My shower/tub drain plug is stuck. Normally we can use the small handle located inside the tub, just under the spout to enable the plug but it is now stuck fast in the open position.
I'm not even sure what the proper terminology is for these parts of the plumbing in my shower.
What should I do to unstick it?

regards,

JOE

 

Take out the two large screws on the faceplate and you should be able to lift the mechanism out. It sounds like you have the style that has a spring on the end of that rod that you will pull out. The spring pushes down on a lever that goes to the drain popup.

 

Actually I posted because the entire device was stuck in the pipe....I took a chance and used a screwdriver to pry it out.
I ended up finding some similar information elseware and applied silicon grease to the plug before putting the plug back in.
I had to work the lever a bunch of times (30ish) before it worked smooth, but it seems to be all set now.

regards.

 

Do you have very hard or corrosive water that would make it bind?

 

I'm not sure if our water supply is hard or not...never tested it.
The drain plug had functioned normally until a week or 2 back we had a really bad clog and had to use lots and lots of drain remover, etc...to clear it up.
I had removed the plug assembly and poured drano down the pipe and also poured some down the drain itself. Since that time it had been stuck and only now is it working somewhat. (the whole truth comes out LOL)
I think I'm going to have to remove it again and reapply the silicone grease to get it working easier...right now it's still difficult to flip the lever to move the plug.