won't come out either. Could I remove the cotter pin on the linkage to put on a new spring, or should I just buy a hole new assembly? I do have an access panel from a closet, and it looks like I could access everything from there and the basement. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow if I get a chance.

Thanks again,
Pete

Milo Dolezal · May 17, 2009, 07:29 PM

Here is the problem: I would say buy new one - but you would have to buy EXACTLY the same model/type/brand. Otherwise, chances are slim it will work. Of course, you can replace entire overflow assembly, but I don't think you want to get into it. It is kind of difficult to do if you've never done it before...

Buy new spring and reinstall existing trim. See what it does...

speedball1 · May 26, 2009, 04:49 AM

HeyPete,
The chrome trip lever face plate,(see image) is rather universal. They do make replacements. There's nothing holding the linkage and stopper.(see image) Put a little muscle into it. Once out you can attach the linkage to the face plate. Before reinstalling lube the stopper with Heavy grease such as Plumbers Heat Proof Grease. Good luck, Tom

spleenless9 · May 27, 2009, 06:27 PM

Thanks, speedball1. I got a universal replacement, but the face plate was a little smaller than the original, so I just used the spring and nylon washers on my plate & linkage. I was afraid to pull to hard to pull it out because I didn't want to break anything else. I have enough work here without adding to it! The house was built in '53, and I think the tub is original, so I wasn't sure if the linkage would stand the strain or just fall apart. I'm sure you'll see me again soon, the bath and kitchen remodel are coming up in a month or so.