How to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug

There are few things as relaxing as soaking in a hot bath after a hard day of work. That joy can turn into frustration when you realize you don’t have a bath stopper or it’s no longer doing its job.

Quick fixes

• A plastic bag filled with water: Fill a sandwich bag with water, seal it, and set it over the drain. The weight creates a seal.
• A flat jar lid or cup: A wide, flat lid pressed over the drain creates suction once water covers it.
• A washcloth inside a bag: Stuff the drain opening with a cloth wrapped in plastic for a snug fit.
• A single-serve coffee pod: In a pinch, it fits many standard drains surprisingly well.

Fix the real problem

Bathtub stoppers fail from worn linkages, broken toe-touch mechanisms, and mineral buildup, which is especially common with Arizona’s hard water. Our plumbers can replace the stopper, drain, and overflow in a single visit.