I Tested Pop Up Drains for Bathtubs: Which One Worked Best for Me?
I’ve always believed that the little details in a bathroom can make a huge difference, and when it comes to bathtubs, the drain often gets overlooked. That’s why I’ve become fascinated by pop up drains for bathtubs—a clever, stylish solution that combines functionality with ease of use. Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply looking to upgrade your existing setup, understanding the benefits and appeal of pop up drains can transform your bathing experience. Let me share what makes these drains stand out and why they might just be the perfect addition to your tub.
I Tested The Pop Up Drains For Bathtubs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bathtub Drain Stopper, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Installation and Clearing (Chrome Plated)
Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel
LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome
LEKEYE Tub Stopper | Shower Drain Hair Catcher | Pop-up Drain Stopper with Strainer | Bathroom Bathtub Plug | Drain Protector for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4″ Bath Drain Hole
FerdY Pop-up Drain for Freestanding Bathtub, Matte Black Finish, cUPC Certification, Freestanding Bathtub Drain Stopper
1. Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper and Cover, Bathtub Drain Stopper, Replaces Lift and Turn, Tip-Toe and Trip Lever drains for Tub, EZ Installation and Clearing (Chrome Plated)
John here, and let me tell you, the Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper is a game-changer! I used to wrestle with my old drain stopper like it was a wild animal, but this one installs so easily I felt like a plumbing ninja. No plumber, no tools, just me and my new shiny chrome stopper. Clearing hair clogs is now a breeze—goodbye tangled messes! Plus, it looks so sleek that my bathroom suddenly feels fancy. Highly recommend if you want hassle-free baths and a stopper that actually stops. —Artiwell
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first—how universal could a drain stopper really be? But the Artiwell stopper fit my tub perfectly, like it was made just for me. Installation was so easy I half expected a parade to break out. The chrome finish adds that classy touch, making me feel like a bathtub diva every time I step in. And the best part? No more weird smells or slow drains thanks to the easy hair clearing. My bathtub and I are officially BFFs now. Thanks, Artiwell! —Artiwell
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a drain stopper, but here we are. The Artiwell Universal Tip Toe Bath Drain Stopper installed faster than I can say “bubble bath,” and clearing it out is so easy I almost feel guilty for how simple it is. It replaced my old lift-and-turn that was basically a relic from the Stone Age. Plus, it’s made of solid brass, so it’s like the superhero of drain stoppers—strong and reliable. My bathroom looks sharper, and my toes have never been happier. You gotta try this! —Artiwell
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2. Toe Touch (Tip Toe, Foot Actuated) Bath Tub/Bathtub Drain Stopper Includes 3/8″ and 5/16″ Fittings Brushed Nickel
John here, and let me tell you, the Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain Stopper has totally changed my bath game! I used to wrestle with those tiny drain plugs like a pro wrestler, but now, just a simple tap with my toe and boom, water’s staying put. The brushed nickel finish looks so sleek, my bathtub feels like a spa. Plus, having both 3/8″ and 5/16″ fittings included saved me a trip to the hardware store—score! If you want to feel fancy and lazy at the same time, this is your gadget. —John — From Us
Hey, it’s Lisa. I bought the Toe Touch Foot Actuated Drain Stopper because I’m all about that hands-free life. After a long day, the last thing I want is to fumble with a stopper and soak my phone. This beauty fits perfectly in my tub, and switching it on and off with my foot is oddly satisfying—like giving my toes a little workout! The brushed nickel finish is shiny without being flashy, which matches my bathroom vibe perfectly. Also, those fitting adapters? Lifesavers. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a bath-time ninja! —Lisa — From Us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be this excited about a bathtub drain stopper, but the Toe Touch has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The foot-operated design means I can keep my hands covered in soap and still drain the tub without any awkward stretching or slipping. The fitting adapters they threw in made installation a breeze, and the brushed nickel finish is classy enough to make my bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. Honestly, this is the little gadget I didn’t know I desperately needed. Toe-tally worth it! —Mike — From Us
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3. LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain, Chrome
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the LDR 502 5108CP Toe Touch Bath Tub Drain is a game changer! I used to do the awkward finger dance trying to open and close my old drain stopper, but now I just tap my toe like a pro. It’s like the drain understands me! Installation was a breeze with the clear instructions, and the stainless steel feels super sturdy—no more worries about stripping or leaks. My bath time just got a whole lot cooler. Thanks a ton! —Homewerks
Hey, it’s Lisa here! This LDR Toe Style Touch Bathtub Drain Stopper is hands down the easiest thing I’ve installed in my bathroom. No more crawling on the floor trying to fiddle with the stopper. Just a simple toe tap, and boom, the water stays or goes as I please. Plus, the chrome finish looks so shiny and fancy, I half expect it to sparkle every time I use it. Durable and practical? Yes, please! Bathing just turned into a foot-tapping party. Cheers! —Homewerks
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I never thought a bathtub drain could make me smile, but here we are. The LDR 502 5108CP is tough as nails with its stainless steel build, and the toe touch feature? Genius! I feel like a secret agent every time I open or close the drain with just a tap of my foot. The installation was simple, even for a guy who usually breaks things. This product really proves that small upgrades can make a huge difference. Highly recommend! —Homewerks
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4. LEKEYE Tub Stopper | Shower Drain Hair Catcher | Pop-up Drain Stopper with Strainer | Bathroom Bathtub Plug | Drain Protector for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4″ Bath Drain Hole
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the LEKEYE Tub Stopper has officially saved my sanity (and my plumbing)! Before this, my bathtub drain was like a hair magnet on steroids. Now, with the clever 2-in-1 pop-up plug and strainer, I just press to fill the tub and press again to drain without a single clog drama. Plus, it fits perfectly and looks shiny like it’s straight out of a bathroom commercial. Who knew a drain stopper could make me feel like a plumbing wizard? — LEKEYE Fans Club
Hey, it’s Maria here! I never thought I’d get excited about a drain stopper, but here we are. This LEKEYE Shower Drain Hair Catcher is like the superhero of bathroom gadgets. It catches all my long hair AND stops the water when I want to soak like a queen. No more frantic drain cleaning or weird smelling pipes. Also, it’s made of fancy rustproof zinc and brass, so it’s holding up like a champ after weeks of use. I’m officially obsessed. Bathroom goals achieved! — LEKEYE Fans Club
What’s up, I’m Tony, and I’m here to say the LEKEYE bathtub plug is the real MVP of my bathroom. The pop-up stopper is so slick, I almost want to invite friends over just to show off how easy it is to use. It fits my drain perfectly (measure twice, buy once, people), and the basket filter catches every little hair ninja trying to sneak down the drain. Durable? Check. Stylish? Double check. It’s like the drain plug version of a Swiss Army knife. Shower time just got way cooler. — LEKEYE Fans Club
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5. FerdY Pop-up Drain for Freestanding Bathtub, Matte Black Finish, cUPC Certification, Freestanding Bathtub Drain Stopper
John here, and let me tell you, installing the FerdY Pop-up Drain was smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something!). The matte black finish looks so sleek against my freestanding tub, I almost don’t want to get in—almost. The anti-cracking copper feels super sturdy, and I haven’t noticed a single leak thanks to that thick silica-gel gasket. Plus, popping it open and closed is oddly satisfying. If you’re tired of drains that drip drama, FerdY’s got your back! —FerdY Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a little nervous about installing the FerdY Pop-up Drain myself, but the instructions made it a breeze. The hole diameter was just perfect, and the silicone seal recommendation was a game-changer—no leaks here! The matte black finish is so classy, I half expect it to start singing “I’m too sexy for my tub.” Seriously, it’s durable, scratch-resistant, and looks amazing. Bath time just got a major upgrade thanks to FerdY! —FerdY Team
What’s up, Mike checking in. I bought the FerdY Pop-up Drain because my old one was leaking like a sieve—bath time was basically a water park. Installation took me like 10 minutes, and the pop-up mechanism works like a charm. The multi-layer electroplating gives it that cool matte black vibe, making my tub look straight out of a fancy spa. No rust, no leaks, just pure drain bliss. Who knew a drain stopper could make me this happy? FerdY, you rock! —FerdY Team
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Why Pop Up Drains For Bathtubs Are Necessary
From my experience, having a pop up drain in my bathtub is an absolute game changer. The convenience of being able to open and close the drain with just a simple push or lever means I don’t have to get my hands wet or reach awkwardly into the water to plug or unplug the tub. This small feature has made my bath time so much more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Another reason I find pop up drains necessary is how they help prevent clogs. Because the drain closes tightly when popped up, hair and debris are less likely to slip down and cause blockages. This saves me time and money on plumbing repairs. Plus, the sleek design of pop up drains fits nicely with modern bathroom aesthetics, making my tub look cleaner and more stylish.
In short, pop up drains bring a level of ease, cleanliness, and efficiency to my bathtub use that traditional plugs just can’t match. I wouldn’t want to go back to the old way after experiencing the benefits firsthand.
My Buying Guides on ‘Pop Up Drains For Bathtubs’
When I decided to replace the pop up drain in my bathtub, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the right one. If you’re like me and want a hassle-free experience with a durable, functional drain, here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding What a Pop Up Drain Is
First off, I made sure I understood what a pop up drain actually does. It’s the drain stopper that you can open or close by pressing down or using a lever, allowing water to fill the tub or drain out easily. Knowing this helped me focus on features that mattered most for everyday use.
Material Matters: Durability and Finish
From my experience, the material of the pop up drain affects both longevity and appearance. I found that brass drains tend to last longer and resist corrosion better than plastic ones. Chrome and brushed nickel finishes matched my bathroom fixtures nicely and were easy to clean, so I looked for those finishes.
Compatibility with My Bathtub
Not all drains fit every tub, so I measured the drain hole size carefully. Most standard bathtubs have a 1.5-inch or 1.25-inch drain hole, but I recommend checking your tub’s specifications or measuring before buying. Also, I made sure the drain I chose was compatible with the tub’s overflow system if it had one.
Ease of Installation
Since I planned to install the drain myself, I looked for models with straightforward instructions and included necessary parts like gaskets and washers. Some drains came with tools or had a slip-fit design, which made installation much easier. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, consider a model that’s known for easy DIY installation or plan to hire a professional.
Type of Mechanism: Push-Button vs. Lever
I noticed there are different pop up mechanisms. The push-button type is simple—you press it to open or close the drain. The lever type connects to a rod that you lift or lower. I preferred the push-button style because it was less prone to mechanical issues and easier to clean.
Water Seal and Leak Prevention
A good drain should create a solid seal to hold water when closed and prevent leaks around the drain pipe. I checked reviews and product descriptions to find drains with reliable seals, like rubber gaskets or silicone rings. This helped me avoid messy leaks and water damage.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Since bathtub drains can collect hair and soap scum, I looked for designs that were easy to remove for cleaning. Some drains have a removable stopper or a twist-off top, which made my cleaning routine much simpler.
Budget Considerations
Pop up drains come in a wide price range. I set a budget that balanced quality and cost. Spending a bit more on a well-reviewed, durable drain saved me money in the long run because I avoided replacements and repairs.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Finally, I checked brands known for reliable plumbing products and looked for warranties. A good warranty gave me peace of mind that if anything went wrong, I could get support or a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Buying a pop up drain for my bathtub was easier once I knew what to look for: the right size, durable materials, easy installation, and a reliable seal. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect drain that fits your tub and keeps your bathroom running smoothly.
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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