#Bathtub overflow blocker how to#

You can plug an overflow drain with a rubber plug or a washcloth. These include sealing the overflow drain with waterproof tape before filling the tub, filling the drain cover’s holes with flex sealant or waterproof sealant, or plugging the overflow drain hole with a rubber plug or washcloth placed in a plastic bag to prevent it from soaking.

#Bathtub overflow blocker how to#

Frequent Questions How to block overflow drain in tub DIY?ĭon’t want to replace the original overflow cover and didn’t find a rubber stopper at your home improvement store? There are a few DIY overflow drain cover alternatives you could use if you don’t feel like going to the shops. However, if the water level has dropped, you may want to remove the cover and reinstall it, as it may lack proper sealing. If the closing cover works properly, you should find the tub filled to the brim when walking in the bathroom. Wait for about 15 to 30 minutes and check the water level in the tub.

To install a closing overflow cover or plate, you must remove the original cover first.

Most manufacturers cover the bath overflow drain holes with plates that have one or more openings, but that increases the tub’s aesthetic appeal. Remove Your Tub’s Standard Overflow Cover It is permanently installed on your tub, and it is a good choice if you’re sure you’ll never have to use the overflow drain. You must fix it in place of the standard cover, and can turn it one way to close it (and allow the tub to fill to the brim) and the other way to open it (allowing the water to drain).Īn overflow plate also replaces the standard hole cover, but it has no openings. This cover type is more similar to a bottom drain stopper. If you need to use the overflow drain, simply pull it off – this cover doesn’t require a semi-permanent or permanent installation.Ī closing cover replaces the standard strainer-type hole cover that comes with your tub. Acting as a bath overflow hole stopper, this cover type goes over the existing bath overflow drain cover and attaches to the tub wall with suction cups. From all options above, a rubber (or silicone) cover is the cheapest.