Symptoms
- Tub drains slowly even though the stopper looks fine from above
- Pulling the stopper reveals hair wrapped around its post or linkage
- Water pools slightly even when the stopper is supposedly open
- Smell coming from around the stopper area
Likely causes
- CommonHair wrapped tightly around the stopper's post or linkageThe moving parts of pop-up and trip-lever stoppers are shaped in a way that easily catches and holds hair.
- CommonSoap scum combining with hair into a dense clogBuildup accumulates on the mechanism itself, not just in the pipe.
- PossibleStopper mechanism not lifting fully due to the hair clog itselfA bad enough clog can physically prevent the stopper from opening all the way.
What to do
- For a lift-and-turn or push-pull stopper, unscrew or pull it straight out per its design.
- For a pop-up style connected to a trip lever, remove the two screws on the overflow plate and pull out the entire linkage, which brings the stopper assembly with it.
- Carefully unwind and remove all hair wrapped around the post, spring, or linkage, wearing gloves.
- Wipe down the assembly with a rag and some soapy water to remove residual soap scum.
- Rinse the drain opening itself and check for any additional hair just inside it.
- Reinstall the stopper or linkage assembly and test that it moves freely and drains properly.
- Repeat this cleaning every few months as routine maintenance, since it's a common recurring spot for buildup.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the linkage assembly is broken or corroded beyond simple cleaning.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.