If your drain handles are loose, or the right drain handle is looser than the left, the fix is usually a small allen screw and a lock nut, and it takes a few minutes. Each chrome handle is held to its stem by an allen screw and sits on a vent assembly that passes through the tub deck, secured underneath by a retaining ring and lock nut; the drain cable attaches beneath that. A handle that wobbles but still lifts the stopper needs those fasteners snugged. A handle that turns freely and never moves the stopper means the handles to the drains are not connected any more, because the cable has come off the armature or broken, and that is a job for the drain connection box behind the access panel, covered in replacing and adjusting the drain cable.

Likely Causes

• The allen screw holding the handle has backed out.
• The retaining ring or lock nut under the vent assembly has loosened, so the whole assembly rocks in the deck.
• The cable barrel end has slipped off the armature in the connection box, so the handle turns without lifting the stopper.
• The cable has broken, often after someone stepped on an open drain.

What to Check, in Order

1. Try each handle. Note whether the loose one still opens and closes its stopper or just spins.
2. If it still works, tighten the allen screw at the handle with an allen wrench. Firm is enough; do not over torque.
3. If the whole assembly rocks in the deck, remove the handle with the allen wrench and tighten the retaining ring and lock nut on the vent assembly, then refit the handle so it sits straight up and down to indicate open and closed.
4. If the handle spins and the stopper never moves, remove the front access panel, take the small panel off the drain connection box and check whether the cable barrel end is seated on the armature. Reseat it flat side up, or replace the cable if it has broken.
5. After any handle work, turn the handle open and closed once more and confirm the plug seals and lifts fully; the stem and lock nut adjustment is in drain plugs, stems and gaskets.

When to Open a Ticket

If tightening does not hold, or the cable is off or broken, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support. Include your model and serial number, a photo of the handle and the vent assembly beneath it, and a note on which side is affected.

Common Questions