If the rubber gaskets on the drain plugs keep coming off, the gasket has often stretched, hardened, or been dislodged by a plug that is set too high or too low, so it no longer sits snug in its groove. The first thing to check is the plug height and the lock nut: a stopper that does not close fully lets the gasket flex with every use, and the same stopper is the usual reason a tub slowly loses water during a bath. Plug gaskets are a stock replacement item, and the drain plugs, stems and gaskets guide shows where each gasket sits on the plug and the drain.

Likely Causes

• The stopper is not seating fully, so the gasket takes the pressure instead of the plug face and works loose.
• The lock nut on the stem is not tightened, letting the plug height drift after every bath.
• The gasket has hardened or stretched with age and no longer grips its groove.
• The plug was removed for cleaning and the thin gasket or silicone ring slipped off unnoticed and went down the drain.

What to Check, in Order

1. Lift the plug and look at the gasket. If it is stretched, cracked, or missing, photograph the plug, and photograph the gasket on the other drain plug so the team can match it.
2. Check that the drain closes completely. Turn the handle fully to the closed position, counter-clockwise, and confirm the plug drops flat onto the drain.
3. Check that the locking nut is tightened on both stoppers. The warranty activation checklist calls for this on every tub, and a loose nut is the most common reason a plug height changes and a gasket lifts.
4. Adjust the stem a little at a time until the plug seals when closed and lifts fully when open, then tighten the lock nut again.
5. Do not fill above the center of the drain handle. If the drain handle itself will not open or close smoothly, follow the drain cable replacement and adjustment guide.
6. Order replacement gaskets with your model number through your Ella dealer, where you purchased, or the team at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850.

When to Open a Ticket

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model and serial numbers, a photo of the plug with the gasket in place or missing, a photo of the drain opening, and a note on whether the tub is losing water during a bath. Say whether you need gaskets for one drain or both. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 will send the matching gaskets, or a complete drain plug when a gasket match cannot be confirmed.

Common Questions