3 Ways to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug

A relaxing, hot bath at the end of a long day is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But that relaxing bath is impossible without a working stopper. Or is it? As it turns out, there are ways you can create a DIY drain stopper using household items.

Ready to use your bath without a stopper? Here are three methods to block a bathtub drain with household items, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions about bathtub stoppers:

• Reuse an Empty Coffee Pod or Old Medicine Cup
• Block the Drain with a Jar Lid
• The Plastic Bag and Sponge Method
• How to Block a Bathtub Drain FAQ

Reuse an Empty Coffee Pod or Old Medicine Cup

If you drink coffee and use disposable pods, your DIY bathtub drain blocker could be sitting on your kitchen counter. Empty coffee pods are the perfect size to block many bathtub drains.

To try this drain-blocking method, place an empty coffee pod upside down over the drain opening. Then, turn on the bathtub spout and hold onto the pod so it won’t be pushed away by the flow of water. Once the tub is partly full, let go of the coffee pod.

You can try the same thing with a liquid medicine cup. These cups tend to be slightly bigger than coffee pods, so you can use them on a wider drain opening.

Block the Drain with a Jar Lid

If you have a very large bathtub drain, using the lid of a jar might work. The best ones are usually peanut butter jar lids and other flat, screw-top lids.

To block the drain with a lid, position the lid over the bathtub drain and turn on the water. Continue to hold the lid until the water is covering the entirety of the lid. Let go of the lid when there’s enough water in the tub; the weight of the water should hold it in place.

The Plastic Bag and Sponge Method

Finally, if you have a very large drain opening or don’t have any other items around the house, try the plastic bag method. To start, twist up a wet washcloth or sponge and stuff it into a resealable plastic bag. Next, squeeze the air out of the bag and seal it. Finally, shove the bag into the drain, leaving a bit hanging over the outer edge. Once inserted, the sponge inside the bag will expand to fill the drain opening.

Be sure to put the plastic bag into the drain before you turn on the water. This way, you can ensure it expands enough to block the drain, and you won’t risk losing the bag inside your drainpipe.

Why does my bathtub drain on its own?

Sometimes, your bathtub might slowly drain, even with a drain stopper in place. This issue can make it impossible to take a bath. Here are a few common reasons why a bathtub drains when you don’t want it to:

1. Broken stopper: If your stopper is broken, it will drain even when you don’t want it to. A faulty stopper can easily go unnoticed, as they drain the tub very slowly.
2. Damaged overflow gasket: The overflow gasket is a metal plate with a hole in it. It sits close to the upper edge of your tub. If your gasket is damaged or was installed too low, it can let out more water than intended.
3. The wrong type of stopper: Most bathtubs come with a stopper, but they can also be bought at home goods and hardware stores. However, there are multiple sizes and types of drain plugs. Not every stopper will match your bathtub drain. If you have the wrong kind of stopper, it won’t properly seal the drain.

Permanently Solve Your Drain Plug Problem with Help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing

A DIY fix works great for one or two baths, but eventually, you’ll need a permanent solution. Mr. Rooter Plumbing provides permanent drain stopper installation services that will keep your tub full. Contact us or call to find a nearby location for your drain stopper installation service.