When the drain handle on an Ella walk-in tub sticks in the open position, or turns one way but will not turn back, the brass lever inside the overflow assembly has travelled past its normal stop and jammed. The fix is simple and permanent: move the brass piece back toward the copper overflow pipe, then drill a small self-tapping screw at the point the support team marks on your photos so the lever cannot travel that far again. Filling the channel with silicone at the same point does the same job. The team sends marked photos when you open a ticket, and can ship a pull-up drain plug with a chain so you can keep using the tub in the meantime.

What Is Happening Inside the Overflow

Ella's gravity drain is operated by a handle on the overflow, which turns a rod and cable that lifts the drain plug. Inside the assembly a brass lever swings through a channel. The lever can travel too far and lodge at the far end of the channel. At that point the handle may still turn one way but will not return, and the drain stays open. Once the lever is moved back into its channel and a stop is added, the drain returns to normal use.

Freeing the Lever and Adding the Stop

1. Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model and serial number and a description of the symptom. The team replies with photos of the drain assembly marking the stuck position in red and the screw location with a green arrow.
2. Reach the overflow assembly from the front by removing the apron or end panel, or from below if the tub is accessible from underneath.
3. Find the brass lever and push it back toward the copper overflow pipe until it sits in its channel again and the handle moves freely.
4. Drill a self-tapping screw at the marked point so it forms a stop the lever cannot pass. As an alternative, fill the channel at that point with silicone and let it cure.
5. Work the handle through open and closed a few times to confirm it no longer overshoots, then refit the panel.

Using the Tub in the Meantime

If the drain is stuck and you cannot get to the assembly right away, the team can send a replacement drain plug with an attached chain. To fit it, unthread the drain handle rod and pull the drain handle off the overflow. Drop the plug into the drain and use the chain to lift it when the bath is finished. Once the lever is freed and the stop is in place, the original handle goes back on.

Warranty and Who Does the Work

Parts such as the interim drain plug ship under the parts warranty after the team reviews your serial number and the claim qualifies. The warranty covers parts but not service, so the time your plumber or installer spends freeing the lever and fitting the screw is not covered. Ella's Bubbles does not send technicians. Your installer can work from the marked photos, and free technical support is available at (800) 480-6850 if they have questions.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.