Screw Fell in Bathtub Overflow Drain

[SanjuanWolf]

Hello, I have a question concerning bathtub overflow pipes in a two story home. Here is my scenario: Water was draining slowly in my tub and backing up so I removed the normal drain cover and the overflow's trip lever plate + linkage. I removed the clog easily and moved on to replace the drain plates.

The overflow plate was where I had an issue. The plate is as old as the house I think, about 30-40 years. I was having trouble getting one of the two screws to mate with the hole in the pipe so I was fiddling with it. I finally thought I had it and I pressed too hard and the screw went right through the brittle chrome and fell down the overflow pipe.

I took a tiny camera I have and could see where the screw fell in the pipe. I couldnt reach it with any tools I had on hand so I ordered a flexible grabber tool, but by the time the tool got to me the screw fell even deeper to where I can no longer see it.

Finally, my question: how much of a problem is it that a screw fell down my bathtub's overflow pipe on the second floor? Can I ignore it or should I be trying to open a pipe somehwere and find it?

And let's say I did want to do that, should I be looking in the pipes in the ceiling directly underneath the tub? Not saying I want to go cutting my cieling open, I just want and idea of where the screw would be. Thank you.

 

[ImOld]

Forget about the screw. More than likely It will eventually wash out of the trap and be gone. Go buy a new plate and screws which are readily available.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

It's probably brass plated, but if it's steel, you could try fishing with a magnet. Inspection cameras are really inexpensive these days, especially those that broadcast to a device like your cellphone or tablet. The WiFi chip is cheaper than a decent display. Easier to probably just replace the thing, though. More tools can be fun, though!