How to get a stuck bathtub stopper cap off
Bathtub stopper caps often fail to twist off or reveal an accessible screw, trapping hair clogs underneath. Because the mechanism won't budge, people cannot clear out deep blockages or use tools like drain snakes effectively.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Using pliers or a wrench to grip the inner screw or stem
- 2Pulling up while twisting counterclockwise
- 3Using a thin pair of pliers under the cap to grip the stem
- 4Trying a zip tool or snake through the overflow access
- 5Using a flat edge screwdriver at the edge or inserting something skinny through the holes to pry it out.
- 6Replacing the entire stopper assembly
- 7Taking the part to a hardware store to match and replace the o-ring or gasket
- 8Buying a new Delta brand spout that fits onto the existing stuck adapter instead of removing it
- 9Cutting them off with a Sawzall
- 10Prying off the top cap to access a retaining screw
- 11Using dental picks to locate and remove concealed parts
- 12snaking the drain to the cleanout
- 13taking the cap for the overflow completely off
- 14replumbing the bathroom during renovations
- 15Using penetrating oils like WD-40, PB Blaster, and Kroil
- 16Applying heat with a MAPP torch
- 17Cutting out the cap with a grinder, sawzall, or cold chisel
- 18Pulling the toilet to snake the line instead of using the cleanout
- 19Using channel locks on the inner piece
- 20Searching for a set screw under the rubber seal
- 21Using a dedicated cartridge puller tool screwed into the center rod
- 22Applying light twisting motions back and forth while pulling
- 23Drilling out the center rod and chipping pieces out
- 24Using a heated flathead screwdriver to slice away at swollen plastic components
- 25snaking hair out
- 26using a pumice stone
- 27applying Comet cleaner and polishing with a rag
- 28Using a screwdriver
- 29Using an allen key
- 30Hitting it
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“i am having a hell of a time trying to get the cap off so I can snake this...”source ↗
“Hard to get any sort of leverage with any sized tool.”source ↗
“Thinking about trying my mapp torch but other than that, im out of ideas...”source ↗
“I want to try to remove the drain cover but I can't move it at all. I've tried using a screwdriver and an allen key to get underneath and pry it up but it won't budge”source ↗
“How do I remove this tub stopper? I have to clear a hair clog but I cannot get this stopper out!!!”source ↗
“Need some advice on what to do to get this shower cartridge out. I removed the U clip, I PB blasted the inside and I’ve placed a screw for leverage but it isn’t budging.”source ↗
“I know they have hard water, and it's an older home. Other than that info, I am ignorant as to what caused this rock hard build-up.”source ↗
“I need to unclog this bath and remove the drain to do so.”source ↗
“I’ve tried to twist the square fitted bolt looking thing with channel locks and a wrench that fits, it doesn’t want to budge.”source ↗
“The cap is not twisting off. I thought it might, and then there might be a screw situation, but the cap doesn't move.”source ↗
“I tried a drain weasel and pulled out as much hair as I could. This is a basement bathroom, I don't know if that makes a difference. I am pretty good at clearing drains of hair, I just can't get this stopper off and it's so frustrating!”source ↗
“And I noticed some hair poking out of the drain after my shower so I was pulling on it and then the band snapped off 😔”source ↗
“I am currently trying to replace my bathtub spout with another one, the old one broke.”source ↗
“I was able to remove the old spout from the tub but I am unable to remove this old adapter.”source ↗
“I was able to unscrew the set screw but the adapter won't budge.”source ↗
“I have a whirlpool jacuzzi bath and cannot for the life of me figure out how to remove these knobs.”source ↗
“I need help and googling/youtube somehow hasn't turned up much help. The tub in one of my bathrooms drains insanely slow, it'll fill up even without the plug in.”source ↗
“I have no idea what to do to fix it, any suggestions are welcome.”source ↗
“Yours looks like the center rod is destroyed. You are looking at drilling it out and chipping pieces out.”source ↗
“Hello! I have a clog starting to form in my shower floor. What’s the best way to get the cap off to address the clog?”source ↗
“This rubber band ripped off my drain, how do I fix this? I would be eternally grateful for help 🙏”source ↗