Otis Singleton
There are several types of drain stoppers, including lift-and-turn, push-and-pull, toe-touch, flip-it, trip-lever, and pop-up. Removing a bathtub drain starts with identifying the type of drain stopper so that you can use the proper removal technique. For example, a lift-and-turn drain stopper opens by turning it clockwise while pulling up slightly on the knob. A toe-touch drain stopper, on the other hand, is spring-loaded and designed to be opened and closed with just a press of your toe. If you're missing a drain plug, you can use household items such as a washcloth, sponge, or plastic bag to cover the drain. However, these makeshift solutions may not be as effective as an actual drain plug and could potentially cause clogs or other issues over time.
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What You'll Learn
Using a flat surface
If you're in a pinch and need to cover an electrical tub drain without a plug, you can use a flat surface like an old washcloth or sponge. Simply cram the washcloth or sponge into the drain opening. However, be aware that some water may slowly seep through over time as the cloth or sponge becomes saturated.
Another option is to use a plastic jar lid. Find one that's slightly bigger than your drain opening, get it a little damp, then press it firmly over the drain.
You can also use silicone to cover the drain. Carefully stretch and press the silicone over the drain opening, forming it into a cup shape with your hands to seal off the drain. For a tight fit, tuck the edges down into the drain and place a heavy object on top to weigh it down.
While these methods can work in a pinch, it's important to note that using household items to cover a tub drain is not a long-term solution. Leaving items like washcloths or sponges in your drain can lead to nasty clogs, mould issues, or even cracked pipes from built-up pressure. Once you've enjoyed your bath, consider investing in an actual drain-blocking product designed for this purpose to protect your plumbing.
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Aluminium foil origami
While there are a variety of ways to cover an electrical tub drain, aluminium foil origami is a creative and easy solution. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting a functional and decorative drain cover using aluminium foil origami:
First, prepare your aluminium foil. Tear off a piece of foil, ensuring it is in the shape of a square. The size of the square can vary depending on your preference and the size of your tub drain. Remember to be cautious when using scissors to cut the foil.
Now, you will create a series of folds to form the base structure of your drain cover. Start by folding the bottom edge of the square horizontally towards the centre, creating a rectangle. Then, take the top edge and fold it horizontally towards the centre as well, resulting in a smaller square. From here, unfold the square to reveal a "+". Bring the bottom side of the "+" upward towards the centre, allowing the corners to open out to the side. You should now have a long rectangle with a crease down the centre.
Next, fold the left and right sides of the rectangle towards the centre crease, ensuring they meet neatly along the line. You will now have another square shape. Fold the bottom edge of this square towards the centre, and then unfold it to create another "+". Bring the left and right sides of the "+" towards the centre, and then unfold to reveal a series of creases.
Finally, gently push the centre of the foil inward, using the creases as guides. This will cause the sides to fold upward, creating a small, open box shape. You can adjust the size and shape as needed to fit your tub drain snugly.
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A washcloth or sponge
If you don't have a working bath plug, you can use a washcloth or sponge to block the drain and enjoy your bath. While these DIY solutions can work in a pinch, they are short-term fixes. It is important to note that leaving items like washcloths in the drain long-term can cause nasty clogs, mould issues, or even cracked pipes from built-up pressure behind the blockage.
Using a washcloth:
- Lay a damp washcloth over the drain.
- Wrap the cloth with cling film to keep it from moving.
- Seal the edges with waterproof tape.
- This method works well for shallow baths or quick soaks.
Using a sponge or washcloth:
- Wet a sponge or washcloth and fold it to fit the size of your drain.
- Put it inside a small plastic bag and squeeze out the air.
- Push the bag down into the drain so it fills the opening.
- The cloth or sponge will expand slightly and help seal the drain.
- This method is helpful when the drain has an odd shape or isn’t smooth.
If you plan to use these methods regularly, consider investing in a proper drain-blocking product or a new, appropriately-sized stopper. These options provide better protection for your plumbing and prevent issues like clogs and water leakage.
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Plastic bags
- Take a plastic storage bag or a sandwich bag and fill it about three-quarters full with water.
- Remove as much excess air from the bag as possible by squeezing or sucking out the air.
- Seal the bag tightly. If using a sandwich or storage bag, seal the ends, and consider using a cable tie or a rubber band for extra security.
- Carefully place the sealed bag over the drain. The weight of the water inside will create a leak-proof seal.
- For added protection, consider double bagging. Use two plastic bags instead of one, and place the second bag over the first to ensure a stronger seal.
It is important to note that this method may not work for all tub drains, especially if the drain is particularly large or close to the tub wall. In such cases, other household items, such as jar lids or coffee pods, can be used in conjunction with plastic bags to create an effective seal.
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Plastic jar lids
If you are looking for a quick fix to cover an electrical tub drain with plastic jar lids, here is a step-by-step guide:
First, locate a plastic jar lid that is slightly larger than your drain opening. It is important to ensure that the lid is slightly bigger to create a tight seal and prevent leaks. If you don't have a plastic jar lid, you can purchase one online or opt for other household items like a small cup, washcloth, or plastic bag as temporary solutions.
Once you have the appropriately sized lid, get it slightly damp. This step helps create suction and a better seal. Now, place the damp lid upside down over the drain hole. Press the lid down firmly, ensuring a tight seal along the edges. As you start to fill the tub, the suction from the drain and the weight of the water will further help keep the lid in place.
This plastic jar lid method is a creative and inexpensive way to cover your electrical tub drain in a pinch. However, for a more permanent solution, consider investing in a proper drain cover or plug designed for long-term use. These can be found at your local hardware store or online, offering a more reliable and durable option.
Remember, while these temporary fixes are handy, they may not always provide a perfect seal, and you may need to get creative with additional items like plastic bags or washcloths to ensure a leak-proof bath experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a washcloth or sponge that’s slightly larger than your drain opening and cram it down into the drain. You can also fill a ziplock or freezer bag 3/4 full with water, seal it tight, and place it over the drain. The weight of the water will create a leakproof seal.
Yes, you can use a plastic jar lid that’s slightly bigger than your drain opening. Get the lid a little damp, then press it over the drain. You can also use silicone, which you carefully stretch and press over the drain opening, forming a cup shape. Place a heavy object on top to weigh it down.
Make-shift drain stoppers can work in a pinch, but they may not be as effective as an actual drain plug. Over time, water may seep through and cause leaks. They can also lead to nasty clogs, mould issues, or cracked pipes from built-up pressure.
There are drain blocking products designed to securely fit into most standard tub or sink drains. These may cost a few bucks upfront but offer peace of mind and protection for your plumbing.
If you're using a bag, double bagging can provide extra security against leaks. Also, make sure to use a heavy object to weigh down your drain cover to prevent it from floating up.
