How to Fix a Kohler Tub Stopper

Removal and Cleaning

Step 1

Turn or lift your Kohler bathtub trip lever to raise the stopper to the open position.

Step 2

Pull the stopper up and away from the drain hole. Continue pulling until the attached toggle arm comes away, as well.

Step 3

Remove the screws securing the trip lever cover plate to the side of the bathtub. Pull the cover plate away to remove both the plate and the lift rod attached to the backside.

Step 4

Use a rag to wipe down both the stopper toggle arm and cover plate lift rod. Remove any grime or other debris clinging to the assembly.

Step 5

Note the presence of any corrosion on either the stopper toggle arm or cover plate lift rod. Scrub any corrosion away using a wire brush and vinegar.

Installation and Adjustment

Step 1

Slide the cover plate lift rod back into its hole on the side of the bathtub. Press the cover plate back in place, and replace each of the screws.

Step 2

Fit the stopper toggle arm back into the drain hole. Push down steadily until the toggle arm disappears inside the drain.

Step 3

Turn or lift the trip lever to raise the stopper to the open position.

Step 4

Observe the clearance between the stopper and bathtub. Kohler recommends a clearance of 1 centimeter between the two. To adjust the clearance, remove the stopper and toggle arm as before. Loosen the nut just below the stopper, then thread the stopper up or down as needed. Tighten the nut once again, before reinstalling the stopper and toggle arm.