12-19-2009, 05:16 AM
Kathy,
There are several types of drain stop mechanisms but from what I've read, it sounds as if this is the type you have. I found a schematic of one, though the diagrams are not dedicated to the matter of the stopper assembly, it's a good illustration that will clarify what you've got in there.
You can tell from the illustration that the spring is to hold the weight of the stopper up so it doesn't block the line and the water can flow out. Also note that the linkages are adjustable, this is to ensure that the installer can provide the correct length of rod to align with the perpendicular drain line. See cross view in link.
http://www.homerepairforum.com/images/up...n_w550.JPG
Also note:
If the thing becomes a nuisance and there isn’t a better faceplate lever mechanism readily available for your setup…
It’s possible to install a completely differing mechanism that doesn’t require much work.
You remove the drain fitting in the bottom of the tub and you can replace it with the toe tap stopper type shown in the link and install a regular overflow upper plate that has no lever in it.
Toe Touch stopper:
http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merchant...creen=PROD&Product_Code=125102
To remove the lower drain fitting, you can invert a pair of pliers with handle into the drain and put a screw driver between the plier handle or jaws and rotate the pliers with the screw driver perpendicular through pliers. They also make a special wrench, but I still use the method my dad taught me 30 plus years ago when I started out working for him as a plumber digging service ditches (what joy).
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
There are several types of drain stop mechanisms but from what I've read, it sounds as if this is the type you have. I found a schematic of one, though the diagrams are not dedicated to the matter of the stopper assembly, it's a good illustration that will clarify what you've got in there.
You can tell from the illustration that the spring is to hold the weight of the stopper up so it doesn't block the line and the water can flow out. Also note that the linkages are adjustable, this is to ensure that the installer can provide the correct length of rod to align with the perpendicular drain line. See cross view in link.
http://www.homerepairforum.com/images/up...n_w550.JPG
Also note:
If the thing becomes a nuisance and there isn’t a better faceplate lever mechanism readily available for your setup…
It’s possible to install a completely differing mechanism that doesn’t require much work.
You remove the drain fitting in the bottom of the tub and you can replace it with the toe tap stopper type shown in the link and install a regular overflow upper plate that has no lever in it.
Toe Touch stopper:
http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merchant...creen=PROD&Product_Code=125102
To remove the lower drain fitting, you can invert a pair of pliers with handle into the drain and put a screw driver between the plier handle or jaws and rotate the pliers with the screw driver perpendicular through pliers. They also make a special wrench, but I still use the method my dad taught me 30 plus years ago when I started out working for him as a plumber digging service ditches (what joy).
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.