How to Disassemble a Pop-Up Bathtub Drain
There are two main types of pop-up drains used in bathtubs: the toe tap and the lift and turn type. The toe tap is so named because it can be easily lifted and closed (tapped) in with your toes while in the bathtub.
The lift and turn type is opened, as the name suggests, by lifting up the stopper and turning to lock it in place. Both of these types of pop-up bathtub drains are relatively easy to disassemble.
Toe Tap Drain
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Lift up the drain stopper so it is in the open position.
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Place a towel or rag over the drain stopper; this will help keep it from being scratched.
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Grasp the top of the stopper with the channel pliers. Turn the stopper counterclockwise until it screws out of the drain.
Lift and Turn Drain
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Open the drain. Use the handle on the top to turn and lock it to the extended position.
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Grip the top of the drain (the part beneath the handle) with a pair of channel lock pliers.
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Grab the drain handle on top with the second pair of channel lock pliers. Use the first pair of pliers to hold the drain top steady, while the second pair turns the handle counterclockwise. You should feel the handle start to turn.
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Pull the handle straight off the top of the drain. Pull the stopper out of the drain straight up.
Things You Will Need
- 2 pairs of channel lock pliers
- Rag
- Duct tape
Warning
If you are afraid of scratching the drain stopper surfaces, you can use the rag, as detailed above, or you can wrap the tines on the pliers with duct tape.
References
Writer Bio
Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.
Photo Credits
- drain black and white image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
- drain black and white image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
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