- Dry the stopper area as much as possible using a towel or rag. The presence of water will make the stopper and its body slick, creating extra work during the removal process. To expedite the removal of the stopper's body, spray some penetrating lubricant into the gap between the tub and the stopper's body. While you are removing the stopper from the body, the lubricant will have time to soak into the connection.
- Before you can remove the stopper, you must open it as if you are draining out the bathtub at the end of your bath. If you are unfamiliar with the stopper, open the drain by pulling up on the stopper's handle. Then, turn it clockwise about a quarter of a turn. The stopper should sit in the open position at this point. If the stopper does not stay open, simply lift it up and turn it again until it stays open.
- To remove the stopper from the drain once you have opened it, lift up on the stopper again as you turn it counterclockwise. Continue turning the stopper until it unthreads from the drain's grate like a screw. To replace the stopper, screw it into the large hole in the middle of the drain's grate by turning the stopper clockwise. When you remove the stopper, take the time to clean off any hair or soap scum buildup using an old rag. Avoid future clogs in the drain by keeping the stopper clean.
- Removing the stopper body requires more strength and ingenuity than removing the stopper. Fortunately, the stopper body has a grate you can take advantage of to make the removal process easier. Slide a screwdriver or other long tool into the grate, and then use the tool to turn the grate and the stopper body counterclockwise to unthread the stopper body from the drain opening. This process will not be easy and will require patience as well as muscle to complete.
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