When a drain stopper piece went down the drain, it is almost always the height adjusting stem, which unthreads completely if it is loosened too far or if its lock nut was never tightened after an adjustment. The first thing to do is reach into the drain and retrieve it: with the plug out, the stem can usually be pulled back up with your fingers, a thin flat screwdriver, or a dull butter knife. If it cannot be recovered, or if the plug, gasket, or overflow cap is missing altogether, each of these is an individually replaceable part. The drain plugs, stems and gaskets guide shows every piece and how it fits.

Likely Causes

• The stem was loosened past its last thread while adjusting the drain height.
• The lock nut on the stem was not tightened after the height was set, so it worked loose over time.
• The plug was removed for cleaning and the stem, screw, or knob dropped in.
• A plug or overflow cap was discarded or lost during installation or a bathroom remodel.

What to Check, in Order

1. Lift the chrome plug off and look into the drain. Hook the stem out with your fingers, a thin flat screwdriver, or a butter knife. While the plug is out, turn the drain handle and watch the lever inside move, which confirms the cable is fine.
2. Thread the stem back into the plug cap. If the stopper will not screw back on, check for a stripped or bent thread and photograph it.
3. Set the height by loosening or tightening the stem a little at a time, testing the handle after each turn, and stop as soon as the plug seals when closed and lifts fully when open. Never loosen the stem too far.
4. Tighten the lock nut firmly on the stem so it cannot back out again. If the drain still will not open or close after this, the drain cable replacement and adjustment guide is the next step.
5. If a piece is lost or broken, order it with your model number through your Ella dealer, where you purchased, or the team at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850, using the replacement parts guide. A photo of the drain identifies the piece if the model is unknown.

The video shows the stem being loosened or tightened to set the stopper height, with the warning not to loosen it too far because the stem can fall off and go down the drain.

When to Open a Ticket

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model and serial numbers, a photo of the drain with the plug removed, a photo of the piece you still have, and a note on whether you need a stem, a plug, a gasket, an overflow cap, or the full assembly. LayDown tubs use a single threaded brass drain rather than the dual drain kit, so mention the model. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 will match the part.

Common Questions