Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If your tub won’t hold water, the fix usually isn’t the whole bathtub — it’s the drain assembly hiding under the stopper. Most standard tub drains come in two thread sizes, 1-3/8 inch and 1-1/2 inch, and the kits below cover both, which means you can match your existing plumbing without tearing anything out. The hardest part of the job is breaking the old drain loose, not fitting the new one.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You’ll see which kits are solid brass, which use plastic tubing, and which stopper style suits a household with kids or seniors. The best Bath Tub Drain Kit is the one that matches your thread size and overflow plate hole count on the first try.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bath Tub Drain Kit
A tub drain kit is three parts working as one: the drain body that screws into the tub shoe, the stopper that holds water, and the overflow plate that covers the hole higher up the tub wall. Get the thread size wrong and nothing else matters. Get it right and the swap takes minutes.
Match the thread size before anything else
Nearly every kit in this lineup ships for a 1-3/8 inch drain and includes an adapter bushing for a 1-1/2 inch waste opening. If your tub’s drain hole measures closer to two inches across, you have a 1-1/2 inch drain and need the adapter. Threads are measured as NPSM, which stands for National Pipe Straight Mechanical — a straight, non-tapered thread standard for plumbing connections.
Count the holes in your overflow plate
Look at the round cover on the tub wall above the drain. Two visible screws means a two-hole plate; one central screw means a one-hole plate. Most conversion kits here include a two-hole faceplate. If your tub uses a single center screw — common on Moen fixtures — you may need a separate conversion part rather than the plate in the box.
Pick your stopper style by who uses the tub
Lift-and-turn stoppers rotate a quarter turn to seal and lift to drain. Tip-toe and push-n-lock stoppers open and close with a toe press, which keeps hands free and suits seniors or young kids. Foot Lok Stop styles work the same way but sit lower in the drain.
Decide between brass and plastic tubing
Solid brass and stainless steel drain bodies resist corrosion in a wet, soapy environment and hold their finish longer. Plastic kits trade that longevity for a lighter price and easier cutting to length. If the plumbing behind the wall is cast iron or copper, a plastic slip-joint kit may need adapters you don’t have on hand.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Stopper Style | Fit Size | Body Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WELLUP Brushed Nickel Tub Drain Conversion Kit★ Best Overall | Fastest all-in-one swap | Lift and turn | 1-3/8 in. or 1-1/2 in. | Brass, stainless steel | Amazon |
| PRIMSOPH Tip-Toe Tub Drain Trim KitBest Finish | Hands-free gold finish | Tip-toe | 1-3/8 in. or 1-1/2 in. | Brass | Amazon |
| HIDROP Chrome Tub Drain Lift and Turn Assembly | Classic chrome remodel | Lift and turn | 1-3/8 in. or 1-1/2 in. | Brass, stainless steel | Amazon |
| DANCO Touch-Toe Tub and Bath Drain Kit | Claw foot and deep tubs | Touch-toe | Up to 15 in. tub depth | Plastic | Amazon |
| Citymoor Bathtub Drain Kit with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate | Hair-heavy households | Lift and turn | 1-3/8 in. or 1-1/2 in. | Metal | Amazon |
| Moen T90331 Chrome Tub & Shower Drain Kit | Moen owners upgrading trim | Push-n-lock | 1-1/2 in. NPSM | Metal | Amazon |
| Keeney K630PVCDSBN Foot Lok Stop Bathtub Drain Kit | Weld-in new tub builds | Foot Lok Stop | 1-1/2 in. PVC Schedule 40 | PVC | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. WELLUP Brushed Nickel Bathtub Tub Drain Conversion Kit,Tub Drain Overflow
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The one-box fix for an old tub that has stopped holding water.
Everything you need lands in a single order here: the drain, a thread adapter bushing that steps 1-1/2 inch NPSM down to 1-3/8 inch NPSM, a washer, the two-hole overflow faceplate, and two 1/4 in.-20 UNC screws. That adapter is the detail that saves a second trip, because it lets one kit cover both common tub thread sizes. The body is solid brass with stainless steel, so it shrugs off the constant soap-and-water exposure that shortens the life of cheaper trim.
What wins people over is how quickly the swap goes. Buyers report the job running about five minutes once the old drain is out, and the finish matching existing brushed nickel fixtures closely enough that nobody notices the change. The oversized 0.38 kg weight gives it a heft that reads as real metal rather than a plated shell.
The honest catch is the twist joint. Owners who have lived with it a while note the stopper can work loose from the twisty section over time, though it reattaches easily enough. A few heavier-use households also mention the mechanism eventually giving out, so treat the lift-and-turn motion gently and it will serve you longer.
Where the WELLUP Wins
- Brass and stainless steel build built to survive a wet bathroom
- Thread adapter covers both 1-3/8 in. and 1-1/2 in. drains in one kit
- Full hardware pack including overflow plate and both screws
What to Watch
- Twist mechanism can loosen from the stopper over time
- No included tub drain removal wrench for the old unit
Grab this one if: you want a complete brass kit that fits both common thread sizes and installs in minutes.
Steer toward something else if: your tub uses a one-hole overflow plate, since this ships with a two-hole version.
2. PRIMSOPH Tip-Toe Tub Drain Trim Kit with Two Hole Overflow Faceplate Conversion Kit Assembly Universal Fine Coarse Thread Replacement Brushed Gold
A soft brushed gold trim set that turns a tired tub into a fixture-matching upgrade.
The defining number here is 11.7 ounces — heavy for a trim kit, and the reason it feels like real metal in your hand rather than hollow plating. The body is brass, and the set arrives with a coarse thread adapter, a rubber gasket, the two-hole overflow faceplate, and two screws. A push-sensitive tip-toe stopper is the other headline feature: a light press with your toe opens or closes the drain, so nobody has to bend down and fish for a plug.
It coordinates with other gold hardware and reads as a high-end finish, though it will not pass for Delta Champagne bronze — a mismatch some shoppers flag when their faucet is that specific shade. The overflow faceplate measures 3-1/8 inches across, which covers a standard opening cleanly.
On durability: the spring in the tip-toe mech can loosen over months of use rather than wearing out, and a simple tighten brings it back — worth knowing if kids splash in and out of the tub. If you want a chrome finish instead, the WELLUP above costs less and skips the color-matching gamble.
The finish advantage: the 3-1/8 inch overflow plate and brushed gold trim cover a standard two-hole opening in a rich tone that flatters existing gold fixtures far better than standard chrome.
Before you commit: check your faucet shade first, since the gold here sits closer to a soft brushed tone than a warm champagne bronze.
Worth it when: your bathroom already leans gold or brass and you want a tip-toe stopper that kids and seniors can work with a toe.
Think twice if: your fixtures are Delta Champagne bronze — this gold won’t match, and the cheaper chrome options may suit you better.
3. HIDROP Chrome Tub Drain Lift and Turn Assembly, 2-Hole Overflow Faceplate
A plain chrome lift-and-turn set for anyone who just wants the old one gone.
Chrome plated brass is the material story here — the same solid brass and stainless steel core as the WELLUP at the top of this list, wrapped in a classic polished chrome finish. You get the identical kit contents: the drain, an adapter bushing stepping 1-1/2 inch NPSM to 1-3/8 inch NPSM, a washer, a two-hole overflow faceplate, and two 1/4 in.-20 UNC screws. If your bathroom style is plain chrome rather than brushed or gold, this is the natural fit.
The mechanism is the standard lift-and-turn: pull up by hand to drain, rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to hold water. What stands out in the owner feedback is the install time — most report wrapping the swap in about 20 to 30 minutes, and the included extra pieces mean fewer hardware-store runs. One thing nobody mentions in the listing but buyers learn fast: you need a tub drain removal wrench to break the old unit loose, and it’s not in the box.
Where this one falls short of the WELLUP is finish durability. Chrome plating here draws more complaints about the coating than the brass-bodied alternatives, so if your household scrubs aggressively with abrasive cleaners, plan on a gentler touch. On quality and installation, it holds its own against the pricier picks.
What earns it a spot
- Solid brass and stainless steel core with polished chrome plating
- Full adapter set for both 1-3/8 in. and 1-1/2 in. thread sizes
- Straightforward lift-and-turn operation that most owners learn on day one
The trade-offs
- Chrome coating draws more durability complaints than brass alternatives
- No tub drain removal wrench included for the old unit
Reach for this if: your bathroom runs on plain chrome and you want a lift-and-turn kit with real brass under the plating.
Look elsewhere if: you scrub heavily with abrasive pads — the chrome finish will show wear faster than the brushed options.
4. DANCO Touch-Toe Tub and Bath Drain Kit, Chrome, 1-Pack (51930)
A plastic-tubing kit built for deep tubs that standard waste lines can’t reach.
The number that matters here is 15 inches — that’s the maximum tub depth this kit is designed to fit, and it’s the reason it earns a spot. Deep soaking tubs and mid-depth models often leave a chrome lift-and-turn kit short, while the DANCO’s 1-1/2 inch plastic tubing bends and cuts to length. The body is plastic rather than brass, which keeps it lighter but softer than the metal options up top.
Two things owners praise consistently: the touch-toe stopper that unscrews by hand for cleaning, and the fact that it works well on old claw foot tubs where slimmer kits fit poorly. The white polypropylene tubes with slip joint washers seal without cement, so the installation is genuinely reversible if you ever want to change the stopper.
Now the honest part. The overflow gasket on this kit is flimsier than the metal-body options, and cast iron tub owners mention it tearing or slipping during install. You may need to add plumber’s putty or adapt the gasket for a heavy cast iron overflow. And if your existing drain plumbing was zinc rather than PVC, the partial-metal assembly raises longevity questions — worth checking before you order.
The fit story: with a 15 inch tub-depth ceiling and adjustable slip-joint tubing, this is one of the few kits here that reaches a deep soaking tub without cutting exotic adapters.
Handle with care: the overflow gasket is the weak link — cast iron tub owners in particular have needed to swap it out or add putty to get a clean seal.
Best for: deep tubs, vintage claw foots, and anyone who wants a touch-toe stopper that unscrews for cleaning without tools.
Skip if: you want a fully metal body or have a heavy cast iron tub with a thick overflow wall — the gasket here may not hold without extra work.
5. Citymoor Bathtub Drain Kit with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate, Bath Tub Drain
The one that traps hair before it reaches your drain line — for better or worse.
Inside this drain body sits a hair filter structure — a built-in screen that snags hair before it slips down the pipe. For a household with long hair, that means fewer drain-clearer moments and less buildup in the trap. The trim is chrome-plated metal, and the lift-and-turn mechanism brings the stopper up high when open, so water drains fast when you want it to.
What’s tricky is that filter. Owners describe it as working a bit too well: it collects hair quickly enough that you’ll be pulling it out more than once a week. A clever fix that shows up in the feedback is removing every other spline on the screen so the water can pass through more freely. One buyer’s blunt take: “The hairstopper definitely works but you’re going to have to remove hair from it every time you shower in order to get your drain to work.”
The other consideration is that closed, this drain holds water securely — but several owners note the stopper can drift down on its own when water is running, which slowly refills a draining tub. That’s a hair-thin annoyance, not a fault, but it matters if you drain and rinse in one go. Citymoor backs it with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-month replacement window.
What stands out
- Built-in hair filter catches clogs before they reach the trap
- All-metal construction with strong chrome plating
- Lift-and-turn stopper opens high for fast drainage
Where it stumbles
- Filter needs frequent cleaning — sometimes more than weekly
- Stopper can drift down mid-drain and slowly refill the tub
Right for you if: long hair in the house makes you dread a slow drain, and you’ll happily empty a filter screen to avoid calling a plumber.
Not your kit if: you want zero maintenance between showers — the filter demands attention at every wash.
6. Moen T90331 Chrome Tub & Shower Drain Kit
Real Moen trim for anyone already running Moen fixtures in the bathroom.
This drain kit is built for 1-1/2 inch NPSM threaded connections — the larger of the two common tub thread sizes — and skips the adapter bushing entirely because it doesn’t need one. It uses a push-n-lock mechanism: press down to close, pull to drain. The drain trim measures approximately 2-13/16 inches in diameter and sits at a 3-1/4 inch overall height, with a decorative trim projecting about 1/2 inch from the tub surface. The trim is all-metal with a polished chrome finish, and it ships with a coordinating overflow cover.
What makes this stand out for Moen owners is that it’s the genuine part. Buyers who tried aftermarket replacements that dripped or refused to seal report the Moen stepped in without a hitch and reused the existing drain base. The limited lifetime warranty from Moen adds another layer of confidence on top of the tight seal closed and clear flow open that the mechanism delivers.
The catch — and there is one — is size. Several buyers find the drain too large for what they assumed was a standard 1-1/2 inch drain, and it’s worth confirming your drain opening with a tape measure before ordering. Also note that if your current overflow uses two screws, you’ll need part #142538 to convert — this kit handles a 1-1/2 inch drain but assumes the matching overflow pattern.
The Moen difference: OEM chrome and metal throughout, with a limited lifetime warranty and a push-n-lock mechanism that seals firmly with no rubber stopper to fail.
Measure first: the 2-13/16 inch drain trim has been too large for some tubs whose openings look like standard 1-1/2 inch but measure smaller in reality.
Pick it when: you already run Moen fixtures, want OEM-quality metal, and have a genuine 1-1/2 inch NPSM drain opening.
Pick something else if: your tub uses a two-screw overflow or you’re not sure of your drain size — add the conversion part or measure carefully before ordering.
7. Keeney K630PVCDSBN Foot Lok Stop Bathtub Drain Kit, 1-1/2-Inch Fits All Standard Size Tubs, Brushed Nickel
The weld-in kit for new tub installs and anyone who wants a drain line done right the first time.
This is a complete kit built around 1-1/2 inch PVC Schedule 40 pipe — the same wall thickness commercial plumbers use for drain lines. It arrives with the tubing, the Foot Lok Stop drain and its 2.2 pound all-metal stopper, the brushed nickel overflow faceplate, and all necessary hardware. Where most kits here use slip-joint washers that can weep over time, this one is designed for solvent welding: you cut the pipe to length, glue the joints, and end up with a rigid, sealed assembly behind the tub wall.
The metal stopper is a step up from cheaper units. It’s heavier than department-store alternatives, all-metal rather than plastic, and unscrews cleanly for installation or cleaning. For a large soaking tub, customers note it fitting without adjustment and the brushed nickel holding up as “still looking good” a year in. It’s also expandable or shortenable to fit workable runs.
The one thing to know before buying is that solvent-welded plumbing doesn’t come apart — you glue it, and it stays glued. If you need a future-repairable connection, a slip-joint kit is a better fit. The other limitation many buyers run into is wall thickness: 1/16 inch or 1/8 inch Schedule 40 wall is thicker than some slip-joint setups, so be sure your tub’s existing fittings match.
Why it earns the price
- Full Schedule 40 PVC kit — thick-wall pipe meant to last
- All-metal Foot Lok Stop stopper that unscrews for cleaning
- Brushed nickel trim that held up a year in real-world use
Real caveats
- Solvent-weld joints don’t come apart for future repairs
- Not a drop-in slip-joint kit — requires cutting and gluing
Buy this if: you’re building a new tub, replacing a leaky drain line, or want a permanent solvent-welded connection backed by the thick-wall Schedule 40 standard.
Think again if: you want a kit you can pull apart and reconfigure — solvent weld is a one-way street.
Understanding the Specs
Thread Size and the NPSM Adapter
Tub drains come in two common thread sizes: 1-3/8 inch and 1-1/2 inch. NPSM stands for National Pipe Straight Mechanical, a straight-thread standard for plumbing joints. Most kits in this lineup ship for the smaller 1-3/8 inch and include a bushing that steps up to 1-1/2 inch, letting one box fit either opening. Check the diameter of your drain hole before ordering — if it’s closer to two inches across, you need the larger thread.
Overflow Faceplate Hole Count
The faceplate covers the round opening higher up the tub wall. Two visible screws means a two-hole plate; one centered screw means a one-hole plate. Most conversion kits here ship with a two-hole faceplate, so a Moen-style one-hole tub needs a separate conversion part. Getting this wrong is the single most common reason a drain kit doesn’t fit on arrival.
Brass vs. Plastic Bodies
Brass and stainless steel drain bodies resist the constant moisture, soap, and heat of a working tub and hold their finish far longer than plated plastic. Plastic tubing kits cost less and are easier to cut to length, and some are designed for solvent weld rather than slip joints. Choose brass if you want a decade of service from the trim; choose plastic if you want the lightest price or need adjustability for a deep tub.
Solvent Weld vs. Slip Joint
Solvent weld means you glue the PVC joints together — the connection is permanent and won’t weep. Slip joint uses rubber washers and threaded nuts, so you can pull it apart later but risk slow drips if the washers age. Behind a tub wall, a solvent-welded line is what most plumbers prefer because it eliminates a common leak point.
FAQ
How do I know if my tub drain is 1-3/8 inch or 1-1/2 inch?
Will a lift-and-turn drain work as well as a push-n-lock?
Do I need a special tool to remove my old tub drain?
Can I install a tub drain kit myself or do I need a plumber?
Why does my new drain leak around the overflow faceplate?
Will a brushed gold or brushed nickel drain match my existing faucet?
What is the difference between tip-toe and Foot Lok Stop?
How long does a tub drain kit typically last?
Can I replace just the stopper without a whole new kit?
Why does my tub keep slowly losing water when it should be sealed?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The best Bath Tub Drain Kit for most tubs is the WELLUP Brushed Nickel Conversion Kit because it covers both 1-3/8 inch and 1-1/2 inch thread sizes in one box, comes in solid brass and stainless steel, and installs in minutes. If brushed gold is what your fixtures call for, grab the PRIMSOPH Tip-Toe Kit. Moen owners should reach for the Moen T90331, and for a new-build drain line that needs to be done permanently, the Keeney Foot Lok Stop Kit is the one to trust.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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