What kind of drain stopper does a lever tub use?

For decades, the standard lever-style bathtub drain stopper was made of metal pieces and a metal spring. Over time, this setup would corrode, not seal correctly and leak.

Can a trip lever drain stopper get stuck?

From time to time you may need to remove this drain plunger or order to work on the drain, and this can be hard to do if for some reason the plunger has become stuck in the waste-and-overflow tube. For example, if the stopper has not been used for a long time, it may become stuck—a problem that can occur with both brass and plastic plunger units.

What’s the best way to remove a drain stopper?

The plunger rod offers the best means for removing the plunger, so try hard not to break it. A bit of up and down motion may free a stuck plunger. Use pliers to grip the rod and attempt to lift straight up. Avoid pulling at an angle, but rather try to pull straight up in the limited space you have.

What to use to remove plunger from overflow tub?

Try spraying some liquid wrench or WD-40 down the overflow drain pipe where to plunger sits. The lubrication may help to loosen up the stuck plunger from the walls of the overflow tube. You might start by tugging lightly on the trip level rod. The plunger rod offers the best means for removing the plunger, so try hard not to break it.

What do you call a trip lever drain stopper?

This type of drain stopper is sometimes known as a lift bucket. Sometimes, however, the trip lever operates a horizontal rocker arm that works a pop-up drain plug that fits into the bathtub drain opening.

How does a lift bucket drain stopper work?

Near the bottom of the connecting rod is a plunger of some kind—usually a weight that works by sealing the drain opening at the bottom of the overflow tube. This type of drain stopper is sometimes known as a lift bucket.

How does a pop up bathtub drain stopper work?

Insert the stopper and drain linkage back down through the overflow opening. Reattach the cover plate to the overflow tube. Turn on the water and operate the stopper several times to make sure it is working properly. A trip-lever drain that operates a pop-up stopper uses a slightly different mechanism.

What should I do if my bathtub drain stopper is stuck?

Extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening. Clean off the plunger; debris or corrosion may be preventing it from moving smoothly in the overflow tube. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, the entire assembly should be replaced. If necessary, adjust the linkage to lengthen the connecting rod.