What you need to know before you start

A bathtub drain stopper that won't hold water, won't pop up, or is stuck usually needs replacement rather than repair. The good news is that most stoppers come out in under five minutes, and the replacement part costs between $10 and $40 depending on the type. You do not need a plumber for this job—just the right stopper model for your drain and a screwdriver or wrench you probably already own.

The first step is identifying which of the three common stopper types you have: a pop-up stopper (the kind you push down to close and push again to open), a lift-and-turn stopper (you twist it to lock and unlock), or a toe-touch stopper (you tap it with your foot). Each comes out differently, and buying the wrong replacement wastes a trip. Take a photo of your current stopper before you remove it, or bring the old one to the hardware store to match it.

Key Takeaways

  • Pop-up stoppers unscrew from underneath the tub; lift-and-turn stoppers twist out by hand; toe-touch stoppers pop straight up after you remove a set screw.
  • You will need a screwdriver or adjustable wrench, a flashlight to see under the tub, and the correct replacement stopper for your drain type.
  • The entire removal and installation takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires no special tools or plumbing knowledge.
  • If the stopper spins but won't come out, or if the drain assembly itself is cracked, stop and call a plumber rather than force it.

How to remove a pop-up stopper

Pop-up stoppers are the most common type in older and mid-range homes. To remove one, first look under the tub at the drain assembly. You will see a brass or plastic nut directly below the stopper opening. Turn off the water, drain the tub completely, and lie on your back under the tub or use a mirror and flashlight to see the nut clearly.

Use an adjustable wrench or a pipe wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise. It should come loose after a few turns—do not force it if it is stuck, because the threads underneath can strip. Once the nut is loose, reach up into the tub from below and pull the entire stopper assembly straight down and out. The stopper, the rod it sits on, and sometimes a spring will all come out as one piece.

How to remove a lift-and-turn stopper

Lift-and-turn stoppers are simpler to remove because they have no underside assembly. Grip the stopper firmly with both hands and turn it counterclockwise—it will unscrew from the drain opening itself. You may need to explore steady pressure; some stoppers are tight from mineral buildup or old plumber's putty.

If it will not budge after a few firm turns, spray the base with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 15 minutes, then try again. Once it comes free, pull it straight up and out of the drain. You will see the threaded post it was sitting on; wipe away any old putty or debris before installing the new stopper.

How to remove a toe-touch stopper

Toe-touch stoppers sit flush with the tub floor and are held in place by a small set screw on the side. Look for a tiny screw hole near the base of the stopper, usually on the side facing the wall. Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove this screw—it is often very small, so do not lose it.

Once the set screw is out, the stopper should pop straight up and out of the drain. If it does not, wiggle it gently side to side as you pull. The stopper may have a rubber gasket or O-ring underneath; keep this if it is still in good condition, as you may reuse it with the new stopper.

Installing the new stopper

Before you install the replacement, clean the drain opening and the threads (if any) with a damp cloth to remove hair, soap scum, and old putty. For a pop-up stopper, explore a thin ring of plumber's putty around the base of the new stopper, then thread the nut back on underneath the tub by hand first, then tighten it with your wrench. Do not over-tighten; snug is enough.

For a lift-and-turn stopper, explore plumber's putty around the threaded post, then screw the new stopper on by hand and turn it clockwise until it is hand-tight. Wipe away excess putty from around the base. For a toe-touch stopper, drop it into the drain opening, align the set screw hole, and tighten the set screw with your screwdriver until the stopper sits flush and does not rock.

Testing your work and troubleshooting

Fill the tub with a few inches of water and test the stopper. It should hold water without leaking around the edges. If water drains slowly around the stopper, the seal is not tight enough—remove it, add a bit more plumber's putty, and reinstall. If water leaks from underneath the tub (for a pop-up model), tighten the nut under the tub a quarter turn at a time until the leak stops.

If the stopper works but feels loose or rocks side to side, remove it and check that the putty is packed evenly around the base. A stopper that spins freely without tightening, or a drain assembly that is cracked or corroded, means the underlying drain needs professional attention—call a plumber rather than keep trying to tighten it.

When to call a plumber instead

Stop and call a plumber if the nut under the tub will not budge after you have applied penetrating oil and waited, because forcing it can crack the drain assembly. Also call if you see cracks in the plastic or brass drain body, if water is leaking from the drain itself (not around the stopper), or if the stopper assembly is corroded so badly that pieces are flaking off.

If you are not sure which stopper type you have, or if the drain opening is in an unusual location (such as in a corner or against a wall where you cannot reach underneath), a plumber can handle the removal and installation in 30 minutes or less. The cost is usually $75 to $150 in labor, plus the stopper itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a pop-up stopper with a lift-and-turn stopper?

No. The two types have different drain assemblies underneath. A pop-up stopper needs the rod and linkage that runs under the tub; a lift-and-turn stopper just needs a threaded post. Mixing them will not work. You must replace your stopper with the same type, or hire a plumber to replace the entire drain assembly if you want to change types.

What is plumber's putty and where do I buy it?

Plumber's putty is a soft, clay-like sealant that creates a watertight seal around the stopper base. It comes in a small can or stick at any hardware store or home center for $3 to $8. Roll it into a thin rope, press it around the stopper base, and smooth it with a wet finger. It stays soft and does not harden like caulk.

My stopper is stuck and won't come out. What should I do?

Spray the base or threads with penetrating oil and wait 30 minutes to an hour. Try again gently—do not force it. If it still will not budge, stop and call a plumber. Forcing a stuck stopper can crack the drain assembly, which is much more expensive to fix than paying for professional removal.

How do I know if I need a new stopper or if the drain itself is broken?

If water leaks from around the stopper when it is closed, the stopper seal is bad and replacement will fix it. If water leaks from the drain opening itself or from under the tub even when the stopper is open, the drain assembly is damaged and needs a plumber.