Drain Plug Will Not Open or Drains Slowly: Checking the Set Screw and the Stem

When an Ella drain plug will not lift, only works when the water is shallow, or lets the tub drain slowly, the cause is usually one of three things: the adjusting screw on the plug is set too long or too short, the stem under the plug has broken or unscrewed, or hair and debris have packed the drain opening. Each can be checked from inside the tub, and none requires a service call. If a part turns out to be broken, Ella ships the plug or stem under the parts warranty and a local licensed plumber can fit it if you prefer not to.

Start with the Adjusting Screw

Most drain failures come down to the small screw and lock nut on the underside of the plug, which Ella's parts drawings call the drain cover. That screw sets how far the plug rises when the drain handle is turned. If it is extended too far, the mechanism binds and the plug refuses to open, and you end up prying it up every bath. If it is not extended far enough, the plug never opens fully and the tub drains slowly. On a dual-drain tub the two plugs should be set to the same length, so the good drain is your reference.

1. Turn the handle to the open position and lift the plug out of the drain opening.
2. Look at the screw and lock nut under the plug and compare it with the other plug if you have two drains.
3. Loosen the lock nut. Turn the screw in, toward the plug, if the drain sticks or binds. Turn it out to lengthen it if the plug does not open fully and the tub drains slowly. Make small changes.
4. Tighten the lock nut, reinstall the plug and test with the tub filled to a normal bath depth, not just an inch of water.

Check the Stem

If the plug comes out with nothing attached underneath, the stem has broken off or unscrewed itself, and it may have gone down the drain. Read what to do if a piece of the drain stopper went down the drain before running water. Ella ships a new stem or a complete plug under the parts warranty. Drain plugs, stems, gaskets and hair catchers shows how the pieces fit together.

Works in Shallow Water but Not a Full Tub

A drain that opens with an inch or two of water but will not open at bath depth is a classic sign of an over-extended screw. The weight of the water pushes down on the plug and holds it in the bind, so the plug will not rise until you pry it loose. Shorten the adjusting screw so it matches the other plug and the binding stops.

Slow Drain or Handle That Does Nothing

If everything moves but the water still leaves slowly, the drain usually just needs cleaning: pull the plug, clear hair and debris from the opening, and rinse. If the plug lifts freely by hand but turning the handle no longer moves it, see drain will not open when the handle is turned and replacing and adjusting the drain cable. A drain that stays stuck open is a different problem, addressed in adding a screw stop for a lever stuck open.

Who Does the Work

Ella does not send technicians. Technical support diagnoses from your description and photos, ships the replacement plug or stem under the parts warranty, and guides your plumber by phone, email or video while the part is fitted. Adjusting the screw is something many owners or family members do themselves, and support will check the result with you.

Related Guides

• Broken Drain Lever, Drain Cable or Full Drain Assembly: Which Part You Need and How It Is Replaced
• Why Are My Drain Handles Loose and How Do I Tighten Them?
• How the Cable-Operated Drain Works and What to Check When It Will Not Open
• Someone Stepped on the Open Drain Plug, Do I Need a Whole New Drain Kit?

Related Videos

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.