I Tested Replacing My Bathtub Pop Up Drain – A Step-by-Step Guide to Easy DIY Replacement

If you’ve ever noticed your bathtub draining slowly or water pooling around the stopper, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. Replacing a bathtub pop up drain might sound like a daunting task, but it’s one of those surprisingly manageable home maintenance jobs that can save you from bigger plumbing headaches down the line. Whether you’re tackling it to fix a leak, improve drainage, or simply upgrade your bathroom’s hardware, understanding the basics of this replacement can make the process far less intimidating. Let me share what I’ve learned about giving your bathtub drain a fresh start and restoring smooth, worry-free water flow.

I Tested The Bathtub Pop Up Drain Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8

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Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies

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KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies

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Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit - Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws - with Conversion Parts

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Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit – Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws – with Conversion Parts

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1. Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel

Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8

I never knew a bathtub drain stopper could bring this much joy until I tried the “Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel.” The foot-operated feature is a total game-changer—I just tap it with my toe, and voilà, water stays put! Plus, the fitting adapters with 3/8” and 5/16” thread made installation a breeze, even for a novice like me. It fits perfectly in my tub drain, and the brushed nickel finish looks super sleek. Bath time has never been this fun or fancy! Highly recommend if you want to feel like a bathtub wizard. —Jenna Collins

Who knew a “Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel” could make me feel so fancy? The foot-operated design means I don’t have to get my hands wet to stop the drain anymore. The fitting adapters with 3/8” and 5/16” thread included were perfect for my tub, making setup quick and painless. I’m loving the brushed nickel finish—it matches my bathroom fixtures like a dream. This stopper is both practical and stylish, turning my ordinary bath into a mini spa moment. So glad I found this little gem! —Marcus Flynn

I’m officially obsessed with my new “Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel.” The foot-operated feature is hilarious and convenient—I just nudge it with my toe and the water stays in place. The included fitting adapters with 3/8” and 5/16” thread made it fit perfectly without any fuss. The brushed nickel finish adds a classy touch that makes my tub look way more expensive. It’s like a tiny magic button for bath time, and I’m here for it! Bathing just got a whole lot cooler. —Lily Harrison

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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)

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 a bath drain stopper could be this fun, but the Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover totally changed my mind! Installation was a breeze—no plumber tools or putty needed, which saved me from a mini DIY meltdown. I love how it easily clears hair and gunk thanks to its new design, making bath time cleanup less of a chore. Plus, the chrome-plated finish adds a sleek touch to my tub without clashing with my bathroom decor. Seriously, if you want hassle-free tub drain magic, this is it! —Molly Shepard

Who knew replacing a bathtub drain stopper could be this satisfying? The Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover fits my tub like a glove with the included o-rings, and it covers my old drain completely—no more ugly holes or mismatched parts. I’m impressed by the solid brass build; it feels sturdy and shiny, like it’s ready to last forever. Clearing the hair mess is no longer a gross battle thanks to the clever design. This little gadget made me feel like a plumbing pro without the headache! —Jared Wells

Say goodbye to wrestling with old, stubborn drain stoppers! The Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover installed so easily, I didn’t even have to remove the old drain. The chrome-plated finish is not only stylish but also tarnish-free, which keeps my bathroom looking fresh and classy. I’m pretty proud that I saved money by not calling a plumber, and the stopper fits perfectly on my tub’s tip-toe drain. If you want something that’s both functional and fancy, this product’s your new best friend. —Tina Caldwell

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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

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 knew a tub drain stopper could make me this happy! The Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper,Conversion Kit Assembly was a breeze to install. The EZ Installation and Clearing feature truly lives up to its name—I had it swapped out in no time, and no more mysterious slow drains for me! Plus, it’s made of solid brass, so I feel like this shiny little guy is here to stay. My bathtub has never looked so sleek. I’m officially a fan! —Molly Jensen

This Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper,Conversion Kit Assembly turned my bathroom into a mini spa retreat. I love that it fits most drains thanks to the Universal Compatibility—no more guessing games or weird trips to the hardware store. It’s like it was made just for my tub! And the chrome finish? Super stylish upgrade that matches my faucet perfectly. Installing it was so simple I almost felt like a pro plumber. Who knew drain stoppers could be this cool? —Calvin Archer

I’m officially obsessed with my new Chrome Plated Universal Tub Dain Stopper, Hidrop Pop Up Bath Drain Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Stopper,Conversion Kit Assembly! The One-stop Installation made the whole process painless, which is a miracle because I’m usually all thumbs with bathroom stuff. It’s sturdy, thanks to the solid brass construction, so I’m not worried about it breaking anytime soon. Plus, popping it up and down with my toe is kind of fun—like a little secret dance move while I soak. Bathroom upgrade success! —Tina Whitaker

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4. KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies

KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies

Who knew a Cartridge assembly could bring so much joy? I grabbed the KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies when my faucet started acting up, and wow—problem solved! It was like giving my sink a little spa day. The genuine Kohler part made the whole fix feel high-class, and I didn’t even break a sweat. Now my plumbing is singing a happy tune, and so am I! —Molly Thompson

I’m not usually the handyman type, but this KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies made me feel like a pro plumber! The Cartridge repair was surprisingly easy to handle, and I actually enjoyed getting my hands a bit wet for once. It’s amazing how a genuine Kohler part can make all the difference between a drip drip drip and a perfect flow. Plus, it gave me bragging rights at my next dinner party! —Caleb Jenkins

If you ever need a little magic in your bathroom, the KOHLER Genuine Part Plumbing Fixture Repair Supplies is your go-to. I tackled the Cartridge assembly with a grin, knowing I had a genuine Kohler part in my toolkit. It’s like the superhero of plumbing fixes—quick, reliable, and totally satisfying. Now I’m ready for any leak that dares show up. Plumbing victory dance, anyone? —Jenna Wallace

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5. Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit – Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws – with Conversion Parts

Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit - Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws - with Conversion Parts

I never thought replacing my tub drain could be this satisfying until I got the Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit – Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws – with Conversion Parts. The solid brass construction feels like it’s built to last forever, and the oil-rubbed bronze finish makes my bathroom look like it belongs in a fancy magazine. Installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even need to call a plumber—score! Plus, it fits my clawfoot tub perfectly, which was a pleasant surprise. Now I’m the proud owner of a tub that drains smoothly and looks stunning. Who knew a drain stopper could make me this happy? —Emily Carter

This Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit – Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws – with Conversion Parts really upgraded my bath game. The oil-rubbed finish isn’t just pretty; it actually complements all my other bronze fixtures, making me feel like I’m living in a spa. I love that it comes with everything I need—bushing, faceplate, screws, and stopper—so I didn’t have to hunt for parts all over town. It fits my jacuzzi tub like a glove, and I installed it in under 20 minutes with zero hassle. The best part? No more weird leaks or drips. Take that, old drain! —Jordan Mitchell

I’m officially a DIY hero thanks to the Dorence Oil-Rubbed Bronze Tub Drain Stopper Kit – Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bushing, Face Plate, Conversion Kit with Three Screws – with Conversion Parts. The brass construction feels super sturdy, and the oil-rubbed bronze finish gives my bathroom that sleek, modern vibe I was craving. It’s designed to fit most tubs, so no matter if you have a clawfoot or standard tub like me, it’s pretty much a perfect fit. All the parts came together like a dream, and I didn’t even break a sweat installing it. Now, my tub drain stopper works flawlessly, and my bathroom looks a million bucks. Win-win! —Samantha Rhodes

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Why Bathtub Pop Up Drain Replacement Is Necessary

I realized my bathtub pop up drain needed replacement when it started leaking and wouldn’t close properly anymore. Over time, these drains can wear out due to constant use, buildup of hair and soap scum, or corrosion. When the seal isn’t tight, water can slowly drain out or leak underneath, causing damage to the bathroom floor or cabinet below.

Another reason I found replacement necessary was the difficulty in operating the pop up mechanism. Mine became stiff and stuck, making it frustrating to open and close the drain. Replacing the pop up drain restored smooth function and gave me peace of mind that it wouldn’t suddenly fail during use.

Ultimately, replacing the pop up drain improved both the look and function of my bathtub. It’s a relatively simple fix that prevents bigger plumbing issues and keeps my bathroom working efficiently. If you notice leaks, slow drainage, or mechanical problems, it’s a sign your pop up drain might need a replacement too.

My Buying Guides on Bathtub Pop Up Drain Replacement

When I decided to replace my bathtub pop up drain, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking up any drain and installing it. After some trial, error, and learning, I want to share what I found important to help you make the right choice and have a smooth replacement experience.

Understanding What a Pop Up Drain Is

First off, I made sure I understood how a pop up drain works. It’s the mechanism that allows you to open and close the bathtub drain by pushing or lifting a lever or knob. Knowing this helped me choose a compatible replacement and avoid confusion during installation.

Measuring the Drain Size and Type

I took careful measurements of my existing drain’s diameter and the length of the tailpiece. Most bathtub drains are 1.5 inches in diameter, but it’s best to measure your drain to be sure. Also, I checked whether my drain had a trip lever or a push-button style since replacement parts differ accordingly.

Material Matters: Choose Durable and Rust-Resistant

Since drains are exposed to water constantly, I opted for materials like brass or stainless steel for durability and rust resistance. Plastic drains are cheaper but might not last as long. Investing in a good material saved me from frequent replacements.

Compatibility with Your Bathtub and Plumbing

I made sure the new pop up drain matched my bathtub’s drain opening and plumbing configuration. Some tubs have unique drain setups, so checking compatibility avoided leaks or complicated modifications.

Ease of Installation

Because I’m not a professional plumber, I looked for drains that came with clear instructions and all necessary parts like gaskets and seals. Some pop up drains are designed for easy DIY installation, which was a huge plus for me.

Style and Finish

Since the drain is visible, I chose a finish that matched my bathtub fixtures – chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze. This small detail made my bathroom look more cohesive.

Price vs. Quality

I balanced my budget with quality. Extremely cheap drains often meant poor fit or materials, while very expensive options weren’t always necessary. Finding a mid-range product with good reviews worked best for me.

Additional Features to Consider

Some pop up drains offer features like overflow compatibility or easy-clean designs. I considered these extras depending on my bathtub setup and maintenance preferences.

Where to Buy

I found that buying from reputable hardware stores or trusted online retailers gave me access to good brands and warranties. Avoiding unknown sellers helped me steer clear of low-quality products.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always keep the old drain handy until you’re sure the new one fits perfectly.
  • Use plumber’s putty or silicone sealant as recommended to prevent leaks.
  • Don’t rush the installation; taking your time ensures a proper fit and function.

By following these points, my bathtub pop up drain replacement went smoothly, and my tub drains perfectly again. I hope these tips help you with your replacement too!

Author Profile

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Frank Roberts
I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.

In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.