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. However, that joy can turn into frustration when you realize you don’t have a bath stopper or it’s no longer doing its job.

Do you want to learn how to block a bathtub drain without a plug? Read on. We’ve got some helpful tips that only require some resourcefulness and household items!

Contents

Use Your Coffee Pod or Medicine Cup

Save Your Jam Jar Lid

Try a Plastic Bag

Why Does My Bathtub Drain On Its Own?

Rely On Mr. Rooter to Solve Your Missing Drain Plug Woes

Use Your Coffee Pod or Medicine Cup

While most of us have been getting into the habit of recycling our disposable coffee pods, you may like to consider leaving one or two in your bathroom cabinet. An empty coffee pod is often the perfect size to block a bathtub drain without a plug.

Follow the steps below:

1. Place the clean, empty coffee pod over the drain opening
2. Turn your bathtub faucet on
3. Hold the pod in place to stop it from floating away
4. Let go of the pod once the tub is partially full to let the weight of the water hold it down

Many medicine cups are also a great size to block a bathtub drain without a plug. Follow the same steps as above.

Save Your Jam Jar Lid

While coffee pods and medicine cups fit many bathtub drains, they may not be suitable for all of them. In that case, save a jam or peanut butter jar lid. They may be the perfect alternative until you can purchase a new, purpose-built bathtub stopper.

Take these steps to use a jam jar lid to block your drain:

1. Place the lid over your bathtub drain opening
2. Is water still getting through? Dampen the bottom of the lid and press it over the drain to create a tight seal
3. Hold the lid under the water until the bathtub has partially filled. The weight of the water should now hold it in place.

Try a Plastic Bag

If you have a particularly large bathtub drain, or it sits too close to the tub wall to work with a jar lid or coffee pod, save a plastic sandwich bag! They are a cost-effective and straightforward option when you want to learn how to block a bathtub drain with everyday household items.

Take these steps:

1. Roll up a damp sponge or twist a wet washcloth
2. Put the washcloth or sponge in your plastic sandwich bag
3. Squeeze out the air and secure the bag with a rubber band
4. Put the bag into the drain opening. The bag should expand inside the drain hole to fill it.

Note: This method works great when the washcloth or sponge is large enough. If it’s too small, it can become stuck in the drain and create a clog.

Why Does My Bathtub Drain On Its Own?

You can have so many questions when you’re dealing with the frustrations of a bathtub that drains on its own! Are you encountering this very issue? It might be due to some of these reasons:

The Stopper is Faulty

A faulty stopper with only a moderately suitable seal is typically among the most common reasons a tub won’t fill up properly and continues to slowly drain while you use it. You may solve your draining woes by replacing the stopper or learning how to block a bathtub drain without a plug!

The Overflow Gasket is Damaged

Many bathtubs have an overflow gasket that looks like a metal circle located in the upper third of your tub. This gasket prevents your tub from overflowing. However, it can let out too much water if it’s worn out. Contact your local plumbing service professional for help to replace your overflow gasket.

You Have Used the Wrong Stopper

Browse your local hardware store, and you’ll see many stoppers and drain covers for sale. Not all options are suitable for all bathtub drains. If you buy the wrong size, you may leave some of your drain exposed and make it harder for your tub to retain water. You can block a bathtub drain without a plug using household essentials in the meantime, but a new, appropriately sized stopper can be an excellent long-term fix.

Rely On Mr. Rooter to Solve Your Missing Drain Plug Woes

It never hurts to know how to block a bathtub drain without a plug, but don’t you wish you had one? Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help. Our licensed and insured service professionals can help you install a new drain stopper and say goodbye to short-term solutions for good. Contact us online or find a Mr. Rooter Plumbing near you.