Do you need a drain stopper to keep water in your tub or sink? Drain stoppers plug up a particular drain making baths, shaving, and lots of other activities possible.
Many drain stoppers also act as a hair catcher and drain protector by including a strainer that prevents large material that can cause a drain from going down the drain.
You can’t just buy any drain stopper, though. And, there are a bunch of cool options!
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
What are the best drain stoppers?
What are the differenttypes of drain stoppers?
What do you look for when looking for a drain stopper?
Best drain stopper reviews
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
DANCO Lift and Turn Tub and Bath Drain Stopper, Chrome (88599)
This lift and turn tub and bath drain stopper is easy to use with just a ¼ turn one way or the other. You can replace old lift and turn stoppers as well as trip level drain stoppers and foot-operated stoppers. Installation is easy with two thread sizes (⅜” and 5/16”). The chrome finish is bright and reflective. The shaft inside the drain stopper is durable plastic, and the stopper itself is metal.
Whether you need a drain stopper to keep your bathtub full for a bath or the kitchen sink full for washing dishes, you need a stopper that works well and holds up under heavy use. And, in some areas with heavy rains and flooding, a drain stopper might even prevent sewage backup!
The best drain stoppers should of course fit properly. In order to ensure a tight fit, you need to know the size of the drain in question. A bathtub drain typically measures 1.5” in diameter, and a shower drain typically measures 2” in diameter. Both kitchen sink drains and bathroom sink drains measure 1.25” in diameter.
What Are The Different Types of Drain Stoppers?
Lift And Turn Drain Stopper
A lift and turn drain stopper contains a small knob that you use to, as the name suggests, lift and turn the stopper to either put it in place or remove it. A set screw underneath the knob connects to the middle of the drain crossbar. Here is a post for step-by-step instructions on how to remove a bathtub drain stopper. For ease, here are some videos.
Watch how to install a lift and turn (twist) drain stopper:
Push And Pull Drain Stopper
A push and pull drain stopper also has a knob on the top. However, you will push the stopper into place to secure it and pull it up to remove it. A set screw on the other side of the knob connects the stopper body to the drain.
Here is how to install a “push-pull” drain stopper:
Pop Up Drain Stopper
Pop up drains don’t have a knob. The entire top of the stopper is the knob. When you push down on the stopper with your foot, it pops up. When you want to put the stopper back in place, you simply push on it again.
The stopper functions using a system that involves a vertically moving plunger and trip lever in the tub overflow tube. When the plunger goes up, the trip lever goes down, opening the drain. The trip lever forces the plunger back down when it lifts up, closing the drain with it.
Watch this video for how to install a pop up drain stopper. It has a weird robot voice, but very detailed and helpful!
When you need a new drain stopper, start by removing the old device to learn more about how it currently fits in your drain. While you can make some adjustments, you will need to choose a new stopper that is as compatible as possible with the old setup for easy installation.
Pay close attention to what accessories you need and what you can use from your old setup.
Learn the dimensions of your drain and choose the appropriate size stopper. Measurements are extremely precise, so don’t guess.
Pick a stopper with your preferred features, such as high-quality materials or a specific color.
Best Drain Stopper Reviews
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This lift and turn tub and bath drain stopper is easy to use with just a ¼ turn one way or the other. You can replace old lift and turn stoppers as well as trip level drain stoppers and foot-operated stoppers. Installation is easy with two thread sizes (⅜” and 5/16”). The chrome finish is bright and reflective. The shaft inside the drain stopper is durable plastic, and the stopper itself is metal.
You don’t need to break the bank to keep water in your sink and debris out of your drain. This budget-friendly kitchen sink drain stopper is 4.3” in diameter and includes both a drain stopper and a mesh strainer. Use one or both as appropriate. If you adjust the drain stopper often, don’t worry. The edges are rounded so you won’t’ accidentally cut yourself.
Get both a basket strainer and rubber stopper for your kitchen sink with this attractive polymer option by Elkay. With 16 color options, you can use your drain stopper to contribute to the kitchen’s interior design. You’ll be able to keep up appearances since the product is easy to clean. Designed for a 3.5” drain.
Perfect for your garbage disposal’s 3.5” drain, this product comes with both the plug and the stopper. The coated stainless steel scratch-resistant material will not chip or peel away. There is no oil used in the product.
Use this drain kit to support any standard 1.5” drain threads in your bathtub. Push to close. Pull up to drain. You can choose from numerous different finishes. The stainless steel material holds up against high temperatures, high-pressure levels, and corrosion. The chrome material looks great and meshes well with a variety of different design aesthetics.
This universal push bathroom drain stopper works with a variety of different drain sizes between 1.06” – 1.65” thanks to its flexible design. The stopper provides 99% coverage with additional rubber leak protection to prevent the sink from draining. Made from stainless steel.
Open and close your drain with the tap of your foot with this tip-toe / push-type drain stopper that fits tub drains with a 5/16” stem hole. The exposed plastic cap has a polished chrome finish and is removable. A flat rubber seal helps create a leak-free experience.
Pros
Easy to use
Flat rubber seal
Removable plastic cap
Cons
Short-lived lifespan
Drain may not open or close completely
Coarse thread only
Final Thoughts On Buying or Replacing a Drain Stopper
We all know the benefits of having a functional drain stopper in both tubs and sinks. But did you know there are additional benefits as well?
A tub stopper, or drain plug, combined with a mesh drain protector or hair catcher can prevent soap scum, hair, and other debris from escaping down the drain hole and potentially creating a drain clog.
A clogged drain can lead to pipe frustration and eventually expensive plumbing repairs if you let the problem go unattended for too long. You can help avoid future shower drain and sink clog risks by getting the right stopper for each drain in your home.
FAQs for Drain Stoppers
How do I choose a bathtub stopper?
Pick a bathtub stopper based on its size and the way it operates (pop up vs. lift and turn).
What can I use as a drain stopper?
If you don’t have a drain stopper, you may be able to use suction cups made from silicon material in their place. However, drain stoppers are not expensive and are much easier for children to operate.
How can I keep water in my bathtub without the stopper?
If you don’t have a stopper, you can still keep water in the bathtub by blocking the drain another way. Get creative if you have to, such as using a flat silicon sink protector or a suction cup. However, be careful not to use anything that can fall down the drain.
How do I stop my hair from draining?
A strainer can act as a drain hair catcher. Many stoppers come with a strainer that fits perfectly inside of them.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
