To keep water in a bathtub, you can cover the drain hole with an empty coffee pod, a plastic cup, or a jar lid of the same size. You can also keep water in your bathtub without a stopper with the help of duct tape and plastic bags.
After a long, tiring day at work, a good, calming soak in the bathtub can invigorate you and take away all the stress, anxiety, and pain.
However, this luxurious experience depends on whether you have a working stopper or not.
Without a functional plug, you can’t keep water in the tub. Don’t fret – we have got your back. Once your bathtub stopper has given up the ghost, you can figure out a temporary fix until you replace the plug.
There are simple, easy, yet highly effective DIY hacks that you can use to keep water in the bathtub without a stopper.
Let’s see how you can keep water in the bathtub without a stopper.
How to Keep Water in Bathtub Without Stopper
We all have useful things lying around our homes that we can use to keep the water in the bathtub without a stopper, such as jam jar lids, empty coffee pods, and a lot more.
Use an Empty Coffee Pod
Things You Will Need
- Empty Coffee Pod
- Insulation Tape
- Small Plastic Cup
Method
- Take an empty coffee pod and place it firmly into the drain. A 15 ml empty coffee pod will work for most of the drains.
- Fill the tub slowly and see how well the pod holds.
- If it is slightly small, you can wrap insulation tape around the pod to improve the seal.
- You can use a small plastic cup as well if you don’t have empty coffee pods.
Use a Jar Lid
Things You Will Need
- Jam Jar Lid
Method
- Find a jam jar lid that is big enough to cover the drain hole.
- Keep the lid on the drain hole in such a way that it lies completely flat on the bathtub’s bottom.
- Dampen the bottom of the lid to create a stronger seal.
- Press the lid firmly and start filling the bathtub. The weight of the water will be enough to keep the lid in place.
Use a Plastic Bag
Things You Will Need
- Washcloth
- Sponge
- Plastic Bag
- Rubber Band
Method
- Take a small washcloth, twist it tightly, and place it inside a small plastic bag. You can also use a wet sponge instead of a washcloth.
- Squeeze out as much air from the plastic bag as you can.
- Zip the plastic bag close using a rubber band.
- Place the bag in the drain.
- The material will expand and fill the drain snugly.
- You can also fill a plastic bag with water, seal it completely, and then place it over the drain hole.
Use a Toilet Plunger
Things You Will Need
- Soap
- Toilet Plunger
Method
- You can use your toilet plunger as a makeshift plug. Get your hands on some soap and thoroughly clean the rubber end of the plunger.
- Press the plunger down on the drain hole to seal it.
- Remove the handle from the plunger for a more comfortable, luxurious experience.
- Fill the bathtub and enjoy your bath!
Use Duct Tape
Duct tape combined with a plastic bag will effectively block your drain hole.
Things You Will Need
- Duct Tape
- Plastic bag
Method
- Place the plastic bag around the drain hole.
- Take some waterproof duct tape.
- Cut a large piece of duct tape.
- Cover the drain hole with duct tape around the plastic bag.
- To make the seal even stronger, cover the top of the drain hole with another layer of duct tape. This will withstand the pressure of the water for a longer period of time.
- Press the duct tape down on the hole to ensure that it is binding correctly. Moreover, ensure that the bathtub is dry when you are putting the tape on the top of the drain hole.
Use Plumber’s Putty
Plumber’s putty is a good way for blocking the bath drain temporarily.
Things You Will Need
- Plumber’s Putty
- Faulty Bathtub stopper
Method
- Get your hands on a bath plug that doesn’t work properly.
- Place the faulty bath plug in the drain.
- Roll some of the plumber’s putty in a wormlike shape.
- Line the area around the drain with the putty and close it in with the bathtub stopper.
Use a Marine Drain Twist Plug
If you are a fisherman, this DIY hack will be perfect for you.
Things You Will Need
- Marine drain twist plug
Method
- Find a marine drain twist plug that is almost the same size as that of the bathtub drain.
- Block the drain hole with it.
- Push the plug down the hole. Make sure that it fits the hole perfectly.
- Twist the plug inside the drain in the clockwise direction.
Use Bathtub Toys
You can use inflatable bathtub toys to plug the drain hole.
Things You Will Need
- Inflatable Bathtub toys
Method
- Bathtub toys that squirt water out of them will work great as bathtub plugs.
- Squeeze the bathtub toy and put it inside the drain hole.
- As it re-inflates, it will fill with water slowly and create a seal. This will act as the perfect makeshift stopper.
FAQs for How to Keep Water in Bathtub Without Stopper
How Do Stoppers Work?
Bathtub stoppers cover the hole and form a tight seal to keep the water from escaping down the drain hole.
Are These Fixes Permanent?
No, all the above DIY tips are temporary and will work only for a while. Unless you want to keep on repeating this every time you take a bath, you will have to find a permanent solution.
