How To Fix Your Tub Stopper In 5 Minutes $250 Repair | THE HANDYMAN |

[@Cathleen-u5f]

I watched several videos trying to figure out how to get the stopper out. I finally came across yours and now my drain works. A very helpful video.

[@ecospider5]

I like putting colored tissue paper under any plumbing work I do so I can tell if there is a tiny leak. I check it after a week, water will cause a permanent water spot on colored tissue paper.

[@brianthomas4909]

When he said “just used one of the toothbrushes I found up on the counter” I lost it. 😂😂😂

[@borysfx]

Literally had this problem 5 days ago. The cylinder wouldn’t drop and I was getting mad, didn’t think it was because it’s all dirty. decided to just use the old one it still fit but was old. Cleaned it up and in the end I felt good for once doing plumbing. That back access was a smart move by someone.

[@ironray123]

Yes it does feel good when a job comes off without a hitch!

[@alittax]

2:53 Before unscrewing anything, I'd recommend plugging something into the bathtub drain (at 2:00 you show the stopper), unless you want to risk a screw or something else falling in.

[@Tartanbuddha]

The whole time you're workin inside the tub, my brain is screaming at you to cover the drain. 😁

[@PaulMikna]

Same here!

[@Pinkkermit17]

Knowing me I would of dropped something down the drain. When I did mine I covered it and still was panicking about dropping the screws down he drain.

[@ryan7868]

"Alright didn't take much to get this cleaned up. Just used one of the Toothbrushes I found up on the counter" 😂😂😂

[@gmlongo1]

The smell test was the real piece of wisdom I gained from this video :)

[@drcoffee5588]

I just had to deal with this problem. The stopper let water leak past. What I did that fixed the problem was first pull out the stopper and gently remove corrosion from the stopper with emory cloth. But it still leaked. So I moved the stopper to the closed position and poured Vinegar into the drain and worked the stopper open/closed until it moved freely. The water loss was slowed. I then closed it and poured more vinegar until it covered the drain and left it sit. A few hours later, I repeated the process again and again. I also poured vinegar down the overflow a few times to attack it from both sides. Then left it overnight with vinegar in the drain. Done! It now works and holds water. Vinegar is a great tarnish and calcium deposit remover and safe to use on pipes and super cheap for a gallon at the grocery store.

[@UrzaRage778]

Thanks for the detailed video! Didn't actually have this problem, but been looking at related videos, and I appreciate your thoroughness - cool to know how this stuff works since I'm getting a home soon 😌

[@acrad7187]

Thank you! My tub was clogged and I’d tried a few things- then found this video and unscrewed the stopper like you showed (mine is missing the entire guts inside) and I used a metal snake with grabber on end and pulled out a massive 4-5 in packed hair ball. Yay!

[@Whiteboi314kol]

Thank you for this video just did a maintenance call on this and had it fixed in minutes without having to get the that joint and I’m glad because it was definitely in a space that would have required a lot more time to get to

[@georgewelden2507]

Your hands ae more steady than mine, I always put a towel over the drain, otherwise I would be looking for the screws I pulled out. Good job.

[@dankelley9361]

Great job, looks like an old bathtub that was almost brought back to life with the epoxy coating. Love those brass fittings, amazing that the y were in such good shape!

[@puffyd58]

Excellent video. I've got the same type lever action stopper system in my old tub. I don't have a panel for the kind of access you had, so I may just get some sort of stopper rather than attempt what you did. But, in any case, I'm glad to know exactly how mine works, so I can decide which path to take. Thanks!

[@lesnewsom6000]

Lucky there was a toothbrush nearby!

[@RayFury]

100 points if he puts it back without saying anything!!

[@my99favs]

Did you put the toothbrush back? 😂💀

[@ronwright1087]

LOL….”cleaned it with the toothbrush I found on the counter” that’s perfect

[@marvindouglas327]

Great video followed all instructions found handle not attach cleared off brass plug; but before putting plug back in wanted to see if water would flow out of tub, it did not flow from tub

[@BrittCHelmsSr]

Toothbrush comment @6:55 made me spit my coffee across the room! 🤣

[@CecilDSouza]

Good video. So many people like you make real good videos and come in very handy even to learn. The instructions and guidance are spot on. Thank you.

[@careymogianesi3740]

Glad to find this. Looks like the garbage that is my tub except mine is completely rusted out. This was helpful. Thank you.

[@lynndiebold4642]

VERY informative! Ours has been out of commission for years. I'm ready to try and tackle the job now. Thanks

[@sherrynoss7135]

I dont have a brass stopper..... its a piece of pvc. It has never really completely stopped the water no matter the adjustment. The handyman we hired about 12 yrs ago to update the fixtures claimed he didn't hear it leaking and took our money. It's been progressingly more over the years. I just cleaned everything up cuz it was really leaking and I slowed it down a bunch but tub still drains. I may just look into the bottom style plug you referenced to. Not really wanting to change out the whole lever and we don't have an access panel. I'm on a fixed income and will have to see what is more cost effective. Your video was informative. Thanks

[@stormyalice]

Wish every house had easy access to the pipes. 😮‍💨

[@b.powell3480]

Tip !: replace the gaskets as the old ones are probably cracked and stiff, you don't want leaks !!

[@Amanda-ot9yq]

Handy, you are brave not covering the drain while accessing the overflow parts. I would be afraid I would have dropped parts down the drain.

[@lilolmecj]

I am not going to do this today, but soon. I am very relieved to see how easy it looks, and kind of feeling aggravated with myself for tolerating this tub that doesn’t hold water properly for so long.

[@Pinkkermit17]

Took me some time to take care of it. Pulled the old one out and it came apart so I had to dig it out of the drain lucky I have small enough fingers to reach in and grab it. The new took forever to get in because I was having issues getting it to be the correct length and me being a dumb dumb I had the cover upside down,, once I got it straighten out it worked well. I am glad I did it, but was in panic mode for a while.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Nice fix. So many people have no idea how the drains work.

[@lovetrump1088]

Great Stuff!! Guess I will look at your other videos as mine stopper control is stuck...not moving at all! Also...your pipes look great compared to mine with almost new looking Brass, Washers and Nuts on that tub! Mine have had a few leaks over the years it appears. Thanks for Help!!

[@stich1960]

You can replace the cover/lever -Your Friend Former President Barack Obama

[@lovetrump1088]

@@stich1960 He would just buy a new house!

[@stich1960]

@@lovetrump1088 They all would that's why it's funny when people simp for people with golden toilets

[@maxquigley9524]

Thanks for showing the inner workings of the lever drain. My tub won't hold water at all. My wife complained the water drained too slowly after a shower. So I thought maybe the plug is finally starting to work. But it wouldn't drain properly or hold water at all. There was no hair plugging up the drain. I thought there was a part missing in that the lever was supposed to pop a drain plug up and down at the drain hole. I did not know that the hole is supposed to get plugged way back in there along the vertical run of pipe. So now I have determined that the plastic cylinder plug (not a nice piece of brass like yours) must be getting stuck because the inner wall of the drain pipe is gummed up with all that junk my wife puts in her hair.

[@TheFiredragon52]

Always a good practice placing a rag or cloth on top of the drain hole when dealing within tiny screw/ bolts from dropping into !

[@arthursmith643]

Ace hardware $12.00. Replaced the weight to the new bracket. My wife called me Mr. Fix it.😂😂😂

[@andrewfranklin3070]

Haha!!! I was waiting for you to laugh and you finally did when you lubed it up. My man. Can beat a good since of humor.

[@thenexthobby]

One of our bathrooms was designed with a small doorway access behind the tub, however it’s not at floor level. Useful for reaching the hot/cold pipe connections but not the tub drain. We have a hole cut in the floor below (basement bath ceiling … ) I gotta do this job soon, to fix a slow drain. The overflow/tub stopper mechanism is original (CRANE brand, long gone, they also made the coal burner for the radiator heat, also long defunct.) Instead of an up/down lever it’s a lever you rotate from 7:00 to 4:00 position.

[@rkb9155]

“One of those toothbrushes up on the counter” 😮😅😅😅😂😂😂

[@DavidTermini]

Thanks very much for the info and your great skill and instructions.

[@ronniebuchanan6575]

Most surprised and delighted that complimentary tooth brush was on the counter. Lol!

[@piercingpencils_art]

I think I may have the same problem. My tub isn’t draining and the lever is free moving. I think my pin is missing as well. Thanks for this video

[@sandrawhite3326]

Hi, thank you for your video! Could you please let us know where we could get one of these old-fashion tub stoppers. Ours broke when we were using the "snake" device to unclog our bathtub -- the end of the "snake" got caught on it...and when the plumber pull the snake out, the stopper broke! Now, we have been using all sort of different types of stoppers. However, they don't work well. We have been desperately looking for the type of stopper you are demonstrating. What are they officially called.? Where could we get one like that? We would sincerely appreciate any direction you can give us. Thank you!

[@joelaustin9141]

How to save $250 and fix your bath drain. STEP 1. Make sure you have a hole in the wall to access the drain under the tub😒

[@idajugernaut]

Well he just pulled it out as a demonstration. He did the full repair from the front, right?

[@toddlabonte9718]

So what if you didn't build it, and the previous builder put it flush with the floor and subfloor?. In case you aren't aware, home improvements are always done the right way before you

[@WVgrl59]

Yep... I don't. Lol

[@ProctorFarmer]

We’ll use a thin brush. Can’t you clean out something from a pipe

[@rok1341]

I've watched a Super Gauge commercial two times, your worth it

[@TheHandyman1]

You're the best!

[@xternalpunk]

Thank you! This video saved me a visit from the plumber.

[@joseph-ine452]

Nice!!! Perv Plummer. With Cherry on top the sniffing of that lever. 😂😂😂😂😂 Love it. ❤❤ Haven't hear a plummer talk Dirty Only work Dirty. 😂😂😂😂

[@kennyparnell1974]

Got to get that tub/bed fixed for new years!

[@kenciolek843]

Good job brother thank you for your service..

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video Handyman !!! Happy New Year !!!!!

[@FistfulOfGabagool]

my tub doesn't have that 'crescent moon retaining clip' thing in there, just two screws not holding anything. what is it called so that I can get one?

[@heytosey]

Thanks. Worked like a charm..

[@johngaltman]

Thank goodness for the toothbrush on the counter, it was a game changer...

[@larryinNH]

I have the hardest time with these. Sometimes I’m finding that the brass stopper is too heavy for the levers , so it doesn’t hold. Other times it won’t go all the way down no matter how long you extend it. I’m guessing because there’s something blocking it. Shouldn’t be complicated but it can be at times.

[@westvirginiaminer3046]

After cleaning if it still won’t drop, hit with one or two rotations of 220 grit sandpaper. Just spin once and try then again. If you remove to much it trashed. I’ve only done once. I’m no paid handyman. Just do all my friends and family shit for free. Lol

[@myway3343]

A weak spring will do that>>>

[@stockandgamblinglife]

They are very annoying to repair, install, replace. Always a pain in the ass

[@jenkinsvarietyservicesllc826]

​@@myway3343 weak Spring?

[@ecospider5]

Put the stopper or a washcloth over the tub drain for us undexterus people who drop screws. 😁

[@clacicle]

Interesting. But, cover the drain next time so screws don’t accidentally fall in.

[@conchim99]

I couldn't pull it out with a lot of force. Now i have hot spot around the bath tub. Did i nick the hot water pipe while trying to pull il the stuck drain valve up with the metal rod? Thanks

[@SandraVanLankvelt]

Playing with so many small parts that could fall down into the drain in the tub I would first put the tub PLUG in place or some tape over the drain before messing with the shut off etc. Just a thought??? LOL and fantastic video great visual and explanation thank you kindly. God bless and Happy New Year.

[@sharon3310]

I think a magnetized bowl to hold screws might work here also.

[@cxlmobileheadlightrestorat7906]

Ehat did u use as a pin? Also, ehT if I just leave it off MD or don't seL around it fir a few days. Have to unclog bit also have to shower. Csnt get to home depot for a few days.

[@linmartin-kh8el]

this was great but the plate screws heads have rusted off and the black gasket is broken into little piece how can I get the remaining screws out they are sticking out about 1/8 inch? Please any suggestions would be helpful! oh I put WD-40 on both hoping later to try and unscrew what’s left

[@linmartin-kh8el]

still waiting for WD 40 to hope screws that are left will somehow back out thanks for all the tips- widow trying to do a man’s job, lol! thanks

[@lilolmecj]

@@linmartin-kh8eldo you have a solder gun? Sometimes applying some heat directly to the screw will help. If it is a cast iron tub a heat gun would work but you don’t want to damage your tub. A craft item for applying heat fix rhinestones or similar, or one of those tiny quilting irons ,Ishtar suffice. I am just trying to throw out ideas for anything you might have that would do a similar job to a solder gun.

[@linmartin-kh8el]

@@lilolmecj thank you

[@linmartin-kh8el]

@@lilolmecj thanks

[@lilolmecj]

@@linmartin-kh8el I hope it helps.💕 I have some screws in a sewing machine I am trying to restore that I have had no luck loosening. There is no apparent rust, but a gorilla must have last tightened them! Another idea that occurs to me is rust remover, usually oxalic acid. It is sold under the brand name Whink, a liquid, or can be found sold as wood bleach at the hardware store or online usually as a powder. It cannot get on the finish of a cast iron tub, or steel tub, it softens the “porcelain “ finish. But it might help.

[@Monsieur405]

lol. 'I need to fix this hidden problem', luckily I have full access to the back side.

[@SshhhTrouble]

Mine doesn't even block water at all. I'm probably going to buy one of those silicone stoppers bc I don't have access to the inside & even if I did I'm sure I'd mess something up

[@iLitAfuseiCantStop]

I have issues with these in both our bathrooms. In one the switch won't stay down to drain the tub, so we have to wedge a razor holder in to hold it down. The other, I went in my bathroom to find the overflow sitting low in the hole & that the screws had rusted & sheared off. Can I just replace the rusted screws since the mechanism works fine? If so what size? And any idea how to troubleshoot the one that's not staying down? Someone messed with them years ago, unscrewed it to clean the drain & it hasn't worked right since

[@djfacebones8621]

Good thing that you gave it a good smell

[@lisahahn173]

The toothbrush is always the perfect tool, especially for kitchen and bathroom plumbing jobs.

[@gregroth4696]

If it only takes 5 mins to fix then the video should be 3 mins long or less! R Thank you for making this. Respect our time.

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

"Honey, there's a strange man sitting in our bathtub." 🙁 "Yes, I found him floating in a rowboat in our toilet tank." ☺️🌊 Happy New Year, Handyman! We are flush with excitement, awaiting a shower of new adventures :) (Down the Susquehanna? My mom lived along that river. And probably fished the cotter pin out of the water & used it to signal space aliens. Seriously though, had no idea how bathtub drains worked & the mechanics are much more interesting than expected.)

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Let’s do this!!!

[@ulyssesbullock7261]

Are the plugs all the same diameter ? I purchased one to replace the one that was missing and it wouldn’t go in should Iclean it and use the plumbers grease?

[@snoozeflu]

Step 1 - cover that drain before you drop your screws down in there

[@myway3343]

Put some grease on the threads too. Makes life easier for the next guy >>>

[@shmiggz]

Nice that there was an access door on the back side.

[@marcuswalton2922]

Hola/Bonjour : Tu/Vous mentioned chiped epoxi. If one would like to spend the time, can one reepoxi?

[@gillandro2]

Hi... my problem is, i have a new install with no way to get to the pipes.... i bought another drain pipe assembly to test things out, the factory assembly had a plastic trip lever assembly, even at its lowest did not block the drain, i used a bendy scope to see what was happening.. i took the brass drain piece off the brass guts and replaced it with the plastic stopper sort of frankensteining things... the stopper now goes to block the drain, it still leaks... i bench tested a larger o ring on the bottom of the drain stopper that worked in the test rig, but in the actual drain, even with the stopper all the way where it should go and still drains slowly... ive tried lowering it as much as i can... the screw for the armature is just about fully lowered and still doesnt stop the drain... is there a fix or do i just quit and use a pop up drain?

[@know-a-guy]

Great show Handy. Happy New Year!

[@justinreilly4111]

Curious if you've ever dealt with the old school bell traps. I think that's what they were called before they introduced the p trap.

[@justinreilly4111]

So it's actually called a drum trap from what ive found. Lol not sure where I got bell trap from

[@shannonphillips3869]

Indiana here…$200 in my area.

[@TheHandyman1]

I have never seen a drum trap outside of the google search I just did.

[@justinreilly4111]

@The Handyman lol. Big problem here in Pennsylvania. Had a drain that wouldn't drain if the tub was full, but would drain if water was in full blast. Something about the pressure from the large volume of water, would create a blockage, possibly a hydro lock. Drained fine if you just ran water.

[@justjacob850]

Handyman did it again

[@Konvinced89]

Very helpful, thank you

[@MartyMasterjohn]

8:20 😂 you cracked yourself up!

[@chapstyleusa476]

Thank you! Mine is stuck half way! Would spraying some wd40 into the upper hole help pull it out?

[@TheHandyman1]

Yes it will

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

So to fix the trickle - is it just a matter of adjusting the length of that extension and/or cleaning the stopper?

[@TheHandyman1]

Both would help

[@redsunpro]

Liked for the toothbrush comment

[@sunshinem3958]

Outstanding !

[@George-mk7lp]

5:23 did you use some tool to loosen it or just unscrewed by hand?

[@AEsir2023]

So I have a potentially stupid question, I m having issues with mine I just bought this house and I’ve never dealt with one of these before, if I wanted could I simply remove that set up and not ruin anything? Replace it with a normal cap?

[@TheHandyman1]

You would still want to have the over flow drain function. If you have access you can completely remove this style drain and put in a replacement one.

[@AEsir2023]

@@TheHandyman1 I know I’d need the cap which I’m thinking I’ll buy a newer one- in addition to the fact it’s a lever style it’s also rusted.- I just don’t want a lever if I can avoid it

[@kickboxer8173]

thanks for your help

[@d.c2123]

Thank you for verifying the stopper goes in the Tee

[@Nubbers282]

This helped thank you

[@robertmorin6495]

Thanks for the video, so this is my problem!

[@treslongwell1332]

so you did remove the whole pipe? My stopper was stuck, I tried to pull it out with leverage (screw driver) and the brass rod actually unbent and came out without the stuck stopper.

[@VieiraUSA]

Thank you

[@Batman-ml1qb]

I just replaced the stopper but the water in my tub still won't drain. Edit: After a lot of plunging, I finally managed to get the water to drain. The stopper definitely needed to be replaced but I've been convinced it's a clog. So after seeing the part where you're talking about the pipe, I'm pretty sure I know what part is clogged and how to take care of it. Great video, thanks.

[@AlessandroAlmeida-z4r]

Great job, i'm look videos from Brazil

[@flaron352]

Good video. I can't pull the stopper out. Tub won't drain. Stopper is plastic. Do I force pulling up on stopper to get it out?

[@Jagerbomber]

But what if you do if it won't stay open anymore? The lever always falls to blocking drainage?

[@frankornelaz8234]

Thanks for sharing

[@VintageBarbie72]

So what if the linkage is corroded and the weight has fallen off? How do i get the weight out? Is there a special tool for that?

[@petesilvestri]

Very helpful… I have a stopper that’s stuck causing a slow drain….

[@chapstyleusa476]

Have you sorted it out so far?

[@petesilvestri]

@@chapstyleusa476 yes…. I was able to remove the stopper. I replaced it with a new push drain stopper kit.

[@resecurelatch]

I made a video of a small hack when your single overflow plate bolt rusts out or breaks. How to put in a double. Not the main reason for my account - invented a new door hardware, but exposure is exposure 😅

[@peterdurant9530]

Thanks man !!!

[@Aepek]

Just use a $2-$3 2” white stopper instead of the new version, lol. Also, cotter pins on the lever for stoppers inside tub….suck! Can be horrid to repair when have no access, here though; you handyman have the best solutions as that’s an easy fix, compared to others w/o access😉

[@noidretlaw]

Took a little longer than 5 minutes but good info. Thanks

[@mattd8411]

Merica caulk gun shirt is awesome. My girlfriend is going make fun of me finding my new man crush.