8 Alternatives To Try When You Don't Have A Drain Stopper

When you want a warm, relaxing bath, there's nothing as frustrating as realizing that you don't have a functional drain stopper or plug. Maybe you accidentally misplaced it while giving your unruly pup or kid a bath, or you discover it's simply cracked. Whatever the reason, you can still enjoy a bath by trying one of several alternatives to a drain stopper. A variety of common household items from your kitchen or bathroom could do double duty, helping you stop up the tub long enough to enjoy that soothing soak. Simple, accessible options like plastic bags, silicone kitchenware, jar lids, or cloth might do the trick, provided you know how to use each substitute.

Drain stoppers come in various styles, from push-and-pull styles to toe-touch ones you can open and close with the push of your foot. Although affordable and easy to use, they're a bathroom accessory you might not think about as much as other things in your home — until the day it goes missing or is broken. When that happens, swap in these easy-to-use items for a drain plug until you're able to get a replacement.

The next time you need a stopper, you can use a handy kitchen staple to block a drain. Just take a plastic sandwich bag, fill it with water, and then seal it. Another way to do this hack is to stuff a wet sponge or washcloth into a plastic bag, squeezing it to release air. After you squeeze the air out, seal the bag with its included "zipper" (if you're using a sandwich bag) or tie it off with a rubber band or twist tie.

Here's a way to block your drain when you're in a "jam" and want to take a bath — reuse an old glass jar (or at least the lid)! You'll need a jelly or jar lid that's slightly larger than the drain hole to create a seal. Keep a hand on it to let it stick tightly while filling up the basin with water. Of course, if you don't have a jelly jar lid but have been saving other jars, you could also try a peanut butter or salsa jar cap instead.

Do you have a silicone baking mat in your kitchen? Pull it out, and use it as a handy drain stopper alternative. Plugs are often made of silicone, so using a baking sheet is a close second. When using a baking sheet, it's important you wet the surface so it sticks, and then shape it into a cup to block the drain. To keep it in place, you might need to use something a little heavy on top, such as a large bottle of body wash.

There's a variety of ways to repurpose coffee pods around your home, including as a nifty drain stopper. The pod's size is appropriate for most drains, and it can fit securely in there. You'll just need to place it into the drain, and then turn on the water and fill your tub, keeping one hand on the pod to anchor it in place. Just be sure you remove any leftover foil from the pod; you wouldn't want to dislodge it and send it down the drain.

One of the most common things you can use to plug your bathtub without a drain stopper is probably right in your bathroom: a washcloth. You'll wet it, wring it out, and then roll it up. Twist it down into the drain, and fill the basin. Because the washcloth is absorbent, it might take longer to fill your tub. You should probably only use this hack sparingly as a result, since you'll be running extra water.

A medicine bottle as a DIY drain stopper is just what the doctor ordered for your next bath. Gather an unused medicine bottle that's sitting around your house, making sure you grab one that will completely block the drain. After you choose, you can use it as a temporary plug, perhaps adding some rocks or other filler inside as an anchor to keep it in place as the tub fills.

Don't feel deflated if you can't use your bath because of a missing or broken drain plug — a rubber balloon might be the cure-all! Check the material for any damage to make sure it won't leak air. Blow up your balloon to a size where it fits comfortably into the drain, tie it off, and then insert it as far down as possible.

It might not be the most elegant solution, and it could seep water, but some plumbers have recommended trying duct tape to seal up the drain temporarily. Wipe up any water droplets that may be on the surface, and firmly press a few strips of duct tape over the drain. If you have a glazed tub, consider skipping this method in favor of another hack.