# Plug for Bathtub Overflow Drain? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 18, 2002, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806 "2002-10-18T11:48:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Another\_Primate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Another\_Primate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Another_Primate)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/1 "2002-10-18T11:48:25Z")
Looking for a plug for the overflow drain in my clawfoot tub, so I can take a really deep bath. I’m not looking for a fancy within-the-drain plug. Silly putty works, but is kind of hard to get out, if the water’s hot. I was a bit nervous doing the sillyputtyectomy – I didn’t want to thwart my overflow drain permanently. Ditto for Playdough. Any sources? If not, any ideas for building one? Please? (Yes, I googled. No luck.) Thanks, Another Primate ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/2 "2002-10-18T11:53:07Z")
I wouldn’t imagine that anybody manufactures these, since the purpose of the overflow is to…well…prevent the tub overflowing; it’s a bit like asking if anybody makes a device that will let you run the food processor with the safety guard removed. Duct tape? ---
**Author:** ![Another\_Primate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Another\_Primate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Another_Primate)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/3 "2002-10-18T12:05:00Z")
Eats Everything: But I’m a grown-up! I promise I’ll use it only under my own supervision! And it’s my own house! Is there no freedom of flooding? Thanks for the duct tape idea… but I plan to use it frequently, and I would prefer not to clean duct tape residue. -Primate ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/4 "2002-10-18T12:07:34Z")
What about stretching a condom over it? (assuming that there’s enough of a rim to stop it slipping off…) ---
**Author:** ![Another\_Primate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Another\_Primate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Another_Primate)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/5 "2002-10-18T12:15:26Z")
A latex glove would be cheaper – and that’s a good idea, but the surfaces slope “downhill” so that doesn’t work, either. It just rolls itself off. Keep thinking! Thanks! -Ape ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/6 "2002-10-18T12:30:48Z")
First I thought that the rubber cup from a sink plunger might do it, but it wouldn’t stick because the overflow itself is an opening through which air could enter. ---
**Author:** ![NutMagnet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@NutMagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NutMagnet)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/7 "2002-10-18T12:31:55Z")
Can you remove it and reinstall it upside down (hole on top)? It’ll allow a few more inches of water. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/8 "2002-10-18T12:42:52Z")
Difficult to come up with a solution without seeing the design of the overflow… there are many different types, so which is yours? I wouldn’t have thought this sort of problem would be too much of a drain on the SDMB’s great minds… given a bit of deep thought I’m sure we’ll be brimming over with great ideas. ---
**Author:** ![andy\_fl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@andy\_fl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andy_fl)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/9 "2002-10-18T12:55:08Z")
Most likely your Overflow looks like [this](http://www.clawfootclassics.com/images/drainspec2.gif) . In that case, unscrew the mesh, and put some fine cloth/plastic around the rubber washer (Item I in the picture) and put it back. Simply having a piece of cloth across the washer will give you enough resistance. That was the simple one. If you want something more elaborate, remove the nipple K, and put a valve in there :). ---
**Author:** ![In\_Conceivable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@In\_Conceivable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Conceivable)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/10 "2002-10-18T13:08:46Z")
I have a cotton hair scrunchy that I shove in opening of the overflow drain. It takes a bit of effort, but if you wait until the overflow is underwater and then position the scrunchy around the drain and let it suck up with the water it works. The same will also happen if you use an old worn thin wash cloth. I like the scrunchy because it is too big to get entirely sucked up the drain, but small enough that it stays put even when I drain the tub. I can pull it out any time I want. But, why would I do that when I worked so hard to get it perfect? I put a lot of thought into this problem while soaking in the tub and this was the best answer I came up with. ---
**Author:** ![Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myron_Van_Horowitzski)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/11 "2002-10-18T13:56:43Z")
They do make a plug like that… we have one. It’s squishy clear plastic, about 8"d, and shaped like a hat. There are little suctions cups all along the “brim.” You just stick it on the porcelain around the overflow. And there’s a hole on the very top, so it still works as an overflow. Gives about six inches more of water depth. Now all I have to do is remember where the hell we got it… Your brain-in-a-clawfoot-tub, Myron ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/12 "2002-10-18T15:21:10Z")
I just cut a disk of sheet brass to the right shape, and epoxyed it between the drain cover and the pipe. Left a smaller hole at the top for catastrophe prevention, but now the tub gets ~2" deeper before the drain starts going. ---
**Author:** ![EchoKitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@EchoKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EchoKitty)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/13 "2002-10-18T18:54:37Z")
It must be pretty low to be a problem. I fill my tub to within 3 inches of the top. By the time I get in, I displace some more water, and it’s up to the top. It runs out just a bit, but I’m still way under water for the whole bath. When I get out, the tub is more than half full. ---
**Author:** ![photopat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@photopat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/photopat)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/14 "2002-10-18T20:50:36Z")
I used to use a washcloth. I’d just put it up there with my feet, and it’d hold pretty well. I hate when the tub drains down. My knees get cold! ---
**Author:** ![Anamorphic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anamorphic/32/3057_2.png) [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/15 "2002-10-18T21:03:04Z")
I’ve got one, just like **Myron** described. Got it at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Couldn’t find it on their website, but I got it only a few months ago, so I’m sure they still carry it. Hopefully there’s a BB&B near you. It was only a few bucks. ---
**Author:** ![Tamex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Tamex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamex)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2002, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/16 "2002-10-18T21:10:32Z")
I have one of those plugs that **Myron** has, and it works well. I bought mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It works much better than using a washcloth, which was my previous solution. The overflow drain on both of our bathtubs is pretty low. You can only fill the tub halfway before it starts to drain out. That’s enough water for a kid, but apparently they never expected any adults to take a bath in this house! ---
**Author:** ![partly\_warmer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@partly\_warmer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/partly_warmer)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2002, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/17 "2002-10-19T03:37:44Z")
Ditto Myron and Tamex. It’s a great invention. With the hole on the top taped shut, the tub can be filled even higher. Sealing the fixture with the handle to open and close the drain at the top is cheaper and more convenient, although the water will still drain out slowly around the handle. Before doing this, tho, make sure the upper drain is actually connected. Believe it or not, some aren’t, and the overflow’ll run into the walls. ---
**Author:** ![Another\_Primate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Another\_Primate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Another_Primate)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2002, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/18 "2002-10-19T03:43:05Z")
Just came home from a long day at work to see all these swell ideas. Thanks, all! Nutmagnet: “Can you remove it and reinstall it upside down (hole on top)? It’ll allow a few more inches of water.” I don’t think so, because the drain also is the home for the plug lever for the bottom drain. And because I’m afraid of messing with plumbing. r\_k: " Difficult to come up with a solution without seeing the design of the overflow… there are many different types, so which is yours? " Mine is octagonal, with a lever in the middle that, along with the screws, make it look a bit like Kilroy. Its sides are about 1/4" deep. It has two small rectangular openings in the base, and one larger rectangular opening on each of the angled sides that touch the base. It says “Clean Out” on it. andy\_fl: “Most likely your Overflow looks like this. In that case, unscrew the mesh, and put some fine cloth/plastic around the rubber washer (Item I in the picture) and put it back.” Good idea. But it doesn’t look like that, I’m afraid of plumbing, and I want something I can remove easily; I’d hate to flood the house. In Conceivable: " I have a cotton hair scrunchy that I shove in opening of the overflow drain. " Whoo-hoo! I’ll try that tomorrow and let you know if it works with my drain. Myron Van Horowitzski : "It’s squishy clear plastic, about 8"d, and shaped like a hat. There are little suctions cups all along the “brim.” You just stick it on the porcelain around the overflow. " Way cool. Does it stick out far enough from the tub that the plug lever won’t get in the way? Squink: “I just cut a disk of sheet brass to the right shape…” When I grow up I want to be just like you. Way cool idea. But “afraid of plumbing” joins “afraid of cutting metal” to quash this one for me. Echokitty: "It must be pretty low to be a problem. " Yup. More than six inches below the lip of the tub. photophat: "I used to use a washcloth. I’d just put it up there with my feet, and it’d hold pretty well. " Works well for me, too, but you must have bigger feet than I do. I get tired of holding my legs up to do that. Anamorphic, Tamex: “Bed, Bath & Beyond” THANKS! ---
**Author:** ![Tamex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Tamex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamex)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2002, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/19 "2002-10-19T04:16:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Another Primate \* > **Way cool. Does it stick out far enough from the tub that the plug lever won’t get in the way?** Yes, it does. ---
**Author:** ![Another\_Primate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Another\_Primate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Another_Primate)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2002, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-for-bathtub-overflow-drain/132806/20 "2002-10-19T05:39:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tamex \* > \*\* > > Yes, it does. \*\* Me very happy. Thank you.