Tub Plunger-Type Drain has Stuck Plunger

[Bucknut]

Our bathtub with a plunger-type drain has the plunger stuck in the drain open position. Two-year old grandson, soon to be visiting from overseas, needs a bathtub... (Note: We can't recall the last time we used the drain mechanism.)

Master Plumber hj suggested in a similar thread ten-years ago, to "soak it in D-40 or a penetrating oil for a couple of days, then give it a hard yank." Over several days, I sprayed WD-40 on the walls of the overflow tube, but despite a hard yank, I'm still unable to move the plunger.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Reach4]

Have you tried to pull the linkage and clean?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Bucknut]

Have you tried to pull the linkage and clean?

Thanks for the reply. Pardon my ignorance, but if you mean remove the linkage from the overflow tube, I'm not sure how I would do that. It appears that the linkage is hooked together.

 

[Reach4]

Remove screws.
Pull upward.
I had to pull pretty hard.

 

[Bucknut]

Remove screws.
Pull upward.
I had to pull pretty hard.

I've pulled as hard as I can. The plunger still won't budge.

Any other suggestions, please?

 

[Reach4]

I am not a plumber.
https://www.google.com/search?q=stuck+tub+drain+plunger+cleanout+linkage has people with different suggestions of chemical mix to use to unstick.

There are rubber stoppers that are largely flat.

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=tub+stopper

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