What's the name of that thing in the bathtub and the best way to fix it?

Question

You know the little lever plate that controls the drain stopper and catches any overflow. I found out that anytime the water in the tub hits that point, I get a leak in the basement. Does it need to be replaced or just maybe re-tightened?

Answer 1

If you check the plate, you will find an opening (overflow vent) where the water is supposed to run out if it ever gets that high. In the construction of your tub is a hollow area that is connected to the tub drain. When the water level reaches the overflow vent it should run into the vent and be drained away.

It sounds like the bottom side of the tub may be broken, allowing the water to drain under the tub instead of into the drain.

Better call a plumber and have him check it out...

or, a cheaper solution....don't let the water get that high in your tub, it's wasteful

Answer 2

      I'll go along with Lee. That plate is maybe loose from pushing to hard through time. If you loosen it enough and get some plumbers caulk, maybe you can get some behind the plate and re-tighten it. It may save you fifty or, seventy- five bucks.

Answer 3

That piece is called the "overflow drain" and runs down then has the tub drain run into it, then they are run into a water trap. You may just need to tighten a connection on the overflow, or replace the gasket that is between the piping and the tub, itself.

Answer 4

Want to fix it?

Take a shower, or keep the water BELOW the overflow drain level.