bathtub trip lever not working

Bathtub Trip Lever Not Working: Causes and Solutions

ByScott Robillard Updated:

The trip lever working inside your bathtub may seem like a tiny little part. But the role it plays is huge. It makes sure the water inside your bathtub holds and drains properly. Perhaps that’s why discovering that the bathtub trip lever is not working all of a sudden feels awful.

The most common reason behind a bathtub trip lever not working is buildup inside the system. It can also happen from improper adjustment. To troubleshoot, you need to clean and adjust the parts.

This guide will help you figure out exactly how you can do that and fix the trip lever.

How Does a Bathtub Trip Lever Work?

Understanding the mechanism of a bathtub trip lever makes it easier for you to determine why it’s not working. First and foremost exactly, what is a trip lever for?

A trip lever is a controller you can find on the top of the tub spout, and it is for triggering the overflow plate and water release in a bathtub.

Exactly How Does a Bathtub Trip Lever Work
Source: Thespruce.com

Generally, there are two styles of stoppers. Pop-up and trip lever stoppers. In a pop-up stopper, it goes down and up once you press it down. So it’s basically spring activated that seals the drain. 

Without the spring mechanism, a pop-up bath plug won’t stay down. This is unlike a trip lever stopper. It works with a strainer over the drain.

Compared to its comrade, trip levers are tricky in mechanism. It works based on a connection between a lever and the drain grate. There is a rod mechanism inside the wall that is behind the bathtub. This rod links the drain grate with the lever.

Now if you notice the image given above, you’ll see that there is a plunger inside the overflow pipe. This is the part that opens or closes the drain pipe by moving up and down. So that the grate can operate.

When the Trip Lever Is Up:

  • Plunger is lifted down.
  • The grate stays in its place closed.
  • The bathtub is allowed to fill with water.

When the Trip lever is down:

  • The plunger is lifted.
  • The grate is open.
  • All the water inside the tub starts to drain.

One more part that exists in this mechanism is the overflow plate. It’s basically a part that rotates for raising or lowering the plunger. Now that you know how the different levers work, let’s determine the reason.

Why Is Your Bathtub Trip Lever Not Working?

I’ve put down some common bathtub trip lever problems that can make it malfunction.

  • The linkage connecting the lever and stopper might be damaged or disconnected. To fix this, you need to check and replace the part if it’s broken or simply reconnect.
  • The buildup in the drain can also cause the trip lever to not work. Hair or soap scum can accumulate in that area. You can scrub this gunk away using a tiny brush.
  • Improper placement of the plunger can also result in a malfunction of the trip lever. If the plunger is not fully sitting, then it won’t be able to sufficiently block water flow. You may need to make some adjustments to the assembly.
  • Check for bathtub drain stopper leaking issues, as that can also be the root of this situation. You may need to reseal to fix this issue.

Troubleshooting a Bathtub Trip Lever that’s Not Working

Troubleshooting a Bathtub Trip Lever that's Not Working
Source: Heilplumbingdmv.com

This troubleshooting will target the major causes that trigger problems in a bathtub trip lever. These are:

  • Build up and corrosion inside the mechanism.
  • Improper adjustment of the rod connecting the trip lever to the plunger.

Cleaning Build Ups and Making Adjustments

Cleaning Build Ups and Making Adjustments
Source: 1tom.com

You need to disassemble the assembly to access the parts that require cleaning and adjustment. Since the assembly can vary from different manufacturers, it’s a good idea to check the manual.

Now Exactly How Do You Clean and Adjust a Trip Lever on a Bathtub?

  • You need to remove the trip lever drain stopper. Start loosening the mounting screws that secure the overflow plate to the overflow tube.
  • Gradually take out the connecting rod and then the plunger from the opening.
  • Check the plunger for any corrosion or debris buildup at this point. If the part is badly rusted or damaged, it should be changed.
  • If both the linkage and plunger are fine but require little cleaning, consider using vinegar or any mild cleaning agent with a brush for that.
  • Make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in equal portions and pour it into the waste drain and overflow drain. Then you want to rinse both of these drains with hot water.
Now Exactly How Do You Clean and Adjust a Trip Lever on a Bathtub?
Source: 1tom.com
  • Now you want to focus on lengthening the connecting rod by adjusting the linkage. So that the plunger can drop lower inside the overflow tube. Until it ensures to seal the drain opening.
  • Keep fiddling and trying until the length of the connecting rod seems exactly right.
  • Once you are done, place back the stopper and tub drain linkage assembly back into the opening. Reinstall the plate and turn on the water to check if it’s working fine.

The Bathtub Trip Lever Is Not Working Because It’s Stuck

When dealing with a bathtub trip lever stuck closed, you have to consider the exact cause behind it. Perhaps some buildup has made the trip lever drain stopper stuck. Or it can also happen from the expansion of parts.

To check, you need to remove the plate and have a look at the links that are connected to the lever and stopping mechanisms. The trip lever could be stuck when the links have difficulty moving due to the gunk. You simply need to clean it using CLR or a similar agent.

The link mechanisms or other parts down there can also be broken, causing the situation. In such a complicated scenario, you need to remove the trip lever as well. 

However, quite obviously, the bathtub trip lever won’t come out that easily. So exactlyhow do you remove a stuck trip lever?

You remove a stuck trip lever by taking help from a loosening agent such as WD-40. After the trip lever is loose enough, you can try removing it with a pair of pliers.

Replacing the Bathtub Trip Lever

If the assembly seems to be broken or severely corroded, it’s a good idea to consider a bathtub trip lever replacement. In case you are still not sure whether changing the trip lever is necessary or not, consider these signs that indicate you should replace it:

  • The bathtub fails to drain the water as quickly as it used to, and you often see water accumulating in the tub, struggling to drain.
  • While operating the trip lever, it feels hard to move or too loose.
  • There are leaks surrounding the drain, even with the lever in a closed position.
  • There is visible corrosion and rust that don’t come off.
  • Weird squeaking or grinding noises from the trip lever due to misalignment or damage.
  • The bathtub cannot hold water properly.

If you are familiar with one or more of these signs, then probably it’s a good idea to change the bathtub trip lever. Also, the replacement is not a complicated process.

Wrapping Up

Now you know the most common causes of why your bathtub trip lever is not working. Try these solutions and I hope you will be able to fix the problem. Also, consider replacing the trip lever if it’s pretty old and shows severe signs of damage.

I will see you soon in my next guide, take care!

Hi, Scott Robillard here! I represent the small team of plumbers behind FaucetFam.com who love to write what we have learned. Common problems and easy fixes are the main topics we discuss on this site – as knowing these surely helps!

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