How-to-Guide
Helpful Guide
How to Remove 3 Different Kinds of Drain Stoppers
Clean or replace drain stoppers to clear clogs and update your bathroom. Learn to identify your stopper type and follow the step-by-step removal instructions below.
Pro Tip: Prevent Clogs Before They Start
The EcoKatch hair catcher fits inside your bathtub drain and traps hair before it reaches the stopper assembly — keeping all 3 stopper types cleaner, longer.
Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper
Identified by a small threaded knob on top. Turning the knob left (counterclockwise) opens the drain; turning right (clockwise) closes it. The knob rotates to control water flow.
Remove the Drain Stopper Knob
Rotate the knob counterclockwise to open the drain, then continue turning until the knob fully unthreads from the bolt in the center of the stopper. Some knobs cannot be detached — in that case, turn the entire lid until it unthreads.
Unscrew the Drain Stopper Bolt
Use a screwdriver or pliers to unscrew the bolt from the threaded hole in the center of the drain crossbar. The entire drain stopper will then lift out of the drain.
Inspect, Clean, or Replace
Check for a torn plug, rusted threads, or a cracked lid. Clean the drain and stopper with bathroom cleaner, removing hair and soap scum before reinstalling.
Push-and-Pull Drain Stopper
Similar to lift-and-turn but with a wider, smoother knob. Push the plug down to close the drain; pull the knob up to open it. Very simple operating mechanism.
Unscrew the Drain Stopper Knob
If the knob is a separate piece, grip it tightly and turn it clockwise to unthread it from the stopper lid, revealing the fastening bolt underneath.
Remove the Drain Stopper
If the stopper has a separate lid and knob, unthread the exposed bolt with a screwdriver and lift the stopper out. For solid-body stoppers, turn the entire body counterclockwise to unthread it from the crossbar.
Inspect, Clean, or Replace
Remove loose hair and debris, then inspect for tears, rusting, or advanced wear. Use bathroom cleaner to scrub away soap scum before reinstalling.
Toe-Touch Drain Stopper
Operated by pushing down with your toe — one push closes the drain, a second push opens it. Has a circular shape with a flat lid that may say 'push' on it.
Open the Drain Stopper
If the stopper is not already open, push it down to open it. Attempting removal in the closed position can scratch the drain lid.
Twist the Drain Stopper Lid
With the lid in the open position, grasp it firmly, twist counterclockwise, and apply slight upward force to unthread the lid and access the fastening screw.
Unscrew the Fastening Screw
Use a screwdriver or pliers to unscrew the fastening screw from the drain crossbar, then lift the drain stopper out of the drain.
Inspect, Clean, or Replace
Check for a warped plug, rusted screw, or cracked lid. Clean hair and grime from the drain and stopper with bathroom cleaner before reinstalling.
Content adapted from The Spruce — How to Remove 3 Different Kinds of Drain Stoppers
Who we are?
Who knew a small drain problem would inspire a business born in our basement?
As immigrants building a new life together, an everyday frustration became deeply personal when I experienced hair loss during multiple miscarriages. In one of the most challenging chapters of our lives, my husband designed a simple, contactless way to catch hair without touching it — a thoughtful solution that became EcoKatch.
After many years of perseverance, we experienced our miracle in October 2025, when our baby boy was born with the help of science through IVF — a reminder that innovation, resilience, and hope can truly change lives.
Today, EcoKatch reflects our family’s commitment to smart, hygienic, and sustainable solutions — and we’re honored to share it with homes like yours.