Sofia Martinez
A trip lever drain is a bathtub drain stopper that uses a trip lever mounted on the bathtub's overflow plate. Problems with this type of stopper occur when the connecting rod attached to the trip lever is either shortened or not adjusted properly, causing the lift bucket plunger to not drop down enough to seal the drainpipe opening. To adjust the trip drain plastic linkage, you must first remove the cover plate and extract the connecting rod and plunger. Then, clean the plunger and adjust the linkage to lengthen or shorten the connecting rod.
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting the linkage length
First, it is important to understand the basic components of a trip-lever drain stopper. The small up-and-down lever protruding from the overflow plate on your bathtub is connected to a vertical connecting rod inside the overflow pipe behind the front tub wall. At the bottom of the connecting rod, there is usually a plunger, often weighted, which seals the drain opening at the bottom of the overflow tube.
If your trip-lever drain is not functioning properly, it is likely due to an issue with the connecting rod attached to the trip lever. Over time, this rod can become shortened from use, or it may become clogged with debris, hair, or soap scum, preventing the lift bucket plunger from dropping down enough to completely seal the drainpipe opening.
To adjust the linkage length, start by removing the faceplate or cover plate to access the connecting rod. This typically involves unscrewing the mounting screws that hold the plate in place. Once the plate is removed, carefully extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening.
Clean the plunger and the surrounding area, as debris or corrosion may be impacting the smooth operation of the mechanism. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Now, you can adjust the linkage length by lengthening or shortening the connecting rod as needed. This may involve adding an additional section to the linkage to increase its length, as in the case of a deep tub. Ensure that the lever is in the 'drain closed' position when making adjustments.
Fine-tune the length of the connecting rod until the plunger seals the drain opening effectively. It may take some tinkering to get the length exactly right. Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, insert the stopper and drain linkage back into the overflow opening and screw the cover plate back into place.
By carefully following these steps, you can successfully adjust the linkage length of your trip drain plastic linkage, ensuring that your bathtub drain functions optimally.
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Removing the cover plate
To remove the cover plate, you'll first need to back out the mounting screws that hold the overflow cover plate onto the overflow tube. Be sure to do this carefully, as you'll want to avoid causing any damage to the plate or the surrounding area. Once you've removed the screws, gently lift the cover plate away from the overflow tube.
If you're having trouble removing the cover plate, it could be due to a build-up of debris or corrosion. In this case, you may need to clean the area before attempting to remove the plate. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to gently scrub away any built-up grime. Be careful not to use too much force, as you don't want to accidentally damage the cover plate or any surrounding components.
Once the cover plate is removed, you'll be able to access the internal components of the drain, including the connecting rod and plunger. These parts may also be affected by debris or corrosion, so it's important to clean them off before proceeding with any adjustments or repairs. You may need to adjust the length of the connecting rod to ensure a proper seal. This can be done by lengthening or shortening the rod until the correct length is achieved.
After making any necessary adjustments, carefully insert the connecting rod and plunger back into the overflow tube, ensuring that they are properly aligned. Secure the cover plate back onto the overflow tube using the mounting screws, being careful not to overtighten the screws. Once the cover plate is securely in place, test the drain to ensure that it is functioning properly.
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Cleaning the plunger
To clean the plunger of a trip lever drain, you must first remove the screws holding the overflow cover plate. Once the screws have been removed, set the plate and screws aside and take out the tub drain assembly from the overflow hole.
After removing the cover plate, you will be able to see the connecting rod and plunger. Extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening. Clean the plunger with a toothbrush and vinegar, ensuring that you remove any debris or corrosion that may be preventing it from moving smoothly in the overflow tube. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, it may be necessary to replace the entire assembly.
Once the plunger is clean, dry it and smear it with petroleum jelly. The vinegar and petroleum jelly will help to keep the parts from becoming sticky and will protect them, allowing them to move efficiently.
Finally, insert the stopper and drain linkage back down through the overflow opening.
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Replacing the linkage
The first step in replacing the linkage is to remove the old linkage. To do this, you will need to remove the faceplate or overflow plate to access the linkage. On some models, you will need to remove the mounting screws that hold the overflow cover plate onto the overflow tube. After removing the cover plate, carefully extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening. This may require some force as the linkage may be stuck or stubborn.
Once the old linkage is removed, you can clean the plunger and surrounding area. Debris or corrosion on the plunger may be preventing it from moving smoothly, so it is important to ensure it is clean before installing the new linkage. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, it is recommended to replace the entire assembly.
Next, you will need to adjust the new linkage to the correct length. This may involve lengthening or shortening the connecting rod to ensure that the plunger seals the drain opening. It may take some tinkering to get the length exactly right.
Finally, insert the new linkage back through the overflow opening, making sure to attach it securely to the trip lever. Screw on the new overflow plate, if applicable, and test the drain to ensure it is functioning properly.
In some cases, it may be advisable to replace the entire bathtub drain stopper with a lift-and-turn drain, which does not have a complicated linkage that can attract dirt and hair. This can be done by removing the old stopper and installing a new lift-and-turn stopper, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Fixing a sticky trip-lever
A sticky trip-lever bathtub stopper can be caused by gunk, hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, and rust in the overflow drain. This affects the up-and-down movement of the stopper's plunger, causing it to stick on the overflow pipe. The problem can also be due to a broken linkage or a shortened connecting rod.
To fix a sticky trip-lever, first locate the overflow drain on the side of the tub where the toggle lever is. You will usually see two screws joining the plate to the tub. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Once the screws are out, hold the plate and lever and try to pull the whole assembly out slowly, ideally upwards and then outwards. If the assembly is stuck, spray some WD-40 inside the overflow drain and wait for 15 minutes before trying again.
After removing the assembly, carefully inspect the linkage, including the lever arm, connecting rod, and spring. Clean away any debris, such as hair or soap scum, that may be causing the problem. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, the entire assembly may need to be replaced.
If the linkage is sticky or not functioning correctly, adjust the length or position of the connecting rod. Loosen the screw or nut on the connecting rod, move it to the desired position, and then tighten it again. This will allow the plunger to fall lower in the overflow tube, ensuring that it seals the drain opening.
Finally, insert the stopper linkage back down through the overflow opening and attach the cover plate to the overflow tube. Turn on the water and operate the stopper to ensure it is working correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check that the plug sits inside the tee and almost bottoms out to stop the water from draining. If it doesn't, extend the linkage all the way out to see if it stops, then adjust it to be shorter until the overflow cover can be screwed into place.
If the linkage is too long, the plug may be dropping down into a larger pipe where it can't seal. Adjust the linkage to be shorter.
If the connecting rod attached to the trip lever has become shortened from use, you will need to adjust the connecting rod to lengthen it.
