[czars]

I have a bath tub with a stopper that has stopped working. The tub has been in place on a concrete floor, in a tiled bathroom for 30+ years and is probably worn out and should be replaced. The stopper is controlled by a handle on the tub overflow. The handle appears to be connected to the stopper and I have been unable to get either out of the drain. Can anyone suggest how I can get the mechanism out and then maybe I can get a replacement mechanism of some kind. Thanks!

 

[Mike Swearingen]

Unscrew the bolts holding the drain toggle overflow plate on, and jiggle and lift the assembly attached to the plate up and out of the overflow pipe. It should have a brass barrel on the end of it that actually stops the tub drain. Sometimes build-up will cause the barrel to sort of get stuck and not close properly, so you might need to pull up and out on it with a pair of channel-locks for a little extra persuasion.
Clean up the barrell with sandpaper, emory cloth or steel wool, lube the barrel and assembly with WD-40, re-install it, and it should be OK.
If the barrel won't go down and close properly due to built-up gunk, you may need to take a funnel and pour non-caustic enzyme-based drain cleaner like Drain Care down the overflow.
Good Luck!
Mike

 

[czars]

Thanks for your reply Mike, but I think my stopper situation is a little different than what you described. The handle controls the stopper in the tub. Push the handle one way and the stopper goes up. Push it the other way and the stopper goes down. If I unscrew the overflow and pull on the handle, the stopper goes down and the handle linkage will not come out. It appears that the stopper and the handle are mechanically linked. If I could get the stopper off the linkage, I might be able to get the linkage out. How are the handle and stopper connected mechanically and how can I get the stopper disconnected from the linkage?

 

[kenmac]

don't know what type you have .. But, most come out like he explained..Through the over flow



if you are able, post a picture

 

[al's sewer]

don't know what type you have .. But, most come out like he explained..Through the over flow



if you are able, post a picture

I believe that he has the linkage type overflow rather than the barrel type. I am trying to remember how to repair them. I think you have to unscrew the stopper in the tub first and pull it out then pull the overflow out. but let think on this and do some research. I think kohler made them.