Having a sticky trip lever for your bathtub drain can be a nuisance. When the trip lever gets stuck, it prevents you from easily opening and closing the drain. Thankfully, in most cases, fixing a sticky bathtub trip lever is an easy DIY job. With a few simple tools and steps, you can have your trip lever working smoothly again.
Assessing the Trip Lever
Before you can fix a sticky trip lever, you first need to inspect it to try to determine why it is not operating properly. Here are some things to check:
- Buildup of grime or mineral deposits – Over time, soap scum, hair, and mineral deposits from hard water can build up on the trip lever and prevent it from moving freely. Try scrubbing the trip lever with a toothbrush and bathroom cleaner to remove any stickiness or clogs.
- Corrosion – Trip levers can become corroded over time, particularly in humid environments. Inspect the trip lever for any rust, corrosion, or pitting. This may require replacing the whole mechanism.
- Loose trip lever nut – Most trip levers are held in place by a nut underneath the tub. If this has become loose, it could cause the trip lever to wobble and stick. Try tightening the nut first before investigating other issues.
- Damaged trip lever – With heavy usage over many years, the trip lever arm can become bent or damaged. See if the lever seems to be visibly damaged. If so, this will need replacing.
- Obstruction in the drain – Something stuck in the drain itself, like hair or debris, could prevent the stopper from moving smoothly. Try plunging the drain first to dislodge anything stuck.
Thoroughly inspecting the trip lever first will help you identify any simple fixes vs replacement being needed. Knowing the cause will make the repair much easier.
Cleaning the Trip Lever
If you have determined the trip lever itself just needs a good cleaning, follow these steps:
Materials Needed
- Old toothbrush or other small scrub brush
- Bathroom cleaner or soap scum remover
- Mineral deposit removing cleaner (if needed for hard water buildup)
- Small towel
Directions
- Turn off the water supply to the tub if possible. This prevents water from accidentally splashing you when cleaning.
- Spray bathroom cleaner liberally along the trip lever and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps loosen soap scum or mineral deposits.
- Scrub the trip lever with the toothbrush, concentrating on any sticky or dirty areas. Apply pressure and try working the lever back and forth as you scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residue.
- Spray with mineral deposit cleaner if there is stubborn hard water buildup and let sit per product instructions before scrubbing again.
- Clean and dry the surrounding tub area so grime does not re-stick to the trip lever.
- Test the trip lever action by pushing it up and down several times. It should move freely. If not, additional adjustments may be needed.
Thoroughly cleaning a sticky trip lever can resolve many minor sticking issues for smooth operation again. But for continued problems, moving mechanical parts may need lubrication or replacement.
Lubricating the Trip Lever
If cleaning alone does not solve stickiness, applying a lubricant to the trip lever can help. Here is how to lubricate it:
Materials Needed
- Lubricant such as silicone spray, lithium grease, or petroleum jelly
- Small towel
Directions
- Wipe off any existing dirt or residue from the trip lever with a dry towel. Apply lubricant to best effect on a clean surface.
- Spray a small amount of lubricant directly onto the trip lever hinge if using a spray. For grease, dab a small amount onto your finger and rub it along the hinge.
- Work the trip lever back and forth repeatedly to evenly distribute the lubricant into the hinge.
- Wipe away any excess lubricant so it does not drip.
- Turn on the tub water supply and test the lever several times. It should operate smoothly.
- Add additional lubricant if needed for continued stickiness. Too much can become gummy so apply sparingly.
Lubricating oil or grease reduces friction so the trip lever can pivot freely again. This quick fix may be all that is needed to get it working properly. But for more complex issues, you may need to remove and adjust the trip lever.
Removing and Reinstalling the Trip Lever
If cleaning and lubricating still does not remedy sticking, the trip lever may need to be fully removed and reinstalled. Follow these steps:
Materials Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement gaskets or o-rings (optional)
- Lubricant like petroleum jelly
Directions
- Turn off the tub’s water supply line before starting.
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the retaining nut holding the trip lever to the tub. It likely threads clockwise to loosen.
- Carefully wiggle and pry the trip lever to break the seal and remove it. Inspect condition.
- Remove old plumber’s putty or gasket material and reseal with fresh putty or a new gasket.
- Apply petroleum jelly or other lubricant to the trip lever arm and stopper connection.
- Insert the trip lever into place through the access hole. Have a helper hold it straight from the other side.
- Reinstall and tighten the retaining nut carefully. Do not overtighten.
- Turn water back on and test lever function several times. Adjust as needed for smooth operation.
Taking the trip lever fully off provides full access for inspection, cleaning, regreasing, and realignment. This should have it working like new again. If problems persist, the entire assembly may need replacing.
Replacing a Broken or Damaged Trip Lever
If your bathtub trip lever is severely damaged or so corroded that lubrication and cleaning will not help, replacement is needed. Here is how to do this:
Materials Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Replacement trip lever kit
- Plumber’s putty or sealant
Directions
- Turn off the tub’s water supply before starting.
- Use a wrench to remove the retaining nut and pry off the old trip lever. Discard the old putty seal.
- Inspect the underside of the tub for any damage or corrosion to the drain pipe. Fix any issues found.
- Apply plumber’s putty around the drain hole and smooth into a seal.
- Insert the new trip lever and align correctly, tightening the retaining nut carefully.
- Attach the connecting rod from the stopper using the screw. Adjust length as needed.
- Turn the water supply back on and test the new trip lever for smooth operation.
- Allow plumber’s putty to fully dry for 24 hours before using shower.
Be sure to purchase a trip lever designed specifically for your type of bathtub and drain style. Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and adjustment. Doing this correctly prevents leaks and ensures smooth drain control.
Fixing a Sticking Push-Button Trip Lever
If you have a push-button trip lever that sticks when trying to operate it, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Disassemble the button and clean out any dirt, soap scum, or mineral deposits. Scrub with an old toothbrush.
- Lubricate the internal mechanism with spray lubricant, lithium grease, or petroleum jelly.
- Ensure the button is aligning correctly in the housing and not off-center. Adjust as needed.
- Take apart the linkage under the tub and clean and lubricate the lever arm sticking out.
- Ensure no obstruction in the drainpipe is preventing the stopper from fully sealing.
- Replace any broken or cracked plastic pieces like button caps or the lever arm.
Push-button mechanisms can generally be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled fairly easily. Lubrication and realignment usually gets them working properly again. But call a plumber for complex repairs or full replacement.
Fixing a Sticking Foot-Operated Trip Lever
To fix a foot-operated trip lever that is sticking or not working correctly:
- Clean and lubricate the pivot rod that the pedal presses on with spray lubricant or lithium grease.
- Ensure the pivot rod can move freely and is not bent or binding.
- Check for obstructions blocking the pedal’s range of motion under the tub.
- Take apart the actuating mechanism below the tub and clean and lubricate moving components.
- Realign any connections that may have come loose between the pedal and the popup drain stopper.
- Replace broken or cracked plastic pieces like bearings, bushings, or pedals.
Foot pedals involve more moving parts than other trip levers, so cleaning and lubricating each piece is key. You may need to fully disassemble the mechanism to remedy sticking issues. Call a plumber for major repairs.
Troubleshooting Trip Lever Issues
Here are some other common bathtub trip lever troubles and how to address them:
Trip lever is loose or floppy – Tighten the retaining nut underneath the tub to secure it. Be careful not to overtighten.
Trip lever won’t close drain fully – Adjust the connecting rod length between the stopper and trip lever.
Trip lever won’t open drain at all – Lubricate the linkage, clean the stopper seal, and check for obstructions.
Leaking around trip lever – Seal with fresh plumber’s putty or a new gasket and tighten the retaining nut.
Trip lever moves but stopper does not – The connecting rod may be detached. Realign and resecure it.
Trip lever assembly fell into tub drain – Disassemble overflow plate/drain pipe below tub to retrieve it.
Trip lever is corroded or cracked – Sand rough areas and lubricate, but replacement is likely needed.
With some focused troubleshooting, you can identify the specific cause of most trip lever issues and correct it. But for complex repairs involving drain pipes or linkages, hire a professional plumber.
Preventing Trip Lever Problems
You can take some simple steps to help prevent your bathtub’s trip lever from sticking and malfunctioning over time:
- Wipe down the trip lever regularly to prevent soap scum buildup.
- Lubricate the pivot joint every few months to maintain smooth operation.
- Avoid excessive use of force when operating the trip lever.
- Fix any drips or leaks from the tub faucet above that can spill onto the trip lever.
- Shut off water supply to tub before taking any trip lever apart for repair.
- Inspect the trip lever occasionally for early signs of damage or wear.
- Replace overly corroded or defective trip lever assemblies. Don’t just lubricate severely worn parts.
With proper preventive maintenance and use, your bathtub’s trip lever can operate smoothly for many years without the need for extensive repairs. But if problems do arise, the steps outlined here can get it working properly again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing a Sticky Trip Lever
Fixing a sticky trip lever on your bathtub drain is usually a quick and straightforward process. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What are the most common causes of a sticky trip lever?
The most common reasons trip levers stick are a buildup of mineral deposits from hard water, accumulated soap scum, or general wear and tear on the pivoting mechanism that requires lubrication.
What kind of lubricant can I use?
You can lubricate a sticky trip lever with products like silicone spray, lithium grease, petroleum jelly, or PTFE spray. Avoid thinner oils that will drip.
How do I remove an old trip lever?
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the retaining nut holding the trip lever from underneath the tub. This will allow you to wiggle it free.
My trip lever is corroded. Do I need to replace it?
If light corrosion is just surface level, you may be able to sand it down and lubricate the lever. But heavily corroded trip levers usually need complete replacement.
Why is my trip lever floppy and loose?
If a trip lever is loose it typically means the retaining nut has become slightly unscrewed. Tighten it gently to secure the trip lever back to the tub.
I can’t get the nut off my trip lever. What should I do?
Penetrating oil or a lubricant may help free a firmly stuck nut. But take care not to break the trip lever when applying too much force. Calling a plumber is recommended.
My push-button style trip lever sticks. How can I fix it?
Disassemble the button housing, clean all components with a small brush, and lubricate the mechanism before reassembling. This often fixes stickiness.
What if cleaning and lubricating don’t fix my trip lever?
If basic servicing does not remedy sticking, the internal components may be damaged or overly worn, requiring a full replacement of the trip lever assembly.
Why does my trip lever move but not open the drain?
Check that the connecting rod between the trip lever and the drain stopper is still intact. If detached, realign and resecure it.
Conclusion
A sticking bathtub trip lever can be aggravating when it prevents easily opening and closing your tub’s drain. But in most cases, this issue can be quickly remedied with some DIY troubleshooting and maintenance.
Follow the steps here for cleaning grime from the trip lever, lubricating thepivot joint, and adjusting or replacing damaged components. Catching and repairing problems early also prevents more extensive repairs later on.
While a stubborn trip lever may make you want to give it a forceful jerk, this usually just leads to more damage. Approach any sticking issues patiently using the solutions outlined here. With the proper knowledge and tools, you can have your bathtub trip lever working smoothly again in no time.
