How to Remove a Drain from a Bathtub?

Removing a bathtub drain often involves removing the drain stopper and potentially the entire drain assembly. Based on the provided reference, the following steps detail how to remove a common type of drain stopper and its mounting post, which is typically the first part you need to address when working on a bathtub drain.

The exact method can vary depending on the specific type of stopper you have (e.g., pop-up, lift-and-turn, push-pull, etc.), but the reference outlines a process common for stoppers that attach to a central post.

## Removing the Bathtub Drain Stopper and Mounting Post

Follow these steps to remove the drain stopper and the post it's attached to, based on the reference:

1.  **Open the drain** and keep it in an open position.
    *   *This usually means lifting the drain stopper mechanism up.*

2.  **Unscrew the knob** that rests at the top of the stopper.
    *   *You will likely need a screwdriver to turn this knob counterclockwise.*

3.  After unscrewing the knob, **check to see if there is a set-screw underneath**.
    *   *Some stopper designs have an additional small screw hidden once the main knob is removed. If present, remove this screw.*

4.  **Twist the stopper counterclockwise** until it's free of its mounting post.
    *   *Once the knob (and any set screw) is removed, the main body of the stopper mechanism can often be unscrewed from the metal post it connects to in the drain.*

5.  **Remove the mounting post with pliers** by pulling up.
    *   *Grasp the top of the metal post that the stopper was attached to using pliers and pull it straight up and out of the drain pipe.*

| Tool           | Action                               |
| :------------- | :----------------------------------- |
| Screwdriver    | Unscrew the knob (and potential set screw) |
| Pliers         | Remove the mounting post             |
| Your Hands     | Twist the stopper off the post       |

Once the stopper and its mounting post are removed, you will have clearer access to the drain opening. Removing the main drain flange (the metal ring seated in the tub) typically requires different tools, such as a drain wrench or pliers designed for drain removal, and is a separate process from removing the stopper mechanism itself.