Clean or replace drain stoppers to clear clogs and update the bathroom.

Another reason to remove thedrain stopper is to fixor replace it.

At this point, it’s necessary toremove the drain stopper and replacethe broken part or the entire stopper.

Six different types of drain stoppers lined on edge of tub

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The knob on a lift-and-turn drain stopper rotates to the left and right.

The entire stopper will lift out of the drain.

If there is any visible damage it’s advised to replace the drain stopper.

Materials and tools to remove different kinds of drain stoppers

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Push-and-pull drain stoppers are easy to identify because they have a very simple operating mechanism.

Just push the plug down to kill the drain and pull the knob up to kick off the drain.

However, most push-and-pull drain stoppers have a solid body instead of a separate lid and knob.

Knob rotated and removed from top of lift-and-turn drain stopper

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Clean off any loose hair and debris to properly inspect the drain stopper for damage.

One push closes the drain, and a second push opens it.

Tip

Before reinstalling the stopper, ensure that any clogs are removed.

Screwdriver removing lift-and-turn drain stopper bolt from drain hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Adrain snakeis one of the best ways to clear drain issues.

Other methods include using a plunger, abaking soda and a vinegar mixture, ora commercial drain cleaner.

Open and Remove the Drain Stopper

This simple drain stopper requires no tools.

Lift-and-turn drain stopper inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Flip the lever to launch the drain, then get a good grasp on the flip-it drain stopper lever.

Firmly twist and pull the entire assembly up and out of the drain.

Check for a worn, misshapen, or cracker gasket and O-ring.

Push-and-pull drain stopper knob twisted for removal

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Also, inspect the drain stopper for cracks, chips, or rust.

These drain stoppers have a lever that is located on the overflow faceplate.

By tripping the lever, or sometimes by rotating the lever, the plunger will move up or down.

Push-and-pull drain stopper lifted from drain hole with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Due to the complex assembly, these drain stoppers are prone tocloggingand can be troublesome to remove and replace.

Attempting to remove the trip-lever drain stopper while it’s in the closed position could cause it to becomestuck.

double-check to put the screws in a safe location for reinstallation.

Push-and-pull drain stopper removed and inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The rocker arm runs through the tub or sink drainpipe and controls the movement of a pop-up plug.

Pop-up drain stoppers are prone to clogging due to the complex rocker arm and rod assembly.

Flip the lever on the overflow faceplate so the plug pops up in the open position.

Toe-touch drain stopper pushed down to open

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This makes it easy to dive into the plug and drain when removing the rocker arm assembly.

Take off the overflow faceplate to dive into the lever and rod assembly.

If the assembly becomes stuck, try using lubricant to loosen the spring and rods.

Toe-touch drain stopper twisted and lifted from drain hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Start the reinstallation process by inserting the rocker arm into the drain.

Thread it through the drainpipe until the stopper plug can be pushed into the drain opening.

Insert the spring and rod assembly into the overflow drain with the rocker arm in place.

Fastening screw loosened with pliers from drain crossbar

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Toe-touch drain stopper removed and inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Flip-it drain stopper twisted out of drain hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Flip-it drain stopper inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Trip-lever drain stopper opened by pushing lever down

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Overflow grate cover removed with scredriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Trip-lever drain stopper assembly lifted out of overflow pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Trip-lever drain stopper assembly inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Overflow faceplate lever flipped up to open drain

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Pop-up drain stopper squeezed and removed from drain hole

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Overflow faceplate being removed with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Rod assembly carefully pulled out form overflow pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Pop-up drain stopper assembly inspected for damage

The Spruce / Kevin Norris