Replacing tub overflow/drain lever assembly
#1
07-22-19, 03:43 PM
Replacing tub overflow/drain lever assembly
I searched the forum and this must be such a simple DIY no one has ever posted it! The drain lever broke off in my wife's hand so I took the old one off, snapped some pics and went to the big box hardware store. The chrome plate assembly with drain lever seems pretty standard but my (twenty year) old one had a metal semi-circular metal part behind it that corroded away. It was held on by the two screws in the photo below that are hidden behind the chrome finish plate. All that's left of is the rusted scrap in the other photo. I did not see this part on the wall with all the others; is it critical to the operation?
Last edited by PJmax; 07-24-19 at 10:52 PM. Reason: resized pictures
Popular Reply
07-24-19, 07:26 AM
I believe you'll need to replace the entire tub drain/overflow unless you can figure out who the manufacturer is, but I think that would be doubtful. I always look for a good solid brand such as from Gerber Brass on items like this and stay away from the cheapy box store brands.
#2
07-24-19, 07:26 AM
I believe you'll need to replace the entire tub drain/overflow unless you can figure out who the manufacturer is, but I think that would be doubtful. I always look for a good solid brand such as from Gerber Brass on items like this and stay away from the cheapy box store brands.
#3
07-24-19, 07:31 AM
Group Moderator
Some overflow tubes had a separate piece that held the overflow tightly against the tub while other models relied on the face plate holding everything together. The important thing to remember is that even when new it's a pretty poor seal between the tub and overflow which only gets worse with age. So, never rely on the overflow as they often leak. This is especially bad with children and filling the tub very high.
eddieo45 voted this post useful.
#4
07-25-19, 07:30 AM
I believe you'll need to replace the entire tub drain/overflow unless you can figure out who the manufacturer is, but I think that would be doubtful. I always look for a good solid brand such as from Gerber Brass on items like this and stay away from the cheapy box store brands.
Some overflow tubes had a separate piece that held the overflow tightly against the tub while other models relied on the face plate holding everything together....
#5
07-25-19, 12:06 PM
I am glad you found the Gerber to be to your liking, I like them too. The one I have here at home is all brass, but they have since started making them with the actual drain and and overflow of PVC. I installed one like that maybe 20 years ago and wasn't sure I would like it, but after installing it I had a great deal more confidence in it and felt it was also good quality stuff.
