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Bathtub Drain Stopper Types – Ultimate Guide 2023

bathtub drain stopper

With bathtub drain stopper types, you can control the water level and lengthen your soak without hassle. Here, we’ll go through the many kinds of bathtub stoppers so you can get the perfect one for your bathroom.

What is the Function of the Stopper in the Bathtub?

When not in use, a bathtub stopper prevents water from draining out of the tub. A stopper, or drain tub stopper, is a similar item used to prevent water from escaping a drain. This allows you to fill the tub with water for a bath and quickly bathtub drain stopper types off the used water by removing the stopper.

What Kinds of Materials are often Used for Bathtub Stoppers?

Most bathtub plugs are made of one of three common materials:

  • Rubber
  • Silicon
  • Metal
Bathtub Stoppers Materials
Photo Credit: Canva

The Best Way to Choose a Tub Stopper

Price, simplicity of installation, and low maintenance are all crucial aspects to think about when picking bathtub drain stopper types for your bathtub. The lift-and-turn or push-and-pull models are good examples of sturdy stoppers that can be installed with basic plumbing knowledge.

You have options if you need to replace a drain stopper but want to get a different one. Stoppers that use a raise and turn mechanism are interchangeable with those that use a push and pull tool, and vice versa. 

Switching from a lever design to one without a lever is also a simple process. However, because of the link to the overflow line, installing a lever bathtub drain stopper types require more extensive plumbing work.

When picking a drain stopper, it’s also essential to consider how simple it is to operate. Some folks, for instance, choose a bottle with a toe-touch cork so they won’t have to stoop down to do anything. Last but not least, think about the size of your drain. For example, a flip-it stopper cannot be used in sinks with built-in filters.

Types of Bathtub Stoppers

There are six significant types of bathtub drain plugs available. These differences affect the stopper’s functionality, effectiveness in halting water flow, and longevity, so choose one that works best in your bathroom.

1. Arise and Rotate

The Bathtub drain stopper types with a turn knob on its cap is known as a lift turn stopper. This knob conveniently opens and shuts the stopper by twisting it open or closed. Then, install the central set screw into the drain crossbar’s threaded center.

Keep in mind that if you overtighten the screw, removing this plug will be more of a challenge. This stopper’s primary advantage is its simplicity: it’s simple to set up, maintain, or swap out if anything goes wrong. There isn’t much to dislike about it other than its simplistic layout.

2.  Twist & Turn

Push-and-pull stoppers look similar to lift-and-turn plugs and are installed similarly. Tightening the setscrew will secure the stopper body to the drain crossbar, making the stopper ready to be used as a push or pull stopper. 

It’s different from the standard stopper in that you have to press down on it to stop the water flow, then pull up on it to open it back up again. The most significant benefit of these two plugs is that they are simple in design and operation, requiring nothing in the way of setup, upkeep, or replacement.

3. Pop Up

Like the stopper on your sink, this one serves a similar purpose. Activating an overflowing plate is as easy as pulling a lever on a connecting rod. The overflow plate may be raised or lowered depending on the position of the lever, enabling water to flow through. 

Pop Up Bathtub Stopper
Photo Credit: Canva

One major drawback of this stopper is that it needs two separate operations—removing the plate and the attaching arm—to clean them. Besides, it’s superior to lift-and-turn and push-and-pull drain systems since it requires considerably less force.

4. Touch Toe

A touch-toe stopper, also known as a raise and turn stopper, is a drain plug that is screwed into the drain’s crossbar and has a spring-loaded stopper. 

This stopper may be opened and closed with the simple touch of a toe. A touch-toe is as simple to keep clean as any other stopper, including raise and turn and push and pull. The only real negative to this design is that the spring will need to be replaced at some point.

5. Flip it

One kind of tool-free stopper is the “flip-it” stopper. It’s a bathtub drain stopper types with a toggle lever that may be placed either on the plug itself or to the side. 

When the lever is flipped, the O-rings inside keep it in place and form a watertight seal; alternatively, you may turn it the other way to let water through. This stopper has the benefit of being the simplest to set up and operate. A flip-it stopper’s lack of drawbacks stems from the fact that it’s so simple to clean and maintain. 

6. Trip liver

Trip levers are similar in purpose to pop-ups. The trip lever on your bathtub effectively has a plunger attached to the lever, preventing water from draining out of the tub. Water may flow freely when the drain is opened since the plunger is upheld by the trip lever while in the down position. Cleaning a trip lever requires disassembling the lever plate attached to the rest of the mechanism. This stopper is superior to lift and pull types since it may be used with significantly less effort. The downside is that keeping it clean and in good condition is more challenging.

Is there Anything more available Outside these Standard Kinds?

There are just a common of different varieties of drain stoppers, but the six we’ve already discussed are the most prevalent. Most stoppers function similarly by blocking off the opening, although their designs vary somewhat. Their overall appearance and durability are almost equal; thus, you are selecting a water-sealing approach.

What Stores Sell Bathtub Plugs?

There is a great deal of retail establishment selection for bathroom equipment. If you don’t have time to wait for delivery from a company like Amazon, there are still several options for types of bathtub stoppers.

  • Walmart
  • Lowes
  • Target
  • Find it at your neighborhood hardware shop

FAQs on Bathtub Drain Stopper Types

What Type of Tub Drain is Best?

A bathtub drain stopper that can be lifted and turned is a long-lasting and reasonably priced choice. In addition, the lift-and-turn model is convenient for most tubs since it has a knob on the top that allows you to easily open and shut the stopper with a simple twist.

Are Bath Tub Drains Universal?

However, most bathtubs have standard-sized drains (1.5 inches in diameter).

Are all Tub Drains the Same?

One size does not fit all when it comes to bathtub drain stoppers and complete assemblies. The material of the pipe assembly is only one of the many variables that determine which drain is best for your particular tub.

What is an Integral Drain in a Tub?

A bathtub with an inbuilt overflow will have an entrance cut into the side or bottom of the tub and connected to the waste pipe. If the water is accidentally left on, this device will reroute any accumulated water through the walls and into the drain.

Can you Replace just the Tub Drain?

The drain of a bathtub can be changed out. You may hire an expert to do it, or you can try it yourself. In most cases, it’s a simple procedure. However, it may take a few minutes to repair a clogged drain.

How often should you Drain a Hot Tub?

Sanitizing your hot tub every week and treating that with bathtub chemicals is just as crucial as emptying and flushing it 3 to 4 times a year.

How to Make Bathtub Drain Better?

You must dump a potful down the drain to clean a bathtub with boiling water. Next, combine one baking soda with one cup of vinegar and pour the solution down the drain. Put the plug in the drain or replace the filter’s cover, then wait 5-10 minutes.

Bath Tub Drain Types: Conclusion

Installing a bathtub drain stopper types are a quick and straightforward way to enhance your bathroom experience. If you don’t already have one, think about installing one in your tub right now.

Read Also:

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub Faucet?
Bathtub Enamel Repair – Complete Guide
How to Remove Peeling Bathtub Paint?
How to Fix a Cracked Bathtub?

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