Why Won’t My Bathtub Hold Water?

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Nothing ruins the promise of a relaxing soak quite like watching your bathwater slowly disappear down the drain. If you’re dealing with a bathtub that won’t hold water, don’t worry – this frustrating problem usually has a straightforward solution that you can tackle in about an hour.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to get your tub holding water again so you can get back to enjoying those well-deserved bubble baths.

Step 1: Identify the Culprit

When your bathtub won’t hold water, the problem almost always lies with the drain stopper mechanism. This is actually good news because it means you’re dealing with a relatively simple fix rather than a major plumbing issue.

Start by locating your bathtub drain stopper cover plate – this is typically found near the overflow opening on your tub wall. You’ll need to remove this cover plate to access the internal components.

Step 2: Expose the Linkage System

Once you’ve removed the cover plate, you’ll see the linkage mechanism that controls your drain stopper. This system of rods and connections moves the stopper up and down to open and close your drain.

Carefully pull the lever and lift straight up until you can see the entire linkage assembly. Take a moment to examine how everything should connect – this will help you identify what might have come loose or broken.

Step 3: Reconnect Loose Components

Here’s where a magnetic tool from your local hardware store comes in handy. Look for the plug and spring components that may have become disconnected from the main linkage assembly. These small parts are crucial for the proper operation of your drain stopper.

Use the magnetic tool to retrieve any fallen pieces and reconnect them to the linkage system. Make sure all connections are secure before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Straighten and Adjust

Over time, the linkage can become bent, tangled, or misaligned. Inspect the entire assembly to ensure it hangs straight down without any kinks or tangles.

Pay special attention to the U-shaped pin at the top of the linkage – this small but important piece keeps everything connected. If it’s missing, bent, or broken, you’ll need to replace it with a new one from your hardware store.

Once everything is properly aligned, you may need to adjust the length of the linkage to ensure it functions correctly. The stopper should create a tight seal when closed and open completely when the lever is activated.

Step 5: Test Your Repair

Carefully place the linkage assembly back into the overflow tube and replace the cover plate. Now comes the moment of truth – test your repair by filling the tub with a few inches of water.

Toggle the drain lever to make sure the stopper opens and closes properly. If water still drains when the stopper should be closed, you may need to repeat the adjustment process until you achieve a perfect seal.

When to Call Terry’s Plumbing

While many bathtub drain issues can be resolved with these DIY steps, some situations require professional expertise. If you’ve followed this guide and your tub still won’t hold water, or if you discover damaged pipes or more complex mechanical problems, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Ready to solve your bathtub problems once and for all? The experienced team at Terry’s Plumbing has the tools, knowledge, and expertise to diagnose and fix even the most challenging bathtub problems quickly and efficiently. We’ll have you back to enjoying long, luxurious soaks in no time.