Types of Bathtub Drains: A Complete Identification Guide

There are six main types of bathtub drains: lift-and-turn, push-pull, pop-up, trip lever, toe-touch, and flip-it. Each type uses a different mechanism to open and close the drain. Identifying your drain type is important for choosing the right hair catcher and performing maintenance.

Lift-and-Turn Drain

This is one of the most common bathtub drain types. It has a small knob on top that you lift and turn counterclockwise to open the drain, then turn clockwise and push down to close it. To remove the stopper, lift it up and turn counterclockwise until it unscrews from the mounting post. TubShroom fits inside lift-and-turn drains after removing the stopper.

Push-Pull Drain

Similar in appearance to lift-and-turn drains, push-pull stoppers open when you pull up and close when you push down. There is no turning motion involved. To remove, pull the stopper up and twist the knob counterclockwise. This drain type is compatible with TubShroom products.

Pop-Up Drain

Pop-up drains use a lever behind the faucet or on the overflow plate to raise and lower the stopper. When the lever is flipped, a rocker arm mechanism pushes the stopper up to open the drain. These are common in older bathtubs. TubShroom can be used in pop-up drains after removing the stopper and linkage.

Trip Lever Drain

Trip lever drains have a lever on the overflow plate that controls a plunger inside the overflow pipe. Unlike pop-up drains, the stopper mechanism is hidden inside the pipe. The drain opening itself is typically open and clear, making it compatible with TubShroom without any modification.

Toe-Touch Drain

Toe-touch drains open and close with a simple push of your toe, using a spring-loaded mechanism. Press once to close, press again to open. The stopper can usually be unscrewed by turning counterclockwise while in the open position. TubShroom fits inside after removing the stopper.

Flip-It Drain

Flip-it drains use a toggle mechanism that flips from one side to the other to open and close the drain. They are designed for easy installation without tools and simply push into the drain opening. Remove the flip-it stopper to install TubShroom.

Which TubShroom Product Fits My Drain?

TubShroom is designed for standard 1.5-inch bathtub drains, which covers the vast majority of residential bathtubs in North America. The TubShroom Ultra models include adapters for a universal fit across all standard drain sizes. For 2-inch shower stall drains, use ShowerShroom. For 1 to 1.25-inch bathroom sink drains, use SinkShroom. All TubShroom products work with every drain type listed above after removing the existing stopper.

Written by: TubShroom Drain Care Team
Specialists in hair clog prevention solutions used by millions of households.