How to Remove a Drain From Bathtub: Step-by-Step Guide

Hair, dead skin, soap scum, and leftover bath products don’t disappear down the drain forever. They stick around the stopper and slowly turn a relaxing soak into a slow-drain mess. Old drain parts can also rust or wear down, and then leaks show up or the stopper won’t seal. When that happens, removing the bathtub drain gives you the cleanest way to fix the problem.
In this blog, we will show you how to spot your drain type and gather the right tools. Then you’ll learn how to remove a drain from bathtub by type. There are also some quick fixes for common headaches like a stuck drain or parts that won’t line up. Let's start!

Why Would You Need to Remove a Bathtub Drain?

You usually remove a bathtub drain when clogs, rust, or a stuck stopper stop the tub from working properly. In many cases, tub drain replacement or changing tub drain parts gives a faster, cleaner fix.

• Bathtub won’t drain at all: Hair, soap scum, or other debris can wrap around the drain and create a full blockage.
• Bathtub drains very slowly: A partial clog slows the water now and often turns into a complete clog later.
• Drain stopper is stuck: A jammed stopper can stop you from opening or closing the drain properly, so you can’t control the water.
• Drain stopper is corroded: Rust and wear can damage the stopper and nearby metal parts, so tub drain replacement becomes a more practical option.
• Difficult to clean the drain: Grime can sit deeper in the drain and pipe, so surface cleaning won’t reach it. changing tub drain parts lets you clean the area properly and start fresh.

Common Types of Bathtub Drains and Stoppers

Bathtubs come in many styles, and even the same bathtub model can use different stopper designs. Most homes use one of six common bathtub stopper types, and each type comes off in a different way. That’s why the first step is simple: figure out which one you have before you start.

The table below helps you identify the bathtub stopper in your home.

Tools and Materials You'll Need to Remove a Bathtub Drain

Removing a bathtub drain is a simple job with the right tools on hand. Let’s go over the essentials you’ll need to get started.

• Screwdrivers: both Phillips and flathead
• Pliers and needle-nose pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• A new bathtub drain
• Bathroom cleaner

How Do You Remove a Bathtub Drain Step by Step? 

Once you’ve identified the type of bathtub stopper in your home and gathered the tools you need, it’s time to get to the main task: removing the drain.
This guide breaks the process into six sections. Each one shows how to remove a different common type of bathtub stopper, with clear steps to follow.
Before you start, make sure the bathtub is completely drained. 

1. Lift-and-Turn Bathtub Stopper

Most tubs with a round knob on top use a lift-and-turn stopper. When the tub drains slowly or the stopper won’t seal well, removing it lets you clear buildup and check the center screw.

Step 1. Lift the stopper to the open position so the drain is exposed.
Step 2. Turn the top knob counterclockwise by hand. Keep turning until the knob comes off completely.
Step 3. Once the knob is removed, you'll see a mounting screw or bolt in the center. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove it.
Step 4. After the bolt is out, lift the entire stopper straight out of the drain.
Step 5. Check for rusted threads or a warped stopper, and clean off any hair or soap buildup before reinstalling or replacing it.

2. Push-and-Pull Bathtub Stopper

A push-and-pull stopper moves straight up and down, so it’s easy to spot. If the cap feels wobbly, gets stuck, or keeps clogging, taking it out helps with cleaning and tub drain replacement.

Step 1. Pull the stopper up so it stays in the open position.
Step 2. Hold the stopper body with one hand and turn the top knob counterclockwise with the other.
Step 3. If the knob is tight, wrap it with a towel and gently loosen it using pliers.
Step 4. Once the knob and bolt are removed, lift the stopper straight out.
Step 5. Inspect the stopper for wear, looseness, or damage.

3. Toe-Tap (Toe-Touch) Bathtub Stopper

Toe-touch stoppers open and close with a click, and the spring inside can trap grime over time. If it stops clicking cleanly or starts sticking, remove it to find what’s the problem.

Step 1. Gently press the stopper once to pop it into the open position.
Step 2. Grab the top of the stopper and rotate it counterclockwise.
Step 3. After loosening the cover, remove the internal mounting screw with a screwdriver or pliers.
Step 4. Lift the entire stopper out of the drain.
Step 5. If the spring or screw shows rust or corrosion, it's best to replace the stopper.

4. Flip-Lever Bathtub Stopper

Flip-lever stoppers use a small lever on top to control the seal. If the lever gets stiff or water slips past, removing the stopper gives you a clear view of the seal and any trapped debris.

Step 1. Flip the lever to open the drain.
Step 2. Hold the lever or the top of the stopper and gently twist it.
Step 3. While twisting, pull upward to remove the entire stopper assembly.
Step 4. The design is pretty simple. A quick clean of the O-ring and any trapped debris usually fixes the problem.

5. Trip Lever Bathtub Stopper

Trip lever setups control the drain from the overflow plate, so the blockage often sits deeper in the pipe. If the lever feels jammed or draining stays slow after cleaning, pulling the linkage out helps.

Step 1. Move the trip lever to the open position.
Step 2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the overflow cover and carefully take the plate off.
Step 3. Slowly pull the entire assembly out of the overflow pipe, including the linkage and plunger.
Step 4. If it feels stuck, apply a small amount of lubricant and try again.
Step 5. Inspect each part carefully to prevent jamming or alignment issues during reinstallation.

6. Pop-Up Bathtub Stopper

Pop-up stoppers often connect to parts behind the overflow plate, not just the drain opening. If the tub keeps draining poorly, removing the stopper and linkage makes cleaning easier and supports changing tub drain parts when needed.

Step 1. Flip the lever on the overflow plate to the open position.
Step 2. Grip both sides of the stopper and pull straight up. If there's resistance, gently wiggle it as you lift.
Step 3. Once the stopper is out, remove the overflow plate with a screwdriver.
Step 4. Carefully pull out the internal rod, spring, and linkage as one piece.
Step 5. Check all components for rust, bending, or damage, and clean them thoroughly before reinstalling or replacing.

How Do You Clean the Drain Opening?

After you remove the stopper, don’t rush to put a new one in. A quick clean here fixes the real cause of most slow drains. It also helps the new stopper sit right and seal better, so clogs don’t come back as fast.

Step 1. Clear leftover bits
Old sealant or gasket pieces may stick around the drain edge. Use a plastic scraper or an old gift card to lift them off. Go slow so you don’t scratch the tub.
Step 2. Pull out the gunk
Use your fingers (with gloves) or tweezers to grab hair and slime near the opening. Get as much out as you can before scrubbing.
Step 3. Scrub inside the opening
Grab a small brush or an old toothbrush. Scrub the inside rim and a little way down the drain. Focus on the spots that feel rough or sticky.
Step 4. Use a cleaner for the stubborn stuff
Wipe around the opening with a sponge and a bathroom cleaner. Prefer a simple option? Pour baking soda in first, then add the same amount of white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub again to loosen grease and smells.
Step 5. Clean any parts you want to reuse
Wash the stopper and other bathtub accessories parts you plan to put back in. Use the same cleaner or the vinegar mix. Remove rust and grime so everything moves smoothly.
Step 6. Rinse, dry, and check
Rinse the opening and parts with clean water. Look inside and make sure nothing is left behind. Dry the area well, then move on to reinstalling or replacing the stopper.

Common Drain Removal Problems and How to Solve Them

Removing a bathtub drain sounds simple, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Parts can stick, strip, or leak once you start taking things apart. The tips below cover the most common issues and how to fix them.

1. The drain rotates but won’t come out
If the drain spins but won’t lift, the crossbar inside the drain may have snapped or stripped. Try a drain removal tool that grips the inside. If it still won’t move, stop and call a pro so you don’t crack the tub or damage the threads.
2. The drain won’t budge, even after heat or penetrating oil
If heat and oil don’t loosen it, the drain may be seized by rust. Cutting it out becomes the next step, but a bad cut can ruin the tub. Let a professional handle this one.
3. Water leaks from the overflow plate after removing the stopper
A leak there usually means the gasket behind the overflow plate has worn out. Replace the gasket, tighten the plate evenly, then run a little water to check for leaks.

When Should You Call a Plumber for a Bathtub Drain Removal?

Bathtub drain removal can look straightforward, but some drains fight back or hide bigger pipe issues. In those cases, calling a plumber keeps the job safe and prevents expensive damage.

• The drain is stuck solid and won’t move, even after heat or penetrating oil. Forcing it can crack the tub or strip the metal.
• More than the drain needs fixing. If the pipes under the bath look damaged or old, the whole section may need repair or replacement.
• Parts inside the drain are broken, like the crossbars or inner fitting. Pulling or twisting can break more pieces and make the job bigger.
• Local rules require a licensed plumber. In Queensland and some other areas, certain plumbing work may need a licensed professional.

Conclusion

A slow-draining tub often comes from buildup under the stopper or worn drain parts. Knowing how to remove a drain from bathtub helps you reach the clog, check for rust or damage, and fix the problem at the source instead of guessing.
Start by identifying the stopper type, then prep the right tools. Remove the stopper with the matching steps, clean the drain opening well, and reinstall or replace parts as needed. If the drain won’t move, parts snap, or leaks show up, call a plumber.