You are likely familiar with the traditional bathtub drain stopper: a simple rubber plug that keeps water from draining. However, there are multiple options for filling your tub for a relaxing soak.
Many modern bathtubs come equipped with a trip lever stopper that easily opens and closes. But did you know that you can replace your bathtub drain stopper to fit your needs and preferences?
Read on to learn about the six common bathtub drain stopper types and discover which one may be right for you.
Choosing the Right Drain Stopper for Your Bathtub
Drains come in different sizes, so you must ensure your chosen stopper fits your drain correctly. Fortunately, some bathtub drain stopper types are similar enough to easily swap out for a replacement or upgrade.
Consider these important factors when choosing a drain stopper for your tub:
• How easy the stopper is to install
• Effort required to clean and maintain the stopper
• Design and size of your drain
• How easy the stopper is to use
If you’re looking for a stopper that you can easily install, you might choose one that only requires basic plumbing skills. However, if you want to make more drastic changes and are willing to enlist the services of a professional, you may have more options.
The 6 Most Common Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers
Understanding the different types of bathtub drain stoppers can help you make an informed choice when replacing your own. Some are harder to clean, while others are simple to install and maintain. Let’s look at the six most common bathtub drain stopper types and how they differ from one another.
Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper
A lift-and-turn bathtub drain stopper is a cost-effective and durable option. The lift-and-turn option works well for most bathtubs and features a small knob on the cap to twist the stopper open and closed. This stopper is easy to install simply by screwing a setscrew into the center of the drain crossbar, making it an ideal DIY option.
Due to its simple design, maintenance is a breeze. All you need to do is remove the plug occasionally to clean debris out of the drain.
Push-and-Pull Drain Stopper
Similar in style and appearance to the lift-and-turn stopper, the push-and-pull drain stopper works with most bathtubs and is an inexpensive option. The main difference is that this type of stopper is pushed down to close and pulled up to open instead of twisted.
Another simple DIY solution, the push-and-pull stopper is easy to install using a setscrew that can be found under the stopper’s cap.
Thanks to its practical and simple design, this type of bathtub drain stopper rarely needs repair and will only need to be replaced eventually due to basic wear and tear.