How to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug: 3 Easy Ways

Lost the bath plug, or moved into a place where the pop-up stopper doesn't seal? You don't need to skip bath night. Here are three easy ways to block a bathtub drain with things you probably already have at home.

1. A water-filled zip-lock bag

This is the most reliable fix. Fill a large zip-lock bag about two-thirds with water, seal it, and press out as much air as you can. Lay it flat over the drain so the bag settles into the drain hole and covers it completely. The weight of the water holds it in place and moulds it to the shape of the drain.

• Use a freezer-grade bag, as they're thicker and less likely to split
• Double-bag it if the bag is thin
• Check it after a minute or two to make sure water isn't slowly escaping

2. A flat lid or container lid

A flat plastic lid (a jar lid, a takeaway container lid or a small plate) that's wider than the drain will work surprisingly well. Once the bath starts filling, water pressure pushes the lid down and creates a seal.

• Hold it in place for the first few seconds while water covers it
• Soft, flexible plastic seals better than hard glass or metal
• If it floats or slides, put a small wet facecloth on top to weigh it down

3. A wet facecloth or small towel

Fold a facecloth into a thick square, wet it thoroughly, and press it down firmly over the drain. It won't give a perfect seal, but it slows the water down enough to fill the bath as long as you keep the tap running a little longer. It's a good stop-gap for a quick bath for the kids.

The permanent fix: a universal bath stopper

If you've lost the original plug, a universal flat silicone stopper from a hardware store costs a few dollars and fits almost any bathtub drain. Keep one in the bathroom drawer and the problem is solved for good.

When a plug problem is really a plumbing problem

Sometimes the issue isn't a missing plug at all. Call a licensed plumber if:

• The pop-up or plug-and-waste mechanism is broken, corroded or won't stay up or down
• The bath is draining slowly even with the plug out, which usually means hair and soap build-up further down the line
• You can hear gurgling from the bath when other fixtures drain
• There's a musty or sewer smell coming from the bath waste

Slow bath drains are one of the most common blockages we clear across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. A standard accessible blockage is usually $250–$420, and you get a fixed written quote before any work starts.