Tub Stopper Missing

[ShannonT]

I have a tub with a drain stopper that isn't working. Since we are replacing the gold trim with brushed nickle I want to replace the overflow cover and strainer too.

When I removed the overflow cover, I discovered there is no linkage attached to the lever. I have done some searching here and it looks like the stopper should be at the bottom of the drain and the tub shouldn't drain. My tub drains.

So what is going on? How do I fix it?

[GabeS]

Some assemblies have the stopper where the tub drains from. It's a twist and fall(stopping) or twist and raise(draining).

If you tub doesn't have this then there would be a lever where the overflow is.

If you have neither, then maybe some just removed the lever from the overflow plate. They could of done this because they malfunction sometimes and keep the drain in the closed position. So someone just removes it instead of fixing it right away (How do I know this? Because I've done it before.)

Try and install a new lever and see what happens.

[ShannonT]

So, it appears someone took out the guts and screwed the cover back on instead of fixing the problem. You say to just replace the lever. I not only need the lever, but the linkage and stopper that goes down the overflow and a new strainer.

How do I install the new stopper? How do I get the old strainer out? I got the wrench tried to take out the old strainer trim, but it isn't budging for anything. Suggestions? Where do I buy the new parts?

[jadnashua]

If there's a lever there, the bail (wire handle) on the stopper may have broken, or the nut came off and fell down. The thing may still be there but obviously, stuck in the open position, or you'd not be able to drain the tub. You may have to try to fish around inside of the opening with say a bent hook of a wire clothes hanger. If it is there, you may be able to fish it up, get replacement parts, and make it work.

How are you getting the tub to hold water? The covers are not universal, so you may need to find the original manufacturer, and even then, may not find a replacement to fit...you may need to replace the whole drain assembly. If it's really worth it to you and the thing is not pitted or corroded, you could have it plated. If you take a piece with you, they should be able to get a close match to your handles (but probably not exact).