Bathtub Drain Plugs Buying Tips

A bathtub drain plug is essential for your bathtub and sink. You need a drain stopper if you want to take a bath or need to trap water in your tub or sink. Many homeowners contact Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. to work with an excellent plumber in Elburn, IL. 

Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. is a full-service plumbing company proudly serving Elgin, IL, and its surrounding communities with first-rate services. Our licensed and insured plumbers will diagnose and resolve your plumbing issue quickly and efficiently. The Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. emergency line is open 24/7 if you encounter a problem that needs immediate attention. 

Below, we will define bathroom drain plugs and inform you about the different types of bathtub drains we can help you install. 

What is a Bathtub Drain Plug? 

A bathroom drain stopper is placed over the drain in a sink or tub to prevent water from going down the drain. It typically consists of silicon, rubber, or metal and may have a small hole in the center. A metal or plastic ring holds the stopper in place, helping it fit around the edges of the drain.

Drain stoppers make it possible to enjoy a relaxing soak in your bathtub. After you finish bathing, you can unplug the drain stopper, allowing water to flow into your drain. 

Drain plugs can also help prevent hair, food, and debris from traveling down your drain. This keeps your bathroom drain from clogging, which can necessitate costly repairs. 

Bathtub Drain Stopper Types 

There are several types of bathtub drain stoppers. Below are some of the most common drain plug types. 

Push/Pull Stoppers 

One of the easiest stoppers to use is the push and pull drain plug. When you want to close your drain, push down on the stopper. To open your drain, pull up on the device. 

Installing the push and pull drain plug is easy, and you can do it in minutes. With a screwdriver, install the drain stopper over the drain hole by screwing it into the middle of the crossbar. After doing so, test out your drain plug by pushing down on it and pulling it off. 

Lift/Turn Stoppers 

As its name suggests, a lift and turn stopper is a drain plug that allows you to turn it to open and close your drain openings. Its practical design makes it easy for users to install or remove the drain plug. You can identify a lift and turn stopper by the knob it features on its cap. 

One of the benefits of a lift and turn stopper is that it is easy to install. Just like the push and pull stopper, you simply screw the middle setscrew into the drain crossbar’s center. However, use caution when installing the stopper, as over-tightening the screw may make it hard to remove. 

Everyone can be happy with a lift and turn stopper — it is efficient and easy to maintain. The only potential drawback of this bathtub drain plug is its bland design. However, these stoppers come in many different colors to provide variety. 

Pop-Up Stoppers 

Another common drain stopper type is the pop-up stopper. Pop-up stoppers are drain plugs featuring two parts; the plates and the connecting arm. The cover lies over your drain hole, while the connecting arm sits between the right and left sink handles. 

Depending on the make and model, the drain plug will open or close when you pull up on the arm. Pushing down on it will have the reverse effect. The pop-up stopper is among the easiest drain stoppers on this list to use. 

A potential downside to this bathtub drain plug is that you must remove both parts of the stopper during cleaning for an effective wash. The rod collects dirt fast, as you often touch it before washing your hands. Still, this stopper’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. 

Touch Toe Stoppers 

Touch toe stoppers are unique as they utilize a spring to open and close. Therefore, you can unplug your drain hole with the tap of your toe. Thus, it is among the most convenient drain plugs for homeowners. 

The only downside to this bathtub drain stopper is you must replace the spring frequently. However, it is also among the most straightforward drain plugs to use and install. Not having to bend down every time you want to open or close your drain is great for those who face difficulty doing so. 

Flip-It Stoppers 

One of the principal benefits of a flip-it stopper is you do not need any tools for installation. Instead, you seal the drain plug to your drain hole, creating a long-lasting solution. You control the drain stopper via a toggle beside or above the drain hole. 

The flip-it stopper is the most convenient drain plug to manage and requires little to no maintenance. That said, getting the proper seal can be tricky. Our plumbing professionals can help seal your flip-it plugs if you need assistance. 

Trip Lever Stoppers

A trip lever acts as a plunger for your drain hole. When the trip lever is downward, it lifts the plunger and opens the drain. Trip lever stoppers are easy to use and do not require much force. 

However, they are among the hardest drain stoppers to clean, as the plunger may attract hair and debris. You will also have to bend down to scrub your trip lever drain plug and remove the overflow plate each time you clean the stopper. 

Hire Us for Bathroom Drain Plumbing 

If you take baths frequently, a drain stopper can help you save water by keeping the water in the tub until you are ready to drain it. This feature can be helpful if you like to soak in your tub for a long time.

Contact our professional plumbers if you experience an issue with your bathtub drain plug. We are available 24/7 for plumbing and sewage emergencies. Call Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co.’s Elgin, IL, office at (847) 613-1344 to schedule an appointment. 

Also, check out our latest plumbing-related blog, where you can learn the common problems you will encounter in old homes.