A tub drain with a built-in pop-up stopper has distinct advantages.

Warning

In some instances, removing the original tub drain may be very difficult.

Tub drain wrenches usually have two ends for different sizes of drain openings.

Toe-Touch drain stopper being pushed down in bathtub

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The end inserts into the opening with the keys fitting into the crosshairs of the drain strainer.

Then you turn the tool with pliers to loosen the drain fitting.

Also, be sure to get the right size of drain fitting for your drain shoe fitting.

Materials and tools to install a stopper drain fitting

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Determine the Drain Thread Size

Use the old fitting to determine the size of your drain.

A bathtub drain converter kit often provides drain threads in two sizes to accommodate different tub drains.

grab the appropriate thread attachment.

Traditional lever-operated stopper removed from overflow opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Older drains may be problematic to remove.

Otherwise, it will just require patience to unscrew the threading and remove the plumber’s putty.

Not all bathtub drains fit all tubs.

Adjustable wrench pulling out old drain fitting from bathtub

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

You’ll need to measure your drain to buy the right kit.

Most kits are sized to fit a range of tub sizes.

it’s possible for you to easily find a compatible kit for your tub.

Non-scratch scouring pad removing putty from tub drain opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Old drain fitting held next to new drain fitting to compare size

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Toe-touch drain fitting threaded into drain opening with putty wrapped around

The Spruce / Kevin Norris