No Stopper? How To Block Your Bathtub Drain (Easy Ways)
Figure this; you are home after a long day’s work, and all you are looking forward to is a nice, hot bathtub.
Unfortunately, when running the bath, you realize that there is no stopper or plug in sight.
This can be a real bummer, especially when you are tired and just want to soak in the water. The good news is that you can block your bathtub drain without a stopper or plug in easy ways.
How To Block Your Bathtub Drain Without a Stopper
In the absence of a stopper, you can use a few household items to block your bathtub drain. These can include a plumber’s putty, a fitting jar lid, a marine drain twist plug, or a cork.
You can also consider using a washcloth in a bag or a toilet plunger.
1. Use a plumber’s plug
A plumber’s plug may be one of the simplest and easiest ways to block your bathtub drain. This is a flat disc with a hole in the middle and a ring that moves up and down.
You can insert this plug into the drain then move the ring to cover or expose the hole at will.
To use it, simply insert the rubber end into your drain hole and push until it locks in place. If it doesn’t fit, you can use a hacksaw to cut off the rubber end, so it does fit.
Once it’s in, move the metal ring up and down until the hole is covered. This will keep the water from draining out of your tub.
2. Use a small plastic cup
If you don’t have a plumber’s plug, you can try using a small plastic cup.
To do this, turn the cup upside down and place it over the drain hole. Then, put your hand over the top of the cup to create a suction seal.
This will keep the water from draining out of your tub.
3. Use a jar lid
Another way to block your bathtub drain without a stopper is by using a jar lid. This will work similarly to the small plastic cup, but it may be more difficult to get a good seal.
The lid needs to be the same size as your lost or damaged stopper.
To use it, place the lid over the drain hole and ensure it’s secure. You can do this by pushing down on the center of the lid or using a rubber band to keep it in place.
If you have trouble getting a good seal, try using Vaseline or cooking oil on the edge of the lid.
4. Use a Toilet Plunger
You can use a toilet plunger to block your bathtub drain if all else fails. This will work best if the plunger has a large rubber cup. Y
ou may also want to try using a sink plunger with a smaller cup.
To use it, place the plunger over the drain hole and make sure that the cup completely covers it. Then, plunge up and down until you create a seal.
Keep plunging for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the water is blocked.
5. Use a washcloth
If you don’t have any of these items, you can use a washcloth in a bag to block your bathtub drain.
To do this, place the washcloth in a plastic bag and twist it until it’s as tight as possible. Then, put the bag over the drain hole and secure it with a rubber band or tape.
If you want to make sure that your bathtub is truly blocked off from draining, you can use another bag to cover the first one.
This will ensure that no water can get through and drain out of your bathtub while you’re taking a bath.
6. Using a marine drain twist plug
If you want something more permanent with your lost or damaged stopper, you can use a marine drain twist plug. These are made from plastic and have a rubber seal at one end.
They twist into your bathtub drain, and they can be removed when you want to take a shower or fill the tub with water again.
7. Tape the drain hole
If you’re not able to find a replacement stopper or just want a quick fix, you can use some tape to seal the drain hole. This will keep the water from draining out of your tub until you remove the tape.
Ensure that the tape is waterproof and has a good seal so that no water can escape. You may also want to use two or three pieces of tape just to be safe.
FAQs
How do I remove the marine drain twist plug?
To remove a marine drain twist plug, insert a screwdriver into the hole on the top of the plug.
Twist it until it comes loose, and then pull it out of the drain hole. Be careful not to lose the rubber seal ring.
What can I use as a bathtub stopper?
If you don’t have a new one to buy or want an alternative, there are several things that you could use.
A toilet plunger is one of the best options because it’s large enough to cover most drain holes and has a good seal.
You can also try using some tape or a washcloth in a bag. If you want something more permanent, you can use a marine drain twist plug.
Just make sure that the hole is completely sealed before taking a bath.
My drain hole is too large for my new stopper. What can I do?
If the hole is too large for your new stopper, you can try using a plumber’s plug. This small plastic cup fits into the drain hole and creates a seal.
You can also use a jar lid or even a washcloth in a bag. Make sure that whatever you use has a good seal and won’t let any water escape.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to miss your much-desired bath time just because your bathtub stopper is lost or damaged. With these DIY hacks, you can easily block the drain and keep the water from draining out.
Find one that works with you based on the availability of materials and your comfort level. Just be sure to remove the blockage before using the tub again.
