Alright folks, gather ’round the digital toolbox. Today we’re tackling that stupid lift and turn tub stopper that just WOULDN’T turn or lift anymore on my ancient guest bathroom tub. Total pain in the neck.
First – The Problem Was Obvious
Went to drain the tub after my nephew’s muddy mess of a bath, and no matter how hard I twisted or pulled that little knob, nothing happened. Water just sat there, mocking me. Tried yanking it, jiggling it, swearing at it – the usual first steps. Completely frozen solid.
Time to Get My Hands Dirty
Grabbed my trusty, slightly rusty tools:
- Needle-nose pliers
- An old butter knife (don’t judge)
- A flathead screwdriver
- A flashlight (it’s dark down there)
- A cup of strong coffee (essential tool)
No fancy gear needed, just stuff from the junk drawer.
The Battle Begins
First thing, flipped the stopper to the “open” position – least, tried to. Wouldn’t budge. Saw the little screw under the knob holding the whole thing together. Pulled it out with the screwdriver. Fell straight down the drain. Fantastic. Had to fish it out with the pliers – took longer than the actual repair probably will.
Got the screw back. Yanked the stopper assembly straight up and out. Way easier than wrestling with it in the tub. Underneath, there’s this rod attached to the overflow plate. Looked fine? Not really. Covered in years of soap scum and who-knows-what. A grime fossil.
Scraped off layers of gunk with the butter knife. Used the pliers to gently twist the rod sticking out of the overflow plate where the stopper rod connects. Felt stiff, but it moved! Little bit of WD-40 on the rod inside the overflow pipe (sprayed some on a rag first, wiped it on, didn’t wanna soak the pipes) and worked it back and forth – up, down, twist. Felt smoother almost right away.
Checked the stopper part itself. Cleaned the pivot thingie where it flips open. Grease? Nah, didn’t have the right kind. Hot water and dish soap did the trick just fine.
The Final Test
Slid the stopper assembly back down onto the rod coming out of the overflow plate. Tightened the little screw back in (carefully, over a cloth this time!). Gave the knob a turn. Click! Flipped it up, smooth as butter. Pulled it up. Down it went. Victory dance? You betcha.
Ran some water. Plugged it. Held. Pulled the knob… sweet, sweet drainage. No drips, no leaks. It ain’t rocket science, just gunk and neglect. Saved myself a plumber’s call-out fee on a Saturday morning. Pass the coffee.
