Menu

Call This Tuesday to Get $50 OFF

banner
5.0 RATING

How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

A bathtub drain stopper can do a lot more than just seal the drain when you decide to take a bath.

May 05, 2026
How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

A bathtub drain stopper can do a lot more than just seal the drain when you decide to take a bath. It can also act as a filter, keeping out large objects and catching hair strands. Every now and then, you will have to remove the bathtub drain stopper to give it a cleaning, readjust it, or replace it. You do not want to yank at the drain stopper to remove it though. Your friends here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey will share some tips on safely removing your drain stopper. If your plumbing issue goes beyond the drain stopper, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a trained plumber. We are ready to schedule your plumbing service today.

What Type of Drain Stopper Do You Have?

There are many types of drain stoppers and we do not have the space to review all of them. Instead, we will focus on a few of the most common types. These are:

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How to Remove a Bathtub Drain Stopper

  • The lift-and-tu drain stopper
  • The push-pull drain stopper
  • The toe-touch drain stopper

Fortunately, the drain stoppers are conveniently named, making it easy to identify which type of drain stopper is in your bathtub.

Removing a Lift-and-Tu Drain Stopper

If your drain stopper has a little knob on the cap, which is used to twist the stopper into the open and closed positions, then this section is for you.

Twist the knob to bring the drain stopper to the open position – that is, the position that allows water to drain. Hold the body of the drain stopper in place and tu the knob counterclockwise, gently pulling upward as you tu it. In some models, the stopper will unthread from the strainer and come off.

Other models have a screw set on the knob. Use a screwdriver to LOOSEN the screw (Do not remove the screw entirely). Simultaneously lift and rotate the stopper counterclockwise to remove the stopper.

Removing a Push-Pull Drain Stopper

Similar to the lift-and-tu, the push-pull drain stopper has a handle which is used to open and shut the drain.

Hold the base of the drain stopper with one hand and use the other to tu the knob counterclockwise until the stopper comes off. Use a washcloth or rag if the knob is too tight. Once the stopper is removed, you should see a post connecting the stopper to the crossbar of the strainer. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the post and lift the stopper from the strainer.

Removing a Toe-Touch Drain Stopper

The more convenient toe-touch drain stopper opens and shuts with the touch of your toe. These do not have a knob and are instead flat at the top.

Bring the stopper to the open position as if draining the tub. Again, you will have to hold the base of the stopper while tuing the cap counterclockwise. If it does not unscrew completely, then there might be a screw to loosen.

Need a Plumber?

Are you dealing with a clogged bathtub or dysfunctional drain stopper? If you prefer to let a plumber handle it, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey. We are ready to schedule your plumbing service or repair today.

Latest Updates & Blog Posts

The Worst Things We've Found Inside Garbage Disposals
Apr 22, 2026

The Worst Things We've Found Inside Garbage Disposals

The Worst Things We’ve Found Inside Garbage Disposals Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient features in any kitchen,…

Read More
What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water Line
Apr 20, 2026

What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water Line

What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water LineYour home’s water line is one of the most important parts of…

Read More
Do Older Homes Always Need Sewer Replacement?
Apr 12, 2026

Do Older Homes Always Need Sewer Replacement?

Do Older Homes Always Need Sewer Replacement?Older homes have charm, character, and history—but they can also come with aging plumbing…

Read More
How Drain Cleaning Improves Water Flow and Reduces Plumbing Issues
Apr 05, 2026

How Drain Cleaning Improves Water Flow and Reduces Plumbing Issues

How Drain Cleaning Improves Water Flow and Reduces Plumbing IssuesClogged or slow drains are more than just a minor inconvenience—they…

Read More
The Worst Things We've Found Inside Garbage Disposals
Apr 22, 2026

The Worst Things We've Found Inside Garbage Disposals

The Worst Things We’ve Found Inside Garbage Disposals Garbage disposals are one of the most convenient features in any kitchen,…

Read More
What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water Line
Apr 20, 2026

What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water Line

What Plumbers Wish You Knew About Your Water LineYour home’s water line is one of the most important parts of…

Read More