A tub installed in my house has a drain system in which the plug or stopper is operated by a spring loaded lever mounted through the upper overflow drain.
Problem is that the lever neither stays open nor shut. If you take a shower, water collects because, I think, the drain is partially closed (We have to weigh down the lever with two wet wash cloths to keep the drain open enough to permit the water to drain out). On the other hand, when my wife takes a bath, the water slowly leaks out because the drain won’t fully close.
I think the spring is not strong enough to keep the stopper either open or closed although I don’t understand why that might be. I pulled the whole mechanism out and cleaned off any accumulated hair, etc. Can’t see where it actually sits when in place so I don’t know if there is accumulated s**t clogging the mechanism. Tried snaking the drain and liquid drain cleaners – neither seemed to have any effect.
Any ideas? Can I obtain a replacement spring or mechanism? Do newer tubs develop this problem or is there a new design for the mechanism to avoid this?
Thanks.
Replies
Unscrew the plate from the tub and pull the whole works out and clean it up. Probably the plate is worn out and is easily replaced. Look where the lever pivots for wear. A new one will tighten things up.
Edit:
Go to a real plumbing supply for replacement parts. There's too much chrome plated plastic, pot metal, and other crap at the box stores.
Edited 8/26/2002 8:53:52 PM ET by MARKH128
Thanks Mark.
By plate, do you mean some permanent part of the tub drainage system as opposed to the lever linkage?
If so, I'll have to crack the wall behind the tub to get access. No big deal, just more work.
I was refering to the overflow plate/lever assembly. They wear at the pivot points frequently, but may look fine. It should be firm, not loose when you flip the lever.
OK, thanks. I'll try to check it tomorrow morning. Maybe I can get a new one, if needed, in the plumbing supply house in the next town.