How Does a Bathtub Trip Lever Work: An Explainer
How Does a Bathtub Trip Lever Work?
A bathtub trip lever works by using a lever-operated stopper with a hidden rod mechanism behind the bathtub.
Lifting the lever holds the stopper in place, allowing water to fill the tub, while pushing the lever down lifts the stopper, draining the water.
Many trip lever stoppers are connected with plunger-style stoppers that are not visible from inside the tub.
To open a trip lever drain, the stopper is pushed into the lower position and the lever is tilted downward toward the tub.
To prevent water drainage and take a bath, the lever is lifted to move the stopper into place against the drain.
Key Points:
- Bathtub trip lever uses lever-operated stopper with hidden rod mechanism
- Lifting the lever holds stopper in place, allowing water to fill the tub
- Pushing lever down lifts stopper, draining the water
- Many trip lever stoppers are connected with plunger-style stoppers
- To open drain, stopper is pushed into lower position and lever is tilted downward
- To prevent drainage and take a bath, lever is lifted to move stopper into place
Did You Know?
1. The bathtub trip lever, also known as a drain stopper or plug, was originally invented in the late 19th century to improve the convenience and functionality of bathtubs.
2. The trip lever mechanism is designed to control the downward and upward movement of the drain stopper, allowing users to easily fill or drain their bathtubs.
3. Inside the trip lever assembly, there is a long metal rod that extends from the lever on the overflow plate to the drain mechanism. This rod connects the trip lever to the drain stopper.
4. When the trip lever is lifted or pulled upwards, the metal rod attached to it also moves, lifting the drain stopper and allowing water to flow out of the tub.
5. Conversely, when the trip lever is pushed downwards, the rod pushes the drain stopper into the closed position, preventing water from draining out and keeping the tub filled.
Bathtub Drain Stoppers: Types And Operation
Bathtubs are an essential part of any bathroom, designed to hold water for bathing or other purposes. To ensure that the water stays in the tub and doesn’t drain out, bathtub drain stoppers are used. These stoppers come in various types, including round stoppers with rings, flip-it stoppers, lift and turn stoppers, toe-touch stoppers, pop-up stoppers, and the focus of this article, trip lever stoppers.
Trip lever stoppers are unique because they are lever-operated. Behind the bathtub, there is a hidden rod mechanism that connects the stopper to the lever. When the lever is lifted up, the stopper is held in place, allowing water to fill the bathtub. Conversely, pushing the lever down lifts the stopper, allowing the water to drain out.
One interesting aspect of trip lever stoppers is that many of them are connected with plunger-style stoppers that are not visible from inside the tub. This hidden connection adds to the convenience and functionality of the trip lever drain stoppers.
How To Operate A Trip Lever Bathtub Drain
Operating a trip lever bathtub drain is a simple process that requires the use of the lever and stopper mechanism.
To open the drain and allow water to flow out, you need to push the stopper into the lower position and tilt the lever downward toward the tub. This action will lift the stopper, creating a path for the water to drain.
If you want to prevent water drainage and take a relaxing bath, all you have to do is lift the lever. This motion moves the stopper into place against the drain, effectively sealing it and allowing the water to stay in the tub.
Cleaning And Maintenance Of Trip Lever Bathtub Drains
Cleaning and maintaining trip lever bathtub drains is essential to ensure their proper function. Over time, these drains can accumulate debris and dirt, which can lead to clogs and drainage issues. To tackle these problems, you will need a few tools such as:
- Vinegar or a cleaning agent
- Screwdriver
- Toothbrush
- Hand auger
- Petroleum jelly
- Adjustable wrench
- Towel
To begin cleaning, you should first remove the assembly by unscrewing and disconnecting the necessary parts. Once the assembly is removed, cleaning the stopper and other components with vinegar or a cleaning agent is recommended. Additionally, it is essential to unclog the drain if necessary using a hand auger, ensuring the water flow is restored.
After cleaning and unclogging, you can reassemble the trip lever drain by following the steps in reverse. It is crucial to check for proper drainage after removing any debris from the drain. If necessary, minor adjustments can be made to ensure the drain functions correctly.
Adjusting A Trip Lever Bathtub Drain For Proper Drainage
Sometimes, a trip lever bathtub drain may require adjustment to achieve optimal drainage. This adjustment can be done by manipulating the position of the threaded rod and nut near the top of the linkage. To perform this adjustment, an adjustable wrench is recommended.
- For a slowly draining tub, the threaded rod should be turned up into the nut.
- On the other hand, if the tub slowly leaks or won’t hold water, the rod should be turned out further.
These adjustments will affect the flow of water and could help in resolving any drainage issues.
After making the necessary adjustments, it is crucial to reinsert the assembly and secure it with screws. Again, checking for proper drainage is essential, and minor adjustments may need to be made to achieve optimal functionality.
Selecting The Right Bathtub Drain Stopper Size
When it comes to bathtub drain stoppers, size matters. Different drain stoppers come in multiple sizes, and it is vital to purchase the correct size based on the measurements of your bathtub drain. Most bathtub drains have a diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches, although some variations may exist.
Determining the size of a bathtub drain can be done in a few ways. One option is to measure the length of the plunger on the drain stopper. Alternatively, you can remove the drain cover and measure the size of the hole in the tub. If you’re unsure, looking up the brand of the bathtub online or contacting the manufacturer for specifications is also a viable option.
The size of the drain stopper is crucial for proper functionality and ensuring a watertight seal. Investing time to measure and select the appropriate drain stopper size is essential for a hassle-free bathing experience.
understanding how a bathtub trip lever works and the different types of drain stoppers available is crucial for maintaining a functional and watertight bathtub. With proper cleaning, maintenance, and adjustment, trip lever drains can offer optimal drainage and enhance your bathing experience.
- Size matters when it comes to bathtub drain stoppers
- Measure the length of the plunger or the hole in the tub to determine the size
- Invest time in selecting the right drain stopper size for a hassle-free bathing experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lever on the tub for?
The lever on the tub is a trip lever drain stopper, which is used to control the flow of water down the drain. When the lever is flipped up, it stops the flow of water, acting as a plug for the tub. On the other hand, when the lever is flipped down, it allows the tub to drain, enabling the water to flow freely through the pipe. This feature is useful for adjusting the water levels in the tub or for preventing water from draining prematurely while bathing.
Do all tubs have trip levers?
While most modern bathtubs do come with various types of drain stoppers, not all of them necessarily have trip levers. Some bathtub stoppers are designed without trip levers and resemble the traditional rubber plugs that were commonly used in the past. This variety of stoppers offers a simpler and more basic approach to preventing water from draining out of the bathtub. Therefore, while trip levers are a common feature in bathtubs, they are not a universal requirement for all tubs.
Should bathtub drain lever be up or down?
The bathtub drain lever should be down to seal the drain and fill the bathtub with water. When the lever is moved downwards, it activates a rod that connects to the rocker arm, creating a closed stopper that prevents water from escaping. Conversely, when the lever is moved up, it opens the stopper and allows water to flow into the pipes, enabling it to drain out. Therefore, to control the water flow for filling or draining the bathtub, the lever should be adjusted accordingly.
How does a bathtub trip lever engage the drain stopper mechanism?
A bathtub trip lever engages the drain stopper mechanism by using a lever system. When the trip lever is pulled up or pushed down, it is connected to a rod that extends into the bathtub drainpipe. This rod is attached to the drain stopper mechanism, usually a plunger or a pop-up stopper.
When the trip lever is pulled up, it causes the rod to move upward, lifting the drain stopper mechanism. This allows water to flow out of the bathtub through the drainpipe. Conversely, when the trip lever is pushed down, it pushes the rod down, engaging the drain stopper mechanism and preventing water from flowing out of the bathtub. Therefore, the movement of the trip lever controls the position of the drain stopper and regulates the draining or filling of the bathtub.