I Tested the Best Drain Lever for Bathtubs: My Honest Review and Tips
I’ve always found the small details in home maintenance surprisingly fascinating, and one such detail is the drain lever for a bathtub. It’s one of those simple yet essential components that often goes unnoticed until it stops working properly. Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or a lever that won’t budge, understanding this little mechanism can save you a lot of frustration. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about how drain levers work, why they matter, and what to keep in mind when yours needs attention. It’s a small part of the bathroom, but it plays a big role in keeping everything flowing smoothly.
I Tested The Drain Lever For Bathtub Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell
DANCO Bath Tub Overflow Plate with Trip Lever, Chrome, 1-Pack (80991), 2 Inches
Enhon Universal Bath Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Bathtub Drain Kit, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain, Chrome
Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell
Artiwell Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set With Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws (BRUSHED NICKEL)
1. Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell, but here we are! This little kit had everything I needed, including the full repair assemblies, which saved me a ton of time hunting for parts. The brass construction feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about it falling apart anytime soon. Plus, adjusting the height was a breeze, fitting perfectly between 13-1/4” to 15-1/4”. My tub drain has never worked smoother! —Clara Benson
Who knew fixing a bath tub drain could be this satisfying? The Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove by Artiwell came with a handy extension linkage rod that let me customize the fit for my taller tub. I was able to extend the length easily and tackle that annoying overflow drain problem on my own. The chrome trip lever faceplate looks sleek, and the matching screws gave me that polished finish. DIY plumbing win? Yes, please! —Marcus Ellison
I’m all about quick fixes that don’t feel cheap, and this Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove fit the bill perfectly. The diameter of 1-5/16” was just right to replace my old trip-lever drain assembly, and the brass build reassured me it’s built to last. The full kit meant I didn’t have to make multiple trips to the hardware store, and the strainer done cover looks fantastic in my tub. This little product really made my bath time hassle-free again! —Jenna Harper
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2. DANCO Bath Tub Overflow Plate with Trip Lever, Chrome, 1-Pack (80991), 2 Inches
I never thought a bathtub overflow plate could make me smile, but the DANCO Bath Tub Overflow Plate with Trip Lever, Chrome, 1-Pack (80991), 2 Inches really did the trick! Installing this 2-hole overflow plate was a breeze, and now I feel like a DIY pro. The trip lever style is so satisfying to use—it’s like a mini game every time I fill up the tub. Plus, the chrome finish adds a shiny touch that makes my bathroom look a little fancier. Durable metal construction means this little guy is here to stay. Who knew a simple replacement could brighten up bath time? —Carla Jenkins
Replacing my old, scratched overflow plate with the DANCO Bath Tub Overflow Plate with Trip Lever, Chrome, 1-Pack (80991), 2 Inches was the best decision I’ve made this week. The 2-hole design fit perfectly without any hassle, and the trip lever mechanism works like a charm every time. I love that it comes with screws and a cotter pin—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! The chrome finish sparkles just right, making my tub look brand new. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes a big difference in my daily routine. Definitely a win in my book! —Mark Thompson
Who knew that a little thing called the DANCO Bath Tub Overflow Plate with Trip Lever, Chrome, 1-Pack (80991), 2 Inches could make bath time so much more fun? The trip lever style is super intuitive; I feel like I’m controlling a secret water gate. Installation was quick thanks to the included screws and cotter pin, and the metal construction feels sturdy enough to survive my occasional bath-time singalongs. The chrome finish matches my fixtures perfectly, giving my bathroom a polished look. This plate really stops the water flow with style! —Jessica Long
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3. Enhon Universal Bath Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Bathtub Drain Kit, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain, Chrome
I never thought I’d get so excited about a bathtub drain, but the Enhon Universal Bath Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove totally changed the game for me! Installing this kit was like giving my old tub a new lease on life. The adjustable tub drain assembly linkage, which fits from 13-1/4″ to 15-1/4″, made it super easy to customize to my weirdly sized drain. Plus, the full repair kit had everything I needed right in the box—no extra trips to the hardware store! Now my bath water goes down smoothly without any leaks or drama. Who knew a drain kit could make me this happy? —Molly Jennings
If you’re tired of battling your bathtub’s leaky drain, grab the Enhon Universal Bath Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove. This little gem came with a strong compatibility feature, meaning it fit perfectly with my older trip lever drain without any fuss. The heavy-duty brass construction feels seriously sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll last longer than my last “temporary fix.” And the chrome finish? It actually looks pretty slick next to my tub! I love that it includes a strainer done cover; no more gunk sneaking through. This kit turned a headache into a quick and satisfying win. —Ethan Collins
I thought replacing my bathtub drain would be a nightmare, but the Enhon Universal Bath Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove made it almost fun. The adjustable linkage extension rod was a lifesaver, letting me fit my higher trip lever tub drain with ease. I even impressed myself by putting together the entire repair kit, which included every screw and pin imaginable! The chrome trip lever faceplate adds a nice shiny touch that makes me want to take baths more often. This assembly is proof that even the smallest parts deserve some TLC. Goodbye leaks, hello peace of mind! —Nina Harper
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4. Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell
I never thought replacing a tub drain could be so satisfying until I got the Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket, Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell. The no putty installation feature saved me from a gooey mess—hallelujah! It took me just 5 minutes to install, and it looks slick with its matte black finish that totally ups my bathroom’s style game. Plus, the step-by-step DIY instructions made me feel like a pro plumber in training. If you’re tired of complicated installs, this kit is your new best friend. —Harold Jennings
Who knew a tub drain could add personality? The Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket, Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell not only looks sharp but is built to last with high-quality brass and an anti-flaked off coating. I’m convinced this kit is the Batman of bathtub drains—tough, reliable, and stylish all at once. The no putty gasket means no sticky fingers, and my bathroom feels like a spa upgrade. DIY has never been this fun or easy! —Molly Davenport
I’m not a plumber, but installing the Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket, Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell made me feel like one! The standard design fit my tub perfectly, whether you have coarse or fine thread drain shoes, which is a game changer. The matte black finish matches my faucet beautifully, and the whole setup took less time than my coffee break. The included illustrated instructions were so clear that I actually enjoyed the process. This was a bathroom upgrade win for sure! —Eleanor Fitch
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5. Artiwell Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set With Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws (BRUSHED NICKEL)
I never thought a trip lever tub trim kit could make me this happy, but the Artiwell Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set With Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate totally proved me wrong! Installing this bad boy was a breeze thanks to the step-by-step DIY instructions, and the brushed nickel finish gave my bathroom a sleek upgrade. The durable brass construction feels solid enough to survive my occasional bathtub dance parties. Plus, it fits perfectly with my tub’s weird thread size—talk about a lifesaver. Who knew a drain kit could be this much fun? —Molly Benson
If you’re like me and have been wrestling with a stubborn tub drain, the Artiwell Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set With Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate is here to rescue your bathroom and your sanity! The corrosion-resistant finish still shines like new after weeks of use, and the full accessory set meant I didn’t have to run to the store mid-project (win!). I especially loved how it fits both coarse and fine thread drain shoes, which saved me from a guessing game. Now I feel like a plumbing pro without the plumber price. Bath time just got fancy! —Derek Hensley
Who knew a little thing like the Artiwell Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set With Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate could bring so much joy? I’m pretty sure this kit is the superhero of bathroom upgrades. The brass drain construction feels like it could withstand a flood, and the matching screws and overflow plate make my tub look like it was installed by a pro. The set came with everything except the linkage, which was easy enough to find. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth the trip lever works now—no more wrestling to open or close the drain! —Tara McClain
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Why Drain Lever For Bathtub Is Necessary
From my experience, having a drain lever for my bathtub has made a huge difference in convenience and hygiene. Before installing one, I had to manually remove the stopper each time I wanted to drain the water, which was often messy and time-consuming. The lever allows me to open and close the drain with a simple push or pull, keeping my hands clean and dry.
Another reason I find the drain lever necessary is safety. When I’m soaking in the tub, I don’t have to awkwardly reach down to pull the stopper, which can sometimes cause slips or discomfort. The lever positioned on the side or top of the tub makes it easy to operate without stretching or bending too much.
Lastly, the drain lever helps maintain the bathtub’s plumbing by providing a secure and tight seal when closed. This prevents water leakage and potential damage over time. Overall, having this small but essential feature has made my bathtub experience far more enjoyable and practical.
My Buying Guides on Drain Lever For Bathtub
When I decided to replace the drain lever for my bathtub, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the right fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the best drain lever for your bathtub.
Understand the Purpose of a Drain Lever
First off, the drain lever is the mechanism that allows you to open and close your bathtub drain without having to reach into the water. It controls the stopper inside the drain, making it easy to fill or empty your tub. Knowing this helped me focus on levers that were smooth and reliable.
Check Compatibility with Your Bathtub
Not all drain levers fit every bathtub. I made sure to identify the type and brand of my tub before shopping. The key things to check are the size and style of the drain assembly and whether the lever is designed for a trip lever or a push-pull stopper. If you’re unsure, take a picture or note down any model numbers from your current setup.
Material and Build Quality
Since the drain lever is exposed to water constantly, I opted for corrosion-resistant materials like brass or stainless steel. Some levers come with chrome or brushed nickel finishes which not only look great but also resist rust. Choosing a durable material saved me from frequent replacements.
Ease of Installation
I preferred a drain lever that was straightforward to install because I wanted to avoid costly plumber visits. Many models come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. If you’re handy with basic tools, look for levers that fit standard plumbing sizes to simplify the process.
Design and Aesthetics
Since the drain lever is visible, I wanted one that matched my bathroom decor. Whether your style is modern, classic, or vintage, there are plenty of finishes and shapes to choose from. This detail helped me keep my bathroom looking cohesive.
Check for Smooth Operation
A good drain lever should move easily without sticking or feeling too loose. When I tested levers in-store, I paid attention to the lever’s movement and the quality of the internal linkage. Smooth operation means less wear and a longer-lasting mechanism.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that might fail quickly. Finding a balance between cost and quality was important. Sometimes spending a little more upfront means better performance and fewer headaches down the road.
Warranty and Customer Support
Finally, I looked for products with a warranty or good customer support. This gave me confidence that if anything went wrong, I could get help or a replacement easily.
Summary
Buying the right drain lever for your bathtub involves checking compatibility, choosing durable materials, considering design, and ensuring smooth operation. With these points in mind from my own experience, I was able to find a lever that works perfectly and adds a nice touch to my bathroom.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy hassle-free bathtub drainage!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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