Tired of Bathtub Fix Gadgets that Don’t Last?

Everywhere you look, it seems there is a quick-fix gadget for something, and chances are, you get what you pay for. Trying a new gimmick may give you what you need for the short term, but most likely, it won’t last. If you want a bathtub drain and stopper solution that will last, look no further than Watco tub repair products. Watco is known for providing high-quality tub repair parts that last, so you won’t be looking for another quick fix in a month or two, and the best part is there are many affordable options. 

Watco has been a name trusted by professionals for decades, recognized for high-quality bathtub plumbing fixtures, waste drain products, and tub stopper solutions that are easy to install.  If you want to repair your bathtub drain or replace your stopper, Watco has quality tub repair products that you can install yourself without calling a plumber. 

Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix Solution

If you are tired of looking at a bathtub drain that is dingy or corroded, you can update the look of your tub with a shiny new bathtub stopper in just minutes. The Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish can install right over your bathtub drain with a universal fit for most tubs. This tub stopper replacement comes with your choice of installation methods, including a silicone adhesive to install over drains with missing crossbars. This means you don’t have to remove your existing drain just because you can’t screw in a new tub stopper.

The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish is one of the quickest, and easiest bathtub drain repair solutions available for a tub stopper and includes a mesh grid drain cover that helps to prevent hair and foreign debris from falling into the drain. You can get the Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish at FixMyDrain.com, where you can also see easy-to-follow videos on how to remove your current bathtub stopper.

FixMyDrain.com offers Watco’s leading bathtub drain and stopper replacement solution along with the Innovator® Snap-On White Finish Overflow Plate and a matching finish. Upgrade your bathtub today in just minutes with a quality bathtub stopper replacement that will last. Check out the Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish today and forget about quick-fix gadgets that don’t last.

What’s the Best DIY Bathtub Upgrade?

If you’re trying to finish some indoor home improvements before spring and summer arrive, you can do a quick bathtub upgrade by yourself in literally minutes. Bathtub fixtures don’t get the credit they deserve, and they are often not thought of until they fail or are so corroded they fall apart. Maintaining your bathtub is important, and it couldn’t be easier with Watco bathtub repair and replacement parts.

Install a New Tub Stopper in Minutes

Replacing your bathtub stopper might seem like a difficult job, but if you use the right products like the Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish, you can replace your tub stopper in minutes. This innovative tub stopper replacement allows you to install a high-quality, push-pull bathtub drain cover and stopper right over your existing drain without removing your current drain body. This is important, especially if your tub drain is corroded inside with missing crossbars.

Many tub stoppers cannot install over drains with missing crossbars as they need to screw into the hole in the middle. The Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish comes with a silicone adhesive installation method that quickly affixes over nearly any tub drain with a universal fit. Don’t wait until your tub stopper fails completely, or you get clogs from having a missing drain cover altogether. It couldn’t be easier to upgrade your tub with a brand-new tub stopper that is available in many different beautiful finish options.

Installing Matching Tub Overflow Plate

Go with a Watco SimplyQuick® Tub Fix trim kit for a matching overflow plate and a quick and easy upgrade to your whole tub. Replacing the overflow plate at the same time is easy to do with the Innovator® Snap-On White Finish Overflow Plate that you can replace in minutes by yourself.

FixMyDrain.com is your one-stop for the best Watco tub repair solution available. Install the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix White Finish on your own without calling professional help and without removing your existing drain. Upgrade the look of your tub today with the easiest tub stopper and overflow plate replacement.

How to Replace a Trip Lever Tub Stopper

It’s easy to recognize a trip lever bathtub stopper: you will see a lever protruding out of the overflow plate, and there should only be a drain cover over the drain without a visible stopper covering it. Many bathtubs are equipped with these types of tub stoppers that operate through a linking arm that is attached to the lever and the stopper right under the drain. Over time, these types of tub stoppers can start to leak water and not hold like they should, as the linking arm may need adjustment or replacement.

If you notice your trip lever tub stopper is no longer holding water, this is a good time to replace it with a reliable push-pull bathtub stopper.

How to Remove Your Trip Lever Tub Stopper

It’s easy to remove your trip lever tub stopper through the overflow plate, and you should only need a screwdriver. The overflow plate very likely has two screws on the side with the lever sticking out in the middle. Before you unscrew the screws and start to pull the overflow plate out, be sure to get a bucket and a rag handy so as you gently pull out the linkage, you can drop it straight in the bucket and not dirty up the tub. You should be able to pull this linkage out fairly easily unless it is so corroded that it breaks away from the trip lever.

If the linkage breaks accidentally, fish a wire through the overflow tube with a little hook at the end to grab a hold of the broken linkage and plunger and pull it out through the overflow tube. Now, you can easily install the Innovator® Snap-On Bathtub Overflow Plate and the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix for a reliable tub stopper that won’t leak water.

The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix and Innovator® Snap-On Overflow Plate come together in many beautiful finish options and are the easiest way to upgrade the look of your tub in just minutes. Watco makes it easy to upgrade your bathtub by yourself without calling a plumber. With Watco tub fix solutions like the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, there’s no need to remove your current bathtub drain to install the shiny new tub stopper.

FixMyDrain.com is your one-stop for the quickest and easiest tub stopper replacements with quality Watco products that will last. We offer simple video instructions and exceptional customer service. Contact us with any questions and upgrade your tub today with a new tub stopper and easy-to-install overflow plate.

Here’s the Best Way to Replace Your Tub Overflow Plate

Your bathtub overflow plate is often overlooked until you need to update your bathtub stopper or you notice the overflow plate is corroded or plugged up. The overflow plate performs a critical function on your tub: it diverts water from an overflowing bathtub down the overflow tube instead of spilling out over your tub and ruining your floor. An upstairs bathtub can cause even more damage by ruining the floor beneath it and the ceiling in a downstairs room. 

The overflow plate has a small hole in the bottom of it that the water will go through when overflowing. If this hole becomes clogged up or your overflow plate just looks old and corroded, it could be a good time to replace it. It’s really not difficult at all to replace your overflow plate with a shiny new one when you start with the Watco Innovator® Snap-On Overflow Plate. Watco is known for high-quality, easy-to-install tub repair products that last. 

How to Remove Your Existing Overflow Plate

It’s easy to remove your existing bathtub overflow plate with just a screwdriver, whether you have a one-hole or two-hole overflow plate or a trip-lever bathtub stopper. Simply remove the screws on the overflow plate and pull out the linking mechanism if there is one. This is the best time to replace a trip lever stopper with a push-pull tub stopper like the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, the easiest tub stopper replacement by Watco.

Replacing your tub stopper and overflow plate at the same time gives your whole bathtub a fresh new look, and Watco makes it easy with innovative and modern bathtub stopper replacements and overflow plates. Choose from a selection of beautiful finish options and turn your tub from drab to dazzling and just minutes with Watco tub stopper and overflow plate replacement parts.

FixMyDrain.com is your one-stop for the easiest tub fix solution with the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix and Snap-On Overflow Plate by Watco. We offer quality products and easy-to-follow video instructions to show you the best way to remove your tub stopper and overflow plate for an easy replacement. Contact us with any questions and upgrade your tub today with beautiful new Watco tub fixtures.

Three Simple Steps to a New Bathtub Drain Stopper

If you have been thinking about replacing your bathtub stopper but just keep putting it off, thinking it will be a hassle, you need to know about the revolutionary new tub stopper replacement you can install in three easy steps. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix by Watco is an innovative tub stopper replacement that you can install yourself without calling a plumber and in a matter of just minutes. With Watco’s SimpliQuick Tub Fix, there is a simple way to replace your drain stopper and quickly upgrade your bathtub. 

Here is the simplest, quickest way to replace your tub stopper:

1. Remove the current tub stopper – This is easier than you may think, and FixMyDrain.com offers videos to show you how to quickly remove your current bathtub stopper.  Watch this video on how to replace the most common types of stoppers, such as:

• Pop-up

• Push-pull

• Toe-touch

• Flip-it

• Plunger style

• Lift and turn

In most cases, you can remove your existing bathtub stopper with nothing more than a screwdriver. 

1. Determine the SimpliQuick® installation method – It only takes seconds to determine if you need to use the reversible pin to install your stopper or if you should use the silicone adhesive method.  Most tub drains include a crossbar, which the tub stopper screws into.  If those crossbars are missing or corroded, homeowners typically had to remove and replace the entire drain just to install a stopper. Now, with the revolutionary SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, you can install this shiny new push-pull stopper directly on top of your current drain with the silicone adhesive method, even if the crossbars are missing.

1. Install your new tub stopper with the installation method of your choice – Simply install Watco’s bathtub stopper replacement either with the reversible pin or the silicone adhesive method. 

Watco is known for high-quality products that are easy to install and backs all their products with a five-year limited warranty for added peace of mind. You can learn more at FixMyDrain.com, your one stop for bathtub drain solutions.

FixMyDrain.com offers Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix in various beautiful finish options and a matching Innovator® Snap-On Overflow Plate that is just as easy to install. Upgrade the look of your whole tub with this beautiful tub stopper and matching overflow plate. Contact us with any questions, and stop putting off your tub repair with the simplest tub stopper replacement available.

Last-Minute Home Improvements before the Holidays

Time goes by so quickly, and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us, and you may wish you hadn’t put off those home improvements when company comes by. It might be hard to carve time out of a busy day for some extra deep cleaning or home improvement projects, but there are a few things that you can do quickly and easily to prepare for last-minute guests. 

Getting ready for holiday guests can be a bit stressful as you want to make a good appearance from the minute they pull up in front of your house. Starting with the outside, make sure you have some nice curb appeal with a clean yard and raked leaves. 

On the inside, you’ll want to touch on the main rooms that guests will see and address any glaring issues. One thing that really spruces up a house is to clean all carpets with a steam cleaner. This gives the whole house a fresh, clean smell and is very welcoming to guests. 

Additionally, just about everyone that visits your home will ask to use the restroom. It is very important to make sure that your bathroom is clean, and you should replace broken tub stoppers or fixtures. 

Replacing Bathtub Fixtures and Stoppers

Whether your guests use your bathtub or not, chances are they will see it, and you can avoid embarrassment by making sure your tub looks good. It is quite easy to upgrade your tub by replacing your tub stopper and the overflow plate. Dingy, dirty, or corroded bathtub fixtures are impossible to clean and can put a damper on the whole room. 

Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is the easiest tub stopper replacement that you can do yourself without calling a plumber and without removing your tub drain. Match it with a new tub overflow plate in the same finish, and your tub will sparkle to impress your guests the minute they walk into the bathroom. 

FixMyDrain.com is your one-stop for new bathtub fixtures that sparkle like a new tub stopper and overflow plate. Watco is known for providing high-quality tub repair parts that last and are easy to install.  It is easier than you think to upgrade your tub today with quality tub repair parts by Watco.

Quick and Affordable Upgrade to Any Bathtub

Everyone loves a good home improvement that adds value to your home, a quick and affordable improvement is even better. Upgrading the bathtub is a good place to start a bathroom remodel project as you use the tub every single day, and replacing your tub stopper and tub fixtures can instantly brighten the whole room. Modern bathtub repair and replacement products offer quick and easy installation, and Watco offers some of the highest quality tub repair parts available.

Replace Your Tub Stopper

Most bathtub drain stoppers are easy to remove once you identify the type of tub stopper you have.  Removing a tub stopper typically requires nothing more than a screwdriver, here’s a video on how to remove your bathtub stopper, which is a lot easier than you think.  Some bathtub stoppers, like a lift and turn drain stopper, could have a set screw underneath that needs to be loosened. Other stoppers, like a foot-actuated stopper or a roller ball plug, can be removed just by turning counterclockwise until you can separate it from the drain.

Installing Your New Bathtub Stopper

Once you have your stopper removed, you are ready to install your new bathtub stopper. Clean your drain with mild soap and water once you have the drain exposed and rinse with hot water. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix by Watco is one of the quickest and easiest, and most affordable bathtub stopper replacements on the market. It is so easy because you can install it quickly, right over your existing bathtub drain, without removing the current drain body.

This quick and affordable tub fix is available in two different installation methods for a truly universal fit over just about any bathtub drain, including drains with broken crossbars. It comes with a reversible 3/8-in or 5/16-in composite pin or silicone adhesive to install over drains with missing crossbars. 

It’s never been easier to upgrade the look of your bathtub, and the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is a win-win with a quick and affordable bathtub upgrade. Install Watco’s Innovator®
Snap-on Overflow Plate at the same time to complete the look of your tub with shiny new fixtures in a matching, beautiful finish.

Get Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix at FixMyDrain.com, your one-stop for bathtub drain stopper and overflow plate solutions. All of Watco’s tub stoppers in tub repair parts are backed by the Watco name and a five-year limited warranty. Contact us with any questions and check out the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix for a quick and affordable upgrade to any bathtub.

Easy Bathtub Transformation with New Stopper and Overflow Plate

A tarnished, corroded, or dingy old bathtub stopper can change the look and feel of your entire shower or tub. Nobody wants a rundown-looking bathtub, especially when houseguests visit. Installing a brand-new shiny bathtub stopper and a new overflow plate can drastically change the look of your bathtub providing a fantastic transformation.

When replacing the tub stopper, many people often forget about the overflow plate. If you replace both at the same time with the matching finish and makes a big difference in the look and feel of your tub. Transform your bathtub from drab to dazzling with the brand-new stopper and overflow plate by the leader in tub repair and replacement parts, Watco.

Watco Bathtub Stopper Replacement

Watco offers one of the simplest and quickest bathtub stopper replacement options available, with the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, a push-pull stopper that installs in minutes. This innovative replacement tub stopper offers two methods of installation depending on the shape of your tub drain. In the past, it was impossible to install a new tub stopper if your crossbars are missing. Now, with this revolutionary tub stopper, you can install it right over your existing drain without taking out your old one. Watco’s SimpliQuick Tub Fix offers the easiest tub stopper replacement that you can do yourself with no hassle, no prep work, and no need to call a professional plumber.

Watco Innovator® Snap-On Overflow Plate

We often forget about that overflow plate as it is something that we don’t normally need to use, it’s just there. If you really take a good look at it and you find that it is dingy and old looking, replacing the overflow plate with your new tub stopper can give a brand-new look to your tub. It’s never been easier to replace the overflow plate with Watco’s Innovator® Snap-On Bathtub Overflow Plate, which comes in a matching finish to your push-pull stopper and also installs in minutes.

Don’t wait any longer to transform the look of your bathtub with the simple and quick bathtub upgrade solutions by Watco.

You can get everything you need at FixMyDrain.com, your one-stop for quality bathtub drain replacement products. FixMyDrain.com is committed to helping you with a long-lasting, high-quality bathtub drain solution offering quality products and knowledgeable customer service. Contact us with any questions, and don’t delay on transforming your bathtub today with Watco’s simple and quick tub stopper replacement and overflow plate solutions.

How To Stop Tub From Filling Up When Using Bathroom Sink

A clog in the bathtub drain pipe is a pretty common occurrence that typically happens over time as you begin to notice the water draining slower. This is usually caused by hair clogs, soap scum, or hard water. The drainpipes all connect eventually and a clog may cause the tub to fill up when using the sink and vice versa.

Assess Your Drainpipe Situation

The tub drain is usually a good place to start when you do not know exactly where the blockage is. The P-trap in the bathtub drain can collect sediment and cause a clog over time. If the tub backs up when running water down the sink, however, this is not the issue and the P-trap is clear. There is a clog somewhere but it is beyond the point where the tub and sink drains merge. 

The blockage is most likely several feet below the tub drain and sink in the drain opening may not be a reliable strategy.

Plunging the Bathtub Drain

Plunging the bathtub drain can help dislodge a clog several feet down if done properly. If you just have a screen over your drain and you can fit a plunger around the tub drain you should fill the tub with a couple inches of water, stuff a rag into the overflow tube and also block up the sink drain with a rag or a reliable stopper. This diverts all force to the plunger and the blockage. Get an airtight seal and pump vigorously several times around the tub drain.

If you cannot plunge the tub drain due to an installed bathtub stopper, try snaking through the overflow tube after removing the overflow plate. 

Once you clear the blockage, consider installing a new bathtub stopper with a mesh grid drain cover to help prevent hair and debris from entering your drain. Watco offers an easy to install bathtub stopper and drain cover in one, the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix that can install over any drain, even drains with broken crossbars without removing the existing drain.

Learn more about Watco tub drain parts and tub fix solutions at FixMyDrain.com, your one stop for Watco bathtub drain stoppers and overflow plates. Contact us with any questions and for bathtub fix solutions.

How To Stop Toilet Gargling When Taking A Shower

Have you ever noticed the toilet making a gargling sound when you take a shower? This can happen for a few different reasons and is something that you should take care of as quickly as possible. If your toilet gurgles when showering, you may have a plumbing problem that will get worse and require costly repairs, and a blocked sewer vent can also create health problems.

Here are the three main reasons why your toilet gurgles when showering:

• Your drain pipes are blocked

• The main sewer line is blocked

• Your vent pipe is blocked

Blocked Drain Pipes

Something blocking your drain pipes is one of the main reasons that this happens. Bubbling in the toilet may start if your drain is partially blocked, although if water no longer flushes down the toilet, you could have a completely blocked drain. Many things can cause a blocked drain, such as hair, soap residue, oil, grease, and other contaminants. 

Blocked Sewer Line

The drain pipe for the toilet is connected to the main sewer line under the house. If you notice multiple drains in the house are slow or clogged, the main sewer line could be the culprit. This can occur if tree roots infiltrate your pipes, if your pipes are losing structural integrity, if there is a build-up inside the pipes, or if something is blocking them like flushable wipes (which should not really be flushed), or if objects like toys get flushed or accidentally fall down the drain. Harsh drain cleaning chemicals with sulfuric acid can also corrode your pipes.

Blocked Vent Pipe

A vertical vent pipe that exits on your roof is connected to the main drain and sewer pipes to allow gas and air to travel safely throughout the drains without causing a disruption in the water flow. Your toilet may start to bubble if the vent pipe is obstructed and the plumbing system does not function properly. An obstructed vent pipe can be caused by tree branches, leaves, small animals, birds, even a tennis ball landing on your roof. 

A vent pipe is meant to remove gases and sewer odors from the house and if the vent pipe is blocked, the gases will escape through other drains in the home. If you start to smell sewer gases you should have this fixed immediately as health issues could result such as nausea, drowsiness, shortness of breath, and headaches.

How to Stop Toilet Gurgling When Showering

One of the first things you can try if this happens is to use a plunger in your toilet, although this will only help if you have a blockage close to the surface. You should first attempt to plunge the toilet, although if a blockage is deeper down in your pipes this will not work. After you plunge the toilet, also plunge the shower drain. If you still hear the toilet gurgling when running the shower, consider cleaning the vent pipe and sewer lines.

Clean the Vent Pipe

Make sure the vent pipe has a screen to prevent debris from falling inside and causing obstructions. You have to get on the roof to see the vent pipe and you can clear most obstructions that you can see on the outside and take a garden hose with you to flush water down the vent. See if you can hear water pushing the clog down the drain and if this doesn’t work you can try a sewer snake through the vent pipe and then make sure it is covered and protected properly. Call a professional if you are not comfortable getting on your roof.

Clean the Sewer Lines

A clogged sewer line can cause the toilet to gurgle. If the previous fixes did not solve the problem you may need to call a professional sewer repair service. If the problem is tree roots growing into your lines they can use large equipment to get through the pipes to remove the clog or they may suggest hydro-jetting to clean the sewer lines.

It is important to take care of the plumbing in your house to prevent costly repairs and health issues. Be sure to get all of your bathtub drain parts including drain waste products and bathtub stoppers from Watco, available at FixMyDrain.com 

How To Replace A Bathtub Overflow Gasket

The bathtub overflow drain is often overlooked as a source of a water leak coming from your tub. Many times, homeowners will begin to tighten threaded connections, replace faucet valves, or use silicone tape to seal connections. It may not make much sense that a faulty gasket in your overflow plate is the culprit for water leaking through a ceiling and running down the wall from an upstairs bathroom. 

One indicator that you should check the gasket in the overflow tube is if you do not notice the leak when someone is taking a shower or a bath without filling it up very full. When bathing children without filling the tub up to the overflow tube or when showering, you may not notice the leak if the water does not reach the overflow tube.

Replacing the Tub Overflow Gasket

Replacing a bathtub overflow gasket is actually very simple and inexpensive and is something you can do on your own. You can easily save a couple hundred dollars by doing this yourself instead of calling a plumber. The first thing to do is to remove the screws on the overflow cover plate. This is usually with a Phillips head screwdriver and may be one screw in the center or two screws on the sides. 

If you have a trip lever tub stopper or your bathtub stopper is controlled with a lever protruding out of the overflow plate, simply remove the screws and pull the cover out with the stopper assembly attached. Take a look at the rubber gasket that sits right behind the flange to hold the overflow plate, and if you notice the gasket is cracked or deteriorating, this is most likely the cause of your leaks.

You will need to simply remove the old gasket and work the new one snugly into place. A replacement overflow gasket is typically beveled, and in most cases, the thicker part should be towards the bottom. This is also a good time to replace your bathtub overflow plate altogether, and one of the easiest to install is the Watco Innovator® Snap-On bathtub overflow plate. 

Pair it with a matching push-pull bathtub stopper like the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, also by Watco, for a matching, complete look to upgrade your tub.

You can find the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix and Watco’s Innovator® Snap-On Bathtub Overflow Plate at FixMyDrain.com, the premier online retailer for Watco quality tub plumbing products.  Watco is recognized as a leading, innovative supplier of quality bathtub plumbing products that provide long-lasting functionality and easy installation. Contact us to learn more about replacing your bathtub overflow gasket and upgrading your tub with a new tub stopper and overflow plate.

How To Fix A Leaky Bathtub Overflow Tube

If you notice a leaky bathtub, the problem can often be traced back to the drain assembly or the overflow tube. A bathtub overflow drain acts as a safety feature to divert water down the overflow tube if the tub overfills, to prevent the water from spilling out over the top of the bathtub. This helps to prevent water damage from an overflowing tub by preventing water from spilling out and dripping over the sides and beneath the bathtub where it could damage the floor, or a ceiling if located in an upstairs room.

The first impulse when noticing a bathtub leak could be to get to the drain underneath the tub although in many cases, the overflow tube could be the source of the leak.

Locate the Source of Your Bathtub Leak

Before you start tearing things apart to get underneath your bathtub, locate the source of the leak by checking the tile around the tub for caulking or grouting issues. If this is the case, you will only notice a leak while the tub or shower are in use.

If you notice a continuous leak even when the tub or shower or not in use, it could be a waterline that is pressurized and leaking constantly rather than a leak with the overflow tube.

If there is a leak in the tub drain or piping, you can remove your access panel to view the plumbing for the bathtub. Run water while looking for leaks and any loose connections. Repair or tighten drain fittings as needed. 

If you do not see leaking when running water in the bathtub, run the shower and look for leaks coming from the faucet. If you do not notice any leaks from the shower running, the overflow tube is the most likely cause of your tub leak. 

Replacing Your Bathtub Overflow Plate

It is easy to remove a bathtub overflow plate with just a screwdriver to check the gasket. A ring-shaped gasket seals the overflow pipe and is located directly behind the flange around the opening. The rubber gasket can become cracked and brittle over time and cause leaking. Remove the overflow plate with a screwdriver and simply pull it off. You may need to cut the caulk out of the way with a utility knife. Inspect the gasket and replace it if cracked or worn.

One of the easiest bathtub overflow plates to install is the Innovator® Snap-On Bathtub Overflow Plate Kit by Watco. This innovative tub overflow plate is a simple replacement with easy retrofits to one or two hole trip lever overflow plates. If you are replacing a trip lever stopper, get the overflow plate with the matching SimpliQuick® Tub Fix for a quick and easy way to upgrade your entire tub with quality tub plumbing products.

FixMyDrain.com is the premier online retailer for all Watco tub plumbing products including replacement stoppers, tub drain parts and overflow plates. Watco is a name recognized by professional plumbers for quality products that are easy to install. Contact us with any questions and upgrade your tub today with the Innovator® Snap-On Overflow Plate Kit. 

How To Clean A Smelly Drain

A smelly drain can release an odor throughout the entire house. Kitchen drains can start to release odors like rotting food, or your bathroom sink and shower might start to smell like a sewer. Kitchen drains often accumulate grease and trapped food from dirty dishes, which can attract pesky fruit flies and produce bacteria. Bathroom sink and shower drains accumulate toothpaste, soap, hair, and body oils which eventually creates a clog that starts to stink.

Before you call in a plumber for professional help, there are some very simple things that you can do to clean a smelly drain yourself.

Use a Plastic Drain Snake

The plastic drain snake is a handy tool and does a great job of grabbing gunked-up hair and soap scum out of a drain. They are easy to use; you just remove your tub stopper or drain cover and then insert the snake into the drain while turning slowly so the tough little bristles can grab any hair and debris. You might want to be wearing plastic gloves for this and have a little trashcan nearby to quickly drop the disgusting, smelly mess. If you don’t have any plastic drain stakes, you should get some; they are inexpensive, and having a multipack on hand is always a great idea.

Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

There is a reason why hot water combined with dish soap cleans grease off of dirty dishes, this works on a stinky drain too. It has to be hot, boiling water for this to work so bring a pot of water to a boil, turn off the heat, and add a small amount of liquid dish soap. Slowly pour half of the boiling water and dish soap down your drain and let it work for at least five minutes to dissolve any greasy buildup.

After five minutes, turn on the cold water on high for at least one minute, and it will solidify the greasy residue. Then pour the rest of the hot water into the drain to flush it all out. This easy method with hot water can oftentimes solve your smelly drain problem but be sure to snake it first and remove any hair and debris that you can.

How To Keep Your Drain From Stinking

You can help to prevent your drain from developing odor-causing clogs by following some simple routine maintenance. For kitchen drains, do not pour grease down the drain and always flush with hot water after washing dishes. To help prevent stinky bathtub drain odor, use a plastic drain snake every 2 to 3 months and make sure you have a proper bathtub drain cover. If you need to snake the overflow tube, having a simple overflow plate like the Watco Innovator® Bathtub Overflow Plate Kit gives a beautiful look to your tub with an overflow plate that is easy to remove for maintenance. 

FixMyDrain.com offers the most innovative bathtub stopper replacement on the market from Watco, a name recognized for high-quality bathtub repair and replacement parts. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix helps to prevent hair from entering the drain with a mesh grid drain cover and easy-to-use push-pull stopper. Practice routine maintenance to keep your drain from smelling and install the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix for a beautiful and functional drain cover.

How To Fix A Bathtub Drain Stopper Stuck In Closed Position

If your bathtub stopper is stuck in a closed position, you may notice water pooling at your feet every time you take a shower. It might appear that there is a clog from accumulated soap scum or hair, but if your drain is still not draining water after cleaning it, you may find that your bathtub drain stopper is stuck in the closed position. This is a pretty easy remedy; the first thing you need to do is to remove your bathtub stopper, and if cleaning it and reassembling does not do the trick, it is very simple to replace it.

Identify Your Tub Stopper Type to Remove It

There are different types of tub stoppers, such as a push-pull where you simply push it down or pull it up, the toe touch stopper which does the same thing with the tap of your foot, the lift and turn stopper and trip lever systems that go through the overflow drain. This video shows you how to remove the most common types of bathtub stoppers. 

For some stoppers that have the knob on top that is stuck, try to put a rag around it and use a pair of pliers to loosen the top while holding onto the base. If the top comes off, but the stopper stays in the drain, there may be a set screw underneath the top of the stopper, which is easy to remove with a flathead screwdriver.

If you have a pop-up drain stopper controlled by a trip lever, you will see a stopper over the drain, although it is controlled by the trip lever. You will need to rotate the overflow plate and pull the stopper straight up and out. These types of stoppers may require adjustment after several years of use and can be replaced with a stopper that is easier to control.  

A lift bucket drain stopper is also controlled by the trip lever, although there is no stopper visible in the drain as there is simply a plunger that lifts up and down to stop water at the overflow drain. With this type of stopper, you should see a drain cover over your drain. You will remove this the same way through the overflow plate. Have a rag handy to lay the assembly in the tub without scratching the finish.

Install a New Watco Bathtub Stopper

Watco offers the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, a tub stopper replacement solution that quickly and easily replaces the most common types of tub stoppers. With the universal fit, this tub stopper replacement installs in minutes and can even sit over the drain with broken or missing crossbars. Learn more from the helpful folks at FixMyDrain.com. 

FixMyDrain.com offers the latest innovative bathtub stopper solution from Watco, a leader in tub repair and replacement parts. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is easy to install and is backed up by the Watco five-year limited warranty. Get this Watco tub stopper solution today and combine with a matching overflow plate that is just as easy to install. 

How To Keep Your Bathtub Drain Stopper Looking Shiny

Between all of the dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits that your bathtub drain is exposed to, you might find that your tub stopper has lost its sparkle. Keeping your bathtub drain stopper shiny can be a challenge but persistence pays off. You can keep your tub stopper looking shiny and new without using caustic chemicals.

An Ounce of Prevention

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventing your tub stopper from becoming dingy and corroded in the first place is the best way to keep your stopper looking shiny. Always wipe it off when you’re done with your bath or shower so that soap scum and hard water does not have a chance to tarnish the shine.

Just wiping off your tub stopper with a clean rag and some warm soapy water, then rinsing it clean and drying it should help to prevent a new stopper from tarnishing too soon.

Install a Quality Tub Stopper

Starting with the quality bathtub stopper in the first place is also important to retain that new, shiny look. To start with a brand-new shiny stopper, consider Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix, an easy to install push pull stopper available in many beautiful finish options such as shiny chrome, brushed chrome, brushed nickel, nickel polished, polished brass and more.

The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix by Watco is easy to install yourself, without calling a professional plumber, and can even install right over your existing drain without removing your current tub drain. Watco is a name recognized and trusted by professional plumbers for easy to install bathtub fixtures and plumbing products.

You can get the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix at FixMyDrain.com, where you can also find easy to follow videos to show you how to remove your tub stopper and install a new one in minutes. Check out the trim kits with a matching overflow plate for a polished, brand-new tub look. Get your SimpliQuick® Tub Fix today, and just keep it clean for a shiny brand-new tub look.

How to Keep Hair Out of a Drain

Unless you don’t have any hair, keeping hair out of a drain is nearly impossible. Every time you shower or bathe, some hair will inevitably be washed down your bathtub drain. There are some things you can do to help keep hair out of your drain, however, which is a good thing to do especially if you have long thick hair or there are multiple people in the house taking showers regularly.

Here are a few simple tips that you can try to help prevent hair from clogging up your drain:

Brush your hair before getting in the shower - this is especially helpful if you have long hair. Almost every time you brush your hair some stray strands will come loose and it is better to come loose in your hair brush then into the shower drain. This only takes a few seconds, doesn’t cost anything and can make a difference.

Remove hair clogs immediately - if you do notice that your drain is not draining water like it should or is pooling water when you are taking a shower, and it is time to check your drain and remove any hair clogs that exist. It’s easy to remove air clogged by simply removing the tub stopper and using a plastic snake or removing the overflow plate to go through the overflow tube if your tub stopper is installed over your drain with silicone.

Install a drain cover - this is one of the most common solutions to prevent hair and foreign objects from falling into your bathtub drain. Installing a drain cover or a tub stopper with a mesh grid drain cover like Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix will go a long way to help prevent hair from entering your tub drain.

You can get the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix from FixMyDrain.com, your one source for high-quality Watco tub repair and replacement products. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is an easy to install tub stopper with an included mesh grid drain cover to help prevent hair from entering your drain. FixMyDrain.com offers this quality tub stopper replacement and easy to follow videos to show you exactly how to remove your current tub stopper and install a new one with instructional videos and exceptional customer service.

How To Keep Soap Scum Out Of The Drain

We are all familiar with soap scum, that unpleasant white residue that clings to our shower stalls and bathtubs. What you may not realize and what you cannot see is the soap scum that clings to the inside of your drains and pipes. Soap scum is one of the largest reasons for clogged drains.

How Does Soap Scum Form?

Soap scum forms when soap comes in contact with water, particularly hard water with a high mineral content. The fatty acids found in soap react with the minerals in hard water to create what is called lime soap, also known as soap scum. Soap scum can still occur in households with soft water, although soft water does help to cut down on the amount of soap scum. 

Problems from Soap Scum Build up

As soap scum builds up over time, it attracts mold and mildew and can clog your drain. This buildup reduces the space that your water has to exit your tub drain causing your drain to get blocked up or drain very slowly. Soap scum will accumulate additional contaminants like hair which turns into an even bigger clog.

Not only is soap scum bad for drains, but it can also contain a host of bacteria. In this case, soap scum is not only a nuisance but is also unhealthy.

How to Treat Soap Scum

The most important thing you can do to keep soap scum out of your tub drain is to use a simple mesh grid drain cover over your bathtub drain. This helps to prevent soap scum, hair and foreign objects from entering your drain, clinging to your pipes and causing a clog. You also want to flush your drain with hot water regularly as that will also help to loosen soap scum to exit through your drain.

Installing a new bathtub stopper with a drain cover is a good way to help prevent clogged drains from soap scum or any other contaminant. Watco offers easy to install replacement tub stoppers that come with a mesh grid drain cover to protect your bathtub drain.  FixMyDrain.com offers the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix solution, which is an easy to install push pull stopper with a universal fit and a five-year warranty.

FixMyDrain.com is your one stop for the Watco tub fix solution, a simple tub stopper replacement with a mesh grid drain cover. Choose a matching overflow plate to upgrade the look and function of your bathtub with beautiful, matching new fixtures. Get your SimpliQuick® Tub Fix solution today and help protect your drain against excessive soap scum and hair entering your drain.

Unclog a Tub Drain With a Snake Without Removing Your Stopper

A bathtub drain can get clogged up pretty easily from a variety of things entering the drain over a period of time. Hair, dirt, soap, or the occasional foreign object can eventually cause your tub drain to form a clog which prevents water from draining as it should. This can be quite annoying when you are trying to take a shower and find yourself standing in inches of dirty water.

Depending on how often you use the shower, how many people are in the house, or especially how many people are in the house with long hair, you may have to clean your tub drain periodically.  There are a few simple tools that you can use yourself to fix your tub drain and you can even unclog a bathtub drain with a snake without removing your stopper. Most of the time when we think of using a snake, we think about snaking the drain through the drain hole, although most professional plumbers will snake a drain through the overflow hole to clean out a clogged tub drain. 

Remove Your Overflow Plate

Many obstructions in a bathtub drain can be dislodged manually through the overflow plate. The first thing to do without removing your tub stopper is to remove the tub overflow plate. This is easy enough to do with just a screwdriver. 

Now you can use a simple plastic drain snake that can be purchased at any hardware store and has little notches down the side that grab hair and debris to easily pull out of the drain. If you do not have a plastic drain snake, you can take a wire coat hanger and bend the end into a little hook to reach in and pull out any stuck hair. Pull out as much hair and foreign material as you can reach, and then flush the drain thoroughly with hot water.  

Most of the time this will do the trick, if you have a heavy-duty clog you may need to use an auger or a plumber snake which can also be purchased at any hardware store. Unclogging your drain yourself is pretty simple to do and there is usually no need to call in a professional plumber.

Installing a quality bathtub stopper with a drain cover helps to prevent excess hair and foreign material from entering your drain in the first place. Check out these quality bathtub stoppers made by Watco, a name recognized for high-quality tub drain products.

FixMyDrain.com is your one-stop for bathtub drain solutions with quality Watco tub drain products. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is one of the easiest tub stopper replacements available and you can even install it over a broken drain without removing the existing tub drain. Contact us to learn more and make sure your drain is covered with a quality tub stopper and drain cover.

The Main Bathtub Parts And How They Work

Every homeowner should understand the different bathtub parts and how they work for easy tub repairs if something goes wrong. Understanding the parts of a tub also makes it easy to upgrade your bathtub with new replacement stoppers or tub fixtures. The main parts of a bathtub besides the tub itself include the means to supply water to the tub, and the framework of plumbing pipes and drains to control the flow of water.  

The basic parts of a bathtub include: 

Water supply - the water supply is the pipes that bring the water to your tub with a hot water and a cold water supply pipe. 

Diverter pipe – a diverter pipe is often used to connect the hot and cold water supply to come out of the same faucet. They are used in many sinks and tubs and to send water to the shower. If you suddenly experience low water pressure, it is a good idea to check your diverter pipe.

Shut off valves - in newer homes built within the last 40 years, many fixtures will have a separate stop valve to shut off the supply to the fixture. In case of emergency, without shutoff valves, you would have to shut off the main supply to the house. If you do not have separate stop valves on your water supply, you may want to install them in case of emergency.

Tub faucet - your tub might have a separate faucet for hot and cold water control or it could have one handle to control the temperature from both hot and cold water supply. Your faucets control the flow and temperature of water entering the tub.

Bathtub drain - the tub drain is a key component of any bathtub, allowing for easy draining of water. The body of the tub is typically designed so that water will run towards the drain to exit the tub. A drainpipe is affixed under the drain to take your tub water to the main waste drain. If your drain is clogged, it is usually from a buildup of hair or debris and it may be a good time to change or tub stopper and make sure that you have a drain cover. 

Tub stopper - your bathtub stopper holds water in your tub and can easily be controlled to let water flow out of the drain. If your tub stopper is not holding water, you should replace it with an easy to install product like the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix by Watco. This is a very simple tub stopper replacement with a high-quality product from a trusted name like Watco.

Overflow pipe - the overflow drain sits up high just a few inches away from the top of the tub, usually directly above the tub drain, and sometimes with a lever sticking out to control a trip lever stopper. The overflow drain protects against overflowing if the water is accidentally left on or gets too full. Watco provides a patented snap-on Innovator® Overflow that will retrofit any one-, two-hole or even a trip lever overflow.

Other plumbing pipes under the tub include the trap, also called in S-bend, which traps water in that part of the pipe to prevent gasses from passing into your home while still allowing wastewater to flow out of the house. 

To learn more about replacing the most common bathtub parts like a new tub stopper or an overflow plate, FixMyDrain.com offers quality tub repair and replacement parts from Watco that are easy to install.

FixMyDrain.com has everything you need to replace your tub stopper in minutes, even if your tub drain is corroded or missing crossbars. The SimpliQuick® Tub Fix is a quality push pull stopper that allows for easy, high flow draining with a reliable, watertight seal. Check out FixMyDrain.com for quality bathtub repair parts with easy to follow videos that show you exactly how they work and how to replace them.

Easy Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

If you want to upgrade the look of your bathroom, there are some simple things you can do that will not break the bank. Remodeling your bathroom is easier than you think and will add value to your home. If you are on a tight budget and are not replacing major items like the tub, sink, or vanity, there are a lot of other things that will make a big impact with minimal investment.

Here are some simple steps to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom:

1. Update fixtures on walls and ceiling - updating all your room fixtures makes a big impact if your lighting fixtures, towel rack or toilet paper holder are old and outdated. You can easily update your wall fixtures without spending a lot of money. Plan ahead and make sure the finish matches the finish of your bathtub fixtures.

2. Replace bathtub fixtures - replacing your bathtub stopper and overflow plate makes a big difference in upgrading the look of your bathtub and entire bathroom. Make sure the finish on your bathtub fixtures match any new fixtures you installed on your walls and ceiling. Watco offers quality tub stopper replacements and overflow plates that are easy to install and come in a variety of finish options.

3. Paint - painting a room is one of the simplest and most notable improvements you can make and also one of the least expensive. You want to do this after you replace any wall fixtures. 

When replacing your bathtub fixtures, you can watch this quick video to see one of the easiest tub stopper replacements available on the market.  Watco’s SimpliQuick® Tub Fix installs in minutes, even over an existing drain.  Broken crossbars? No problem.  You can still update your bathtub to give your whole bathroom a fresh new look, without removing your tub drain. 

FixMyDrain.com makes it easy to upgrade the function and look of your bathtub with simple tub stopper replacement solutions. We offer high-quality, innovative products from Watco, the leading name in tub repair and replacement parts. Check out the SimpliQuick® Tub Fix for an easy tub stopper replacement on any tub drain.