Uh oh, looks like you’ve got yourself in a bit of a pickle! You’re all set for a nice relaxing soak in the tub, but then you realize you don’t have a drain plug! Before you go canceling those bubble bath plans, don’t panic just yet. With a little DIY skills, you can totally rig up a quick drain blocker using some household items.
We’re talking easy, cheap, and pretty genius solutions that’ll have that bathtub filled up and ready for maximum self-care mode in no time. No special tools or crazy contraptions required! Just some basic stuff you probably already have lying around the house.
From the old reliable flat surface trick to getting creative with some aluminum foil origami, this guide has you covered with several ways to block that drain. We’ll also let you in on which household materials make the best leak-proof seal. Spoiler alert: that old ratty towel isn’t going to cut it.
So toss those worries aside and get ready to soak those cares away! Even without a real plug, you can still treat yourself to a nice hot bath with minimal hassle. Let’s get that water running!
DIY Ways to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug
Instead of giving up on your relaxing soak, get a little creative! Here are some of the household items you can use to improvise a drain cover.
Washcloth or Sponge Stopper
The simplest solution is grabbing an old washcloth or sponge and cramming it down into the drain opening.
- Find a clean washcloth or sponge that’s slightly larger than your drain opening
- Run it under water to get it damp
- Wring out any excess water so it’s just moist
- Tightly roll or bunch up the washcloth/sponge into a cylindrical shape
- Firmly press and twist it down into the drain opening, compacting it to create a tight seal
- As it gets soaked, the material will expand to block water from escaping
Just be warned – it may leak a bit as the tub fills up since the material can get saturated.
Water-Filled Plastic Bag
Here’s a neat trick – fill up a heavy-duty ziplock or freezer bag about 3/4 full with water. Force out any excess air, seal it tight, and carefully lay the bag over the drain. The weight of the water inside will weigh it down and create a leakproof seal.
- Find a heavy plastic ziplock or freezer bag
- Fill it 3/4 full with water from the tub faucet
- Squeeze out any excess air pockets
- Seal the bag closed, forcing out any remaining air
- For extra security, double bag it by placing it inside another plastic bag and sealing that too
- Lay the bag directly over the drain opening, allowing the weight to form a seal
Double bagging provides extra security against leaks.
Jar Lid Suction Cup
Dig through your cabinets for a plastic jar lid that’s just slightly bigger than your drain opening. Get the lid a little damp, then press it firmly over the drain. The suction should hold it in place to block water.
- Find a plastic jar lid, like from a peanut butter or mayonnaise container
- Check that it’s slightly wider in diameter than your drain opening
- Run it quickly under water to get the underside damp
- Place the lid directly over the drain hole
- Press down firmly on the center to create an air-tight seal via suction
- For a better seal, you can twist the lid back and forth as you press down
Wide, circular drains work best for this suction method.
Inflated Balloon
An inflated balloon can work in a pinch too. Just blow it up, tie it off securely, and cram it down into the drain as far as it will go. The balloon’s air pressure will create a tight seal, as long as it doesn’t pop!
- Find a long balloon, inflating it until fully expanded
- Tie off the end in a very secure knot to prevent air leakage
- Wet the outer surface of the balloon to make it slick
- Carefully twist and push the balloon down into the drain opening
- Keep pushing until it forms a tight seal, with the knot above the drain
- For extra security, you can place a heavy object over the tied end
This works better for larger drain openings where you can really cram the inflated balloon in.
Silicone Baking Liner
Those flexible silicone baking mats or cupcake liners can form a waterproof seal when pressed over the drain.
- Find a silicone baking sheet or liners that are larger than your drain
- Run it under water briefly to get the surface damp
- Carefully stretch and press the silicone over the drain opening
- Use your hands to form it into a cup shape sealing off the drain
- For a tight fit, you may need to tuck the edges down into the drain
- Place a heavy object on top to weigh it down securely
Since silicone doesn’t absorb water, these make a reliable, temporary tub stopper.
Drain Cover
If you happen to have a mesh drain cover or hair catcher lying around, these can sub in nicely for a missing plug.
- Locate a mesh drain cover, strainer, or hair catcher
- Make sure it’s slightly larger in diameter than your drain opening
- Remove any hair or debris caught in the mesh
- Place it directly over the drain hole, centering it
- For a snug fit, you may need to twist or wiggle it down into place
- Weigh it down by placing a heavy object like a jar or bottle on top
- Check around the edges for any gaps where water could leak out
- For extra security, you can caulk around the edges with a rag or putty
Just make sure to get one that fits snugly over your specific drain opening. You may need to weigh it down with a heavy object to keep it securely in place and prevent the cover from floating up.
The mesh design allows water in while blocking larger objects from going down the drain. Just be aware that some water may slowly seep through over time as the tub fills up.
With a little creativity, you can easily improvise a drain cover using items around the house! No need to skip out on relaxing bath time just because you can’t find the real plug.
Commercial Drain Blocking Solutions
Look, those makeshift drain stoppers can work when you’re in a pinch. But you really don’t want to make a habit of stuffing random household items down your drain long-term. Leaving things like washcloths, bags, or balloons crammed in there is just begging for nasty clogs, mold issues, or even cracked pipes from built-up pressure behind the blockage.
Once you’ve enjoyed your soak, do yourself a favor and invest in an actual drain blocking product designed for the job. They may cost a few bucks upfront, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and protection for your plumbing. Here are some smart commercial options to consider:
Universal Drain Stoppers
These are made to securely fit into most standard tub or sink drains. Universal stoppers have an adjustable rubber or silicone gasket that can cinch down to create a tight seal on different drain sizes. The stopper part might twist and lock into place, clip or snap on, or use a suction cup bottom.
Suction Drain Plugs
For a super strong seal, suction-style tub plugs are tough to beat. These are the cup-shaped ones with a thick rubber gasket rim. When you press them down over the drain, the air pressure creates a powerful vacuum suction that really locks that plug in place. Even a full tub of water won’t be able to dislodge it!
Made from heavy-duty rubber or silicone, a quality suction tub plug can easily last for years with some basic care and cleaning. So they make a smart longer-term investment over disposable options.
Drain Covers with Suction Cups
These clever covers lay flat over your drain, using multiple suction cups on the underside to grip the surface and stay put. The top has a domed or raised design that allows water to pool up while still leaving an air pocket to prevent stagnant water issues.
Suction cup drain covers are super easy to install, remove, and clean whenever needed. The open top prevents any nasty water buildup or mold/mildew growth. And you can simply lift it off when ready to drain the tub.
Make sure to wipe the drain area clean and fully dry first so the suction cups can really adhere properly. Then press down firmly all around the edges to create a tight seal.
While they require a small upfront investment, getting a proper drain cover or plug means never having to improvise risky solutions again. Don’t let a little convenience put your plumbing at risk – protect your drains the right way!
No More Stressing Over Missing Tub Stoppers
Now you have all the tips you need to make sure your bathtub is ready for soaking, even without an actual drain plug on hand! You’ve got options for blocking that drain temporarily or investing in something more permanent. Whether you go for household items or commercial ones, you can look forward to a relaxing soak anytime.
But hey, if you ever do end up with a nasty clogged drain situation from too much improvising, don’t try to be a hero. That’s when you call in the real professionals at Gene Johnson Plumbing. Our skilled plumbers have the heavy-duty equipment and expertise to power through even the most stubborn of clogs. Just pick up the phone and dial (206) 792-7495 to get service scheduled before that backup turns into a total disaster. Your drains, and your sanity, will thank you!
