Quick Summary: That circle thing in your bathtub is most likely the drain stopper or overflow drain cover. The drain stopper prevents water from going down the drain, while the overflow drain cover prevents the tub from overflowing. Understanding how these work can help you fix common issues like slow draining or leaks.
Ever wondered about that little circle in your bathtub? You’re not alone! Many folks scratch their heads over it. It might seem unimportant, but it plays a big role in your bathing experience. That circle is usually one of two things: the drain stopper or the overflow drain cover. Both are essential for a relaxing, hassle-free bath.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what each one does. This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, and how to fix them if they cause trouble. Ready to dive in and become a bathtub expert? Let’s get started!
Understanding the Drain Stopper
The drain stopper is what keeps the water in your tub while you relax and soak. It sits right over the drain and forms a seal. When it works well, you can fill your tub without losing any water. But there are different types of drain stoppers, and each has its own way of working.
Types of Drain Stoppers
Knowing the type of drain stopper you have can help you understand how to fix it if it’s not working right. Here are some common types:
- Lift-and-Turn Stoppers: These have a knob on top that you twist to open and close the drain.
- Push-and-Pull Stoppers: You push down on these to close the drain and push again to open it.
- Toe-Touch Stoppers: Similar to push-and-pull, but you use your toe to operate them.
- Pop-Up Stoppers: These are connected to a lever, usually behind the overflow plate, that you use to raise and lower the stopper.
- Rubber Stoppers: Simple rubber plugs that you manually place over the drain.
How Drain Stoppers Work
Each type of drain stopper uses a slightly different mechanism to create a watertight seal. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Lift-and-Turn: Twisting the knob raises or lowers a small plug that blocks the drain.
- Push-and-Pull: Pushing the stopper down causes a rubber gasket to expand and seal the drain.
- Toe-Touch: Like push-and-pull, but designed for foot operation.
- Pop-Up: The lever moves a connecting rod that lifts or lowers the stopper.
- Rubber: The rubber stopper creates a physical barrier, preventing water from escaping.
Common Issues with Drain Stoppers
Drain stoppers can sometimes cause problems. Here are a few common issues and how to spot them:
- Stopper Won’t Seal: Water slowly drains even when the stopper is closed. This could be due to a worn-out gasket or misaligned stopper.
- Stopper is Stuck: The stopper won’t open or close. This could be due to debris buildup or a broken mechanism.
- Slow Draining: Water drains slowly, even with the stopper open. This is often caused by hair and soap scum clogging the drain.
Understanding the Overflow Drain
The overflow drain is the second “circle thing” you might see in your bathtub. It’s usually located near the top of the tub, below the faucet. Its job is to prevent the tub from overflowing if the water level gets too high. This can save you from a messy and potentially damaging situation.
How the Overflow Drain Works
The overflow drain is connected to a pipe that runs down to the main drainpipe. When the water level reaches the overflow drain, the excess water flows into this pipe and down the drain. This keeps the water level from rising any further.
Types of Overflow Drains
There are a couple of different types of overflow drains you might find in your bathtub:
- Simple Overflow Drain: This is just an open hole with a cover plate. Water flows directly into the drainpipe behind the wall.
- Overflow Drain with a Stopper Mechanism: Some overflow drains have a lever or knob that controls the drain stopper. This type combines the overflow drain and drain stopper functions into one unit.
Common Issues with Overflow Drains
Overflow drains are generally reliable, but they can sometimes have issues:
- Slow Overflow: Water drains slowly through the overflow drain. This is often caused by a clog in the overflow drainpipe.
- Leaks: Water leaks from around the overflow drain cover. This could be due to a loose cover plate or a damaged gasket.
- Stopper Malfunction: If your overflow drain has a stopper mechanism, it might not work properly. The stopper could be stuck or not sealing correctly.
Troubleshooting Drain Stoppers
Is your drain stopper giving you trouble? Don’t worry, you can often fix it yourself with a few simple steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common drain stopper problems.
Stopper Won’t Seal
If your stopper isn’t sealing properly, try these steps:
- Clean the Stopper and Drain: Remove the stopper and clean off any hair, soap scum, or debris. Clean the drain opening as well.
- Adjust the Stopper: Some stoppers have an adjustment screw or nut. Try adjusting it to lower the stopper and create a tighter seal.
- Replace the Gasket: If the gasket (the rubber ring around the stopper) is worn out, replace it with a new one. You can find replacement gaskets at most hardware stores.
Stopper is Stuck
If your stopper is stuck, try these steps:
- Loosen Debris: Use a small tool, like a screwdriver or bent wire hanger, to loosen any debris around the stopper.
- Apply Lubricant: Spray a lubricant, like WD-40, around the stopper to help loosen it.
- Gently Wiggle: Gently wiggle the stopper back and forth to try to free it. Avoid using excessive force, which could damage the stopper or drain.
Slow Draining
If your drain is draining slowly, try these steps:
- Remove the Stopper: Take out the stopper to get better access to the drain.
- Use a Drain Snake: Insert a drain snake into the drain and twist it to break up and remove any clogs.
- Pour Boiling Water: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve any remaining debris.
Safety Tip: Be careful when using boiling water. Avoid splashing and protect your hands with gloves.
Troubleshooting Overflow Drains
Overflow drains usually don’t cause as many problems as drain stoppers, but they can still have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common overflow drain problems.
Slow Overflow
If water is draining slowly through the overflow drain, try these steps:
- Remove the Cover Plate: Unscrew and remove the overflow drain cover plate.
- Use a Drain Snake: Insert a drain snake into the overflow drainpipe and twist it to break up and remove any clogs.
- Flush with Water: Use a hose to flush the overflow drainpipe with water. This can help dislodge any remaining debris.
Leaks
If water is leaking from around the overflow drain cover, try these steps:
- Tighten the Cover Plate: Tighten the screws on the overflow drain cover plate. Be careful not to overtighten, which could crack the cover plate.
- Replace the Gasket: If tightening the cover plate doesn’t stop the leak, replace the gasket behind the cover plate. You can find replacement gaskets at most hardware stores.
- Apply Plumber’s Putty: If the leak persists, apply a small amount of plumber’s putty around the edge of the cover plate before reattaching it.
Stopper Malfunction (If Applicable)
If your overflow drain has a stopper mechanism and it’s not working properly, try these steps:
- Clean the Mechanism: Clean the stopper mechanism with a brush and some soapy water. This can help remove any debris that might be interfering with its operation.
- Adjust the Linkage: If the stopper is connected to a linkage, try adjusting the linkage to ensure that the stopper is properly aligned.
- Replace the Stopper: If the stopper is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one.
Tools You Might Need
Having the right tools on hand can make these repairs much easier. Here’s a list of tools you might need:
- Screwdriver: For removing and tightening screws on drain stoppers and overflow drain covers.
- Pliers: For gripping and adjusting drain stopper components.
- Drain Snake: For clearing clogs in drains and overflow drainpipes.
- Adjustable Wrench: For loosening and tightening nuts on drain stoppers.
- Plumber’s Putty: For sealing leaks around overflow drain covers.
- Lubricant (e.g., WD-40): For loosening stuck drain stoppers.
- Replacement Gaskets: For replacing worn-out gaskets on drain stoppers and overflow drain covers.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Bucket: To catch any water or debris that might come out of the drain.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid problems with your drain stopper and overflow drain is to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Clean Drains Regularly: Pour boiling water down your drains once a month to help prevent clogs.
- Use a Hair Catcher: Place a hair catcher over your drain to prevent hair from going down the drain.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes.
- Inspect Regularly: Inspect your drain stopper and overflow drain regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
When to Call a Plumber
While many drain and overflow drain problems can be fixed yourself, there are some situations where it’s best to call a plumber. Here are a few examples:
- Persistent Clogs: If you’ve tried using a drain snake and boiling water, but the drain is still clogged, there might be a more serious problem deeper in the pipes.
- Leaks Inside Walls: If you suspect that there’s a leak inside your walls, it’s best to call a plumber to avoid water damage.
- Broken Pipes: If you notice any signs of broken pipes, such as water stains or low water pressure, call a plumber immediately.
- You’re Not Comfortable: If you’re not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, it’s always best to call a professional.
Cost Considerations
Fixing drain and overflow drain issues can range from free (if it’s just a matter of cleaning) to a few hundred dollars if you need to call a plumber. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
| Type of Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning a drain yourself | $0 (using household items) |
| Replacing a drain stopper | $5 – $20 |
| Replacing an overflow drain cover | $10 – $30 |
| Plumber visit for a simple clog | $75 – $200 |
| Plumber visit for a more complex repair (e.g., broken pipe) | $200 – $500+ |
Doing some of the simpler repairs yourself can save you a lot of money. But remember, it’s always best to call a professional if you’re not comfortable or if the problem is beyond your skill level.
Environmental Considerations
When dealing with drain and plumbing issues, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your actions. Here are some tips for being environmentally responsible:
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to the environment and can also damage your pipes. Opt for natural alternatives like boiling water or a drain snake.
- Conserve Water: Fix leaks promptly to conserve water and prevent water damage.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of any waste, such as old gaskets or plumber’s putty, properly. Don’t flush them down the drain.
- Use Water-Efficient Fixtures: When replacing fixtures, consider using water-efficient models to reduce your water consumption.
FAQ About Bathtub Drains and Overflows
Here are some frequently asked questions about bathtub drains and overflows:
What is that round plate near the top of my bathtub?
That’s the overflow drain cover. It prevents the tub from overflowing by allowing excess water to drain away.
Why is my bathtub drain so slow?
Slow draining is usually caused by a clog of hair, soap scum, and other debris. Try using a drain snake or pouring boiling water down the drain to clear the clog.
How do I remove my bathtub drain stopper?
The removal method depends on the type of stopper. Lift-and-turn stoppers usually unscrew, while push-and-pull stoppers can be pulled straight up. Consult your stopper’s instructions for specific guidance.
Can I use a chemical drain cleaner in my bathtub?
It’s best to avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and are harmful to the environment. Try natural alternatives like boiling water or a drain snake.
How often should I clean my bathtub drain?
You should clean your bathtub drain at least once a month to prevent clogs. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you notice slow draining.
Why is water leaking from my overflow drain cover?
Leaks from the overflow drain cover are usually caused by a loose cover plate or a damaged gasket. Try tightening the cover plate or replacing the gasket.
What if I can’t fix the drain problem myself?
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Conclusion
So, next time you’re relaxing in your tub, you’ll know exactly what those “circle things” are. Whether it’s the drain stopper keeping the water in or the overflow drain preventing a flood, these simple devices play a big role in your bathing experience. And now you know how to troubleshoot and fix common issues, keeping your tub in tip-top shape. With a little know-how and some basic tools, you can keep your bathtub drain flowing smoothly and avoid costly plumbing bills. Happy soaking!
