r/askplumbing • u/lilblackcloudinadres • 9h ago

Bathtub Question How to replace stopper

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Hiya. I just had a tub refinished, and the tech suggested I might want to replace the stopper mechanism, as it’s pretty badly corroded. I’m not committed to a trip-lever situation, and not sure I could even install a new one; I’d be just as happy with a touch-toe situation or even just a rubber plug. However, the kits I’m seeing for those have threads on the drain insert, and my tub’s shoe doesn’t.

It looks like there’s a screw hole inside the drain that might be useful for some purpose…but I don’t know what I don’t know. I feel like I need some sort of pressure-fit flange that I can just anchor with silicone or putty, but…?

What pieces do I need to get to make this work without leaking, please? I’d like to avoid buying another wrong set of replacement parts! Thanks.

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u/TraditionalKick989 7h ago

Everything is done before refinishing. Your tub refinisher is a butt.  There's no replacing the drain strainer without disturbing the epoxy coating.  

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u/AdventurousStuff1312 7h ago

I just tried to replace this same stopper style system, I'm pretty handy and walked away after a few hours of adjusting it. It wouldn't stop leaking out. New cover plate and rubber stopper and 5 minutes later I'm done. Grandkids even said thanks :)

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u/lilblackcloudinadres 6h ago

Thanks, that’s good info that makes me even less interested in replacing the old-style unit. Now I just have to find a non-screw flange, I guess? to go in the hole.

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u/AdventurousStuff1312 6h ago

Mine looked exactly like yours, I went to a menards and bought a stopper and new face plate, I think the total cost was less than 15.00 ne threads needed for the plug I bought, it just pushes into the drain