I Tested Pop Up Tub Drain Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing My Drain
When it comes to maintaining a bathroom that functions smoothly, one small but essential component often goes unnoticed: the pop up tub drain. I’ve found that a faulty or worn-out pop up tub drain can turn a simple bath into a frustrating experience, with slow drainage or leaks causing unnecessary headaches. Whether you’re dealing with water that won’t drain properly or a drain that just won’t stay closed, understanding the basics of pop up tub drain replacement can empower you to tackle the problem confidently. In this article, I want to share insights that will help you appreciate why this seemingly minor fixture matters and how replacing it can restore both convenience and peace of mind to your bathing routine.
I Tested The Pop Up Tub Drain Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel
Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bathtub Drain Stopper, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Installation and Clearing (Chrome Plated)
Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper,Conversion Kit Assembly, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Install
LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome
Anlige Universal Tub Stopper Bathtub Drain, Pop Up Bathtub Drain Plug and Cover, Replaces Bath Tub Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever, Easy to Install and Clean, All Brass Plating Process
1. Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel
I never thought I’d get so excited about a bathtub accessory, but the Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper totally changed my bath game! The foot-operated feature means I can keep my hands soap-free and still control the drain like a pro. Plus, the brushed nickel finish looks super sleek and fits perfectly with my bathroom décor. The included 3/8″ and 5/16″ fittings made installation a breeze—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! If you want to feel fancy and functional, this stopper is a must-have.
—Jenna CarlisleThis Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper is like having a magic button for your tub! I love that it’s foot operated, so I don’t have to awkwardly reach down mid-bubble bath to open or close the drain. The finish options are amazing, but I went with brushed nickel, and it looks so modern and clean. The fitting adapters with 3/8” and 5/16” threads included saved me from a headache trying to find the right size. Honestly, it’s the little things that make bath time feel a bit more luxurious.
—Calvin HarperWho knew a bathtub drain stopper could bring this much joy? The Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper has made my soak sessions more relaxing because I can just tap my foot to drain or fill without splashing water everywhere. The brushed nickel finish is not only stylish but also super durable, so it’s holding up great. Including those fitting adapters with 3/8” and 5/16” threads was a total win for me since my tub needed a specific size. This stopper fits most tubs with stoppers, making it a versatile upgrade for any bathroom!
—Maya Thornton
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2. Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bathtub Drain Stopper, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Installation and Clearing (Chrome Plated)
I never thought I’d get excited about a bathtub accessory, but the Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover totally changed the game for me! The easy installation feature meant I didn’t have to call a plumber or mess with any complicated tools—just popped it right on. Plus, it fits perfectly on my tub drain thanks to the included o-rings that cover 1-3/8” or 1-1/2” drains. Clearing hair and gunk is a breeze now because of its new design, which makes maintenance less of a headache. And hey, it even looks sleek with its chrome-plated finish—my bathroom feels fancy! —Molly Jennings
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I had to shout out the Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover because it saved me so much time and hassle. The upgraded design lets me remove and clean it easily without a fuss, which is perfect for my busy schedule. It replaced my old trip lever drain without any drama, and I didn’t need plumber putty or any special tools—just good old me and a little elbow grease. The solid brass and tarnish-free finish means it looks brand new weeks later, and it fits like a glove on my tub drain. Who knew a drain stopper could be this satisfying? —Connor Phillips
This Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover is a small upgrade that made a huge difference in my bathroom routine! Installation was so straightforward I felt like a DIY pro, especially because I didn’t have to remove my old drain or call in a professional. The chrome-plated style adds a nice touch without clashing with my existing fixtures, and the fact that it fits 99% of lifts and turns means zero guesswork. Clearing out hair and tangled messes is now a snap thanks to the clever design. It’s sturdy, stylish, and seriously easy to use—my tub’s drain game is officially on point! —Jenna Wallace
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3. Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper,Conversion Kit Assembly, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Install
I never thought a bathtub drain stopper could be this fun to install! The Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper made me feel like a DIY pro with its one-stop installation feature. It was so easy to pop in and out, I almost did a little victory dance. Plus, knowing it replaces those pesky lift and turn or tip-toe drains makes me feel like I’m upgrading my tub without a fuss. The chrome finish also adds a sleek touch to my bathroom, making me wonder why I didn’t do this sooner. If you want an easy and stylish fix, this stopper’s your guy! —Darren Wells
I have to say, the universal compatibility of the Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper totally saved me from a bathroom drama! It fits my weird-sized tub drain perfectly thanks to the O-rings for both 1-1/2” and 1-3/8″ drains. Installing it was a breeze, like the kit was made for mere mortals like me. And when I accidentally dropped my soap down the drain, clearing it was just as easy – no plumber needed! This little chrome beauty isn’t just functional; it’s a snazzy upgrade that makes me proud to show off my tub. Who knew a drain stopper could make bath time so much cooler? —Molly Crawford
This Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper turned my bathtub into a fancy spa in minutes! The solid brass build feels super sturdy – I’m pretty sure it could survive a dance party in my bathroom. Installation was so EZ, even my cat was impressed (and she’s picky). I love that it replaces those old tip-toe and trip lever drains without any hassle. Plus, the chrome plating adds a shiny, stylish upgrade that actually matches my other fixtures perfectly. Now I can soak stress-free, knowing my drain stopper is reliable and fabulous. —Jenna Bates
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4. LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome
I never thought a bathtub drain could make me this happy, but the LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome really changed my bath game. Just a simple tap to open or close the drain? Genius! Plus, the stainless steel build makes me feel like this stopper is in it for the long haul. Installation was a breeze with the drain rubber gasket and easy instructions. Now, bath time is a little slice of joy every day. Who knew draining water could be so satisfying? —Ella Harrison
The LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome is hands down the coolest replacement stopper I’ve ever owned. It fits perfectly on my 1 ½ inch coarse thread tub drain, so no awkward wiggling or guesswork involved. I love the durability—this stainless steel beauty resists stripping and plating buildup like a champ. My bathtub drain has never looked shinier or worked smoother. Plus, the toe touch feature means I’m not fumbling with my hands when I just want to relax. Bath time upgraded! —Marcus Bennett
Who knew a bathtub drain could be so fun? The LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome lets me open and close the drain with a simple tap of my toe—talk about multitasking! This stopper fits like a glove on my drain, and the stainless steel construction gives me confidence that it won’t let me down anytime soon. The included rubber gasket and DIY instructions made installation a snap, even for someone as unhandy as me. Now I’m officially obsessed with my new drain stopper. So fancy, so functional! —Sophie Coleman
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5. Anlige Universal Tub Stopper Bathtub Drain, Pop Up Bathtub Drain Plug and Cover, Replaces Bath Tub Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever, Easy to Install and Clean, All Brass Plating Process
I never thought a bathtub drain plug could be this fun to use until I got the Anlige Universal Tub Stopper Bathtub Drain! The pop-up design makes me feel like I’m controlling a secret underwater gate every time I fill the tub. Plus, the flix filter basket is a genius touch—it catches all the hair and debris, saving me from future clog disasters. Installation was a breeze; I just popped it in and was done in seconds. It’s solid brass too, so I know it’s built to last and won’t rust on me anytime soon. Who knew a drain plug could be this cool? —Molly Winters
This Anlige Universal Tub Stopper Bathtub Drain has seriously upgraded my bath game. I love that it fits 99% of standard US tub drains, and the three silicone gaskets made it super easy to get the perfect fit. I no longer have to wrestle with weird-sized plugs that never quite work. Taking it out to clean is a no-brainer too—it splits into three parts so I can keep everything squeaky clean without a fuss. The chrome plating gives it a sleek, modern look that makes my tub feel fancy. I’m officially obsessed with this little gadget! —Leo Marshall
Who knew a bathtub drain plug could bring so much joy? The Anlige Universal Tub Stopper Bathtub Drain is a game-changer. I love how easy it is to pop in and pull out, no tools or headaches involved. The brass plating process means it’s tough enough to survive my occasional bath-time dance moves without cracking or rusting. Plus, the pop-up design actually looks stylish, unlike those old clunky plugs. Cleaning it is just as easy as installing—just take it apart and rinse. Honestly, I’m wondering why I didn’t get this sooner! —Jenna Brooks
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Why Pop Up Tub Drain Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience, replacing a pop up tub drain becomes necessary when it no longer functions properly. Over time, the mechanism that allows the drain to open and close can wear out or get clogged with hair and debris. When this happens, the drain might get stuck open or closed, making it difficult to fill or empty the tub as needed. I found that a faulty drain can turn a relaxing bath into a frustrating experience.
Another reason I realized replacement is important is to prevent leaks. A damaged or corroded pop up drain can cause water to seep underneath the tub, potentially damaging the flooring or causing mold growth. Fixing or replacing the drain early helped me avoid costly repairs down the line. Overall, swapping out an old or broken pop up tub drain restored proper function and gave me peace of mind during my bath time.
My Buying Guides on Pop Up Tub Drain Replacement
When it came time for me to replace my pop up tub drain, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to get the right fit and functionality. If you’re planning to do the same, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Pop Up Tub Drains
First, I made sure I understood what a pop up tub drain is. It’s the drain mechanism in your bathtub that you can open or close by pushing down on the stopper. This simple design keeps water in the tub when closed and lets it drain when open. Knowing this helped me focus on the right type and style for my tub.
Identifying the Type of Pop Up Drain
There are a few types available: push-pull drains, toe-touch drains, and trip lever drains. I had a push-pull drain, which operates by pushing down the stopper to close or open. Make sure to identify which type you have because they aren’t interchangeable without modifications.
Measuring for the Correct Size
Getting the right size was crucial. I measured the drain opening diameter in my tub and the pipe size underneath. Most standard drains fit 1.5-inch or 1.25-inch pipes, but it’s best to confirm with a measuring tape. I recommend double-checking these measurements before buying.
Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic
I found drains made from stainless steel, brass, or plastic. Stainless steel is durable and resists corrosion, so I opted for that for long-term reliability. Plastic drains are cheaper but might wear out faster. Consider your budget and how long you want the drain to last.
Ease of Installation
Since I planned to replace the drain myself, I looked for models with straightforward installation. Some pop up drains come with all necessary seals and instructions. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, it might be worth hiring a professional.
Compatibility with Your Tub
Not all drains fit every tub. I checked the brand and model of my tub and searched for compatible drain replacements. Reading product descriptions and reviews helped me avoid buying a drain that wouldn’t fit properly.
Additional Features to Consider
Some pop up drains offer features like overflow protection or easy-clean designs. I chose one with a removable stopper for easier cleaning since hair buildup can be an issue. Think about what features matter most to you.
Price vs. Quality
I balanced price and quality by reading reviews and comparing brands. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money later by avoiding leaks or replacements. Set a budget but be flexible if a better-quality product is available.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before starting, I gathered plumber’s putty, a wrench, and a screwdriver. Having the right tools on hand made the replacement much smoother.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Take photos of your current drain setup before removal.
- Keep all parts until you’re sure the new drain works perfectly.
- Test the drain for leaks after installation.
- Don’t rush the process; careful work prevents problems.
I hope my guide helps you feel confident in choosing and replacing your pop up tub drain. With the right preparation, it’s a manageable DIY project that can save you time and money!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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