Remove Bathtub Overflow Cover No Screws
A solution to covering up a bathtub overflow with no screw holes is to use a slip-on overflow plate, which can attach without the need for screws. According to a recent post on the subreddit r/HomeImprovement, this is an issue which is not encountered often, as it comes from older houses. Many online retailers offer these plates, and installation is relatively easy.

How can I replace a tub overflow cover?
A tub overflow cover without screws can be difficult to fix or replace, but there are several solutions available. According to a 2016 article by Glamorous Place, one popular solution is to use an adhesive sealant to keep the cover in place. If the drain is leaking, a putty compound can be applied around the edges to create a waterproof seal.
Can a bathtub drain cover be removed without screws?
Removing a bathtub drain cover without screws is possible with a flathead screwdriver. According to BathUsually.com (2022), the process begins by setting the tub to the open position. It is important to remember to turn off the water supply before attempting any work on a bathtub drainage system.
How do I remove an overflow cover?
This answer provides a way to remove an old Kohler USA screwless overflow cover from a bathtub, by creating a "H" out of two screwdrivers and wedging them into the overflow cover. According to a discussion thread on the DIY Chatroom website in March 2020, this method is effective. It is important to understand that the rubber stopper chain and lack of screws on the overflow cover is likely due to its age.
Can an old bathtub overflow drain be replaced?
An old bathtub overflow drain without screw holes can be difficult to replace or fix. This was the case with a Houzz user who found that their drain had no gasket and was leaking, and that there were no screw holes in the drain pipe elbow either. To fix this issue, one possible solution is to use a Watco drain, which is designed to work with older types of tub drains.
Can I remove a bathtub drain?
Removing a bathtub drain can be done by gripping the body of the stopper with a towel and using pliers to turn the knob for increased leverage. According to This Old House (2020), for the lift-and-turn type, the set screw must be adjusted to open the drain. A drain key tool can also be used to remove the stopper.
How to remove bathtub drain faceplate?
This section explains how to remove a bathtub drain overflow faceplate without screws, by using a penetrating catalyst to soften the caulk. (Source: eHow UK, n.d.) This method can also be used for other caulked surfaces, such as window frames, that need to be removed.
Can the overflow plate be removed?
Replacing a tub overflow plate can be done by twisting it off, unscrewing it, or simply pulling it off. Some tub overflow plates may not have screws, in which case there are various fixes and solutions available, such as gluing the cover on or using a silicone sealant. Glamorous Place (2020) offers helpful advice on how to replace a tub overflow plate with no screws. It is important to make sure the old plate is completely removed before replacing it with a new one.
Can you replace a drain cover?
Replacing a drain cover is a simple process which involves aligning the tabs on the cover plate with the slots in the drain before pressing it in firmly and giving it a quarter-turn clockwise to lock it in place. According to Hunker (2020), removing a cover plate on a bathtub drain overflow requires an Allen wrench and careful prying. This is due to the fact that such drains do not require screws for installation and instead use a compression gasket to hold them in place.
Do bathtubs have drains?
Yes, all bathtubs have a drain overflow to prevent accidental overfilling. According to Hunker (2020), most overflow covers have two screws on the front attaching the cover to a flange on the drain pipe, while some covers do not have any visible screws and require a lift-and-turn stopper. Knowing how to remove the cover plate on a bathtub drain overflow is essential for proper maintenance of the tub.
Can I replace my overflow plate with this?
The WATCO Oil Rubbed Bronze Plastic Face Plate is a perfect way to replace, upgrade, or repair your existing bathtub overflow plate assembly. This product, sold at Lowes, is a patented Innovator® snap-on bathtub overflow plate kit that is easy to install and includes all the necessary parts. This product is backed by over 100 years of experience in the plumbing industry and has been tested for quality assurance.
Can the drain plate be removed?
The Kohler drain plate can be removed by turning it counterclockwise a quarter-turn and then pulling straight back. According to Hunker (2020), the cover plate has tabs which need to be aligned with slots in the drain to remove or replace the cover. The cover should be pressed firmly into place when replaced.
Can the seal be unscrewed?
A solution to a bathtub clogged issue is to unscrew the seal between the tub and the bottom half of the assembly. According to Terry Loves Plumbing Forum, this rubber gasket gets compressed when the two halves are screwed together, and can be removed when unscrewed (2007). This will allow for access to the clog and a potential resolution.
Can the faceplate be removed?
Removing the cover plate on a bathtub drain overflow without a hole in the faceplate can be done by giving it a quarter turn counterclockwise and then pulling straight back. According to Hunker (2020), this is the case for Kohler plates. Tabs on the cover plate may need to be disengaged in order to remove it.
Is there a set screw?
A solution for how to remove a bathtub overflow plate without screws is to use a mirror to check if the cover has a set screw which bears on a flat spot on a shaft. According to diychatroom.com, this is a common method for removing the plate (2016). This approach can be used even when there are no visible screws on the plate.
