6 Most Common Bathtub Drain Stopper Types

Taking a relaxing bath in a tub with warm water and bubbles is one of life’s simple pleasures. But that enjoyment comes to a quick end when you go to drain the tub only to find the stopper isn’t working properly.

Fortunately, being aware of the different types of bathtub drain stoppers, how they work, and their pros and cons can help you select the right one for your tub and keep it operating smoothly. And if you don’t know how does bathtub drain work? Read this post.

Here Are Some Bathtub Drain Stopper Types:

Knowing the fundamentals of how drain stoppers operate makes it easier to diagnose and repair issues when they arise. Now let’s explore the key types of bathtub drain stoppers.

Lift and Turn Stopper

The lift-and-turn is the most common type of bathtub drain stopper. As its name suggests, you lift the stopper up and turn it to open and close the drain. The stopper fits into the drain pipe opening and has threads that allow it to be screwed into place. Turning the stopper clockwise closes it, while turning it counter-clockwise opens it.

Lift and turn stoppers are usually made of metal like brass, zinc, or stainless steel. Their durability makes them prone to getting stuck over time as mineral deposits from the water build up. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this stopper type.

Pros:

• Simple and easy to operate
• Durable metal construction
• A tight seal prevents leaks
• Widely available and inexpensive

Cons:

• Can become stuck over time and be difficult to turn
• Metal can rust and corrode over prolonged use
• It is noisier to operate than other designs
• Not hands-free

To prevent a lift and turn stopper from sticking, regular cleaning is required. Remove the stopper and use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to gently scrub away any gunk or buildup. Apply petroleum jelly or plumber’s grease to the threads to keep it operating smoothly. If it becomes too stuck, use pliers wrapped in cloth to turn and loosen it.

Toe-Touch Stopper

As the name hints, toe-touch stoppers work by pushing down with your toes to open and close the drain. Rather than lifting, the entire stopper lifts up and down to seal off or open the drain pipe. They have a flat, circular appearance, wider than a lift-and-turn design.

Toe-touch stoppers are typically made from durable plastic. They provide hands-free operation, which some people prefer for convenience and hygiene. Here are the main pros and cons:

Pros:

• Hands-free operation
• It is easy to control water depth by partially opening
• Smooth appearance complements tub style

Cons:

• It is difficult for some people to operate with toes
• Plastic may eventually wear down and break
• Can pop open unexpectedly if not fully closed

To clean a toe-touch stopper, firmly press down on it while turning counterclockwise to unscrew it from the drain pipe. Remove any hair or debris caught on the stopper. Use an old toothbrush and baking soda or vinegar to remove soap scum and mineral deposits.

Be sure to press firmly when closing the stopper with your toes to create a tight seal and prevent it from accidentally opening when the tub has water.

Flip-It Stopper

Flip-it stoppers have a hinged lid attached to a base that fits into the drain opening. The lid can be flipped up to open the drain or down into the closed position. For draining, simply use your toes to flip the hinged lid open.

Flip-it stoppers allow extremely quick and easy draining after you finish bathing. The hinged lid also creates a tight seal when closed to prevent leaks. Here are some more pros and cons:

Pros:

• Very easy to operate
• Fast draining
• Durable rubber construction
• Streamlined modern look

Cons:

• Can accidentally flip open if lid isn’t fully closed
• Hinge may weaken over time
• Rubber can wear down after prolonged use

To clean this type of stopper, unscrew the base from the opening and use a small brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside crevices. Remove hair or gunk caught on the hinge. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the hinge to keep it operating smoothly.

Be sure to press down firmly on the lid when closing it to prevent it from flipping open unexpectedly when the tub contains water. Periodically check the rubber seal as well.

Pop-Up Stopper

Pop-up stoppers operate by pulling straight up on a knob or handle to open the drain. Pushing the stopper back down seals the drain again. Underneath, a horizontal cable connects to a lever that raises and lowers the stopper.

The smooth up-and-down operation of a pop-up stopper makes for easy draining. The stopper also creates a tight seal when closed. Here are some more pros and cons:

Pros:

• Smooth operation
• Tight seal
• Easy to adjust cable tension
• Fast draining

Cons:

• Cables may detach or break over time
• Hair and debris can clog cables.
• More complicated mechanics than other designs

To prevent issues, periodically check beneath the tub to ensure that the cable is securely attached to the lever. Adjust the knob to tighten or loosen the cable as needed. Remove any hair or debris caught around the cable.

If the pop-up stopper leaks, try adjusting the knob tighter to increase the seal. You can also try wrapping plumber’s tape around the stopper threads. If problems persist, the stopper assembly may need replacing.

Bathtub Drain Stopper Comparison

To recap, here is an overview comparing the different types of bathtub drain stoppers:

Type	Operation	Pros	Cons
Lift and Turn	Lift up and turn to open/close	Simple to use, Durable seal	Can rust/stick To clean under tub
Toe Touch	Press with toes to open/close	Hands-free Convenient	Hard for some to use
Flip-It	Flip hinged lid up/down	Very easy to use Fast draining	Can leak if not fully closed
Pop-Up	Pull up knob to open, push down to close	Smooth operation Fast draining	Cables may detach/break Harder to repair

Choosing the Right Stopper

With the various options available, here are some factors to consider when selecting the best bathtub drain stopper:

• Ease of use – Choose a stopper that’s simple for you to operate. Toe-touch and flip-it designs allow hands-free draining.
• Durability – Metal lift and turn stoppers tend to have the longest lifespan. Seek stoppers made from corrosion-resistant materials.
• Draining speed – Pop-up and flip-it stoppers offer the fastest draining.
• Sealing ability – Ensure the stopper fully seals the drain when closed to prevent leaks.
• ** Appearance** – Select a stopper style that matches your tub’s aesthetics.
• Ease of cleaning – Stoppers that unscrew make it easier to remove hair and gunk.

Properly Maintaining Your Bathtub Drain Stopper

To get the most out of your bathtub drain stopper and prevent problems:

• Periodically remove the stopper and clean it using baking soda, vinegar, or scrub brushes to remove buildup and debris.
• Check that all parts are functioning properly and are not damaged or worn.
• Lubricate moving components with petroleum jelly to prevent sticking.
• Tighten cables or chains to ensure a good seal when closed.
• Adjust knobs or tension as needed to create a tight seal.
• Replace any worn or defective parts.
• Choose corrosion-resistant materials when possible.

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your stopper and ensures it operates smoothly for years to come. A little simple care goes a long way.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of bathtub drain stoppers allows you to select the right one for your needs. Lift and turn, toe-touch, flip-it, and pop-up designs all operate a bit differently while offering their own pros and cons.

Considering factors like ease of use, durability, and drainage speed will enable you to find the ideal stopper. Properly maintaining your stopper through cleaning and part replacement prevents many common issues. With the right stopper and care, you can continue enjoying leisurely soaks in the tub without worrying about the drain.

FAQs

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• Can You Change the Drain on a Bathtub?
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