Bath tub plug stuck in and knob feels spongy

[pillowy]

As title says. The (metal) plug of the bathtub isn't coming out and seems to be clamped down with a death grip. The "knob", or the thing that you turn to make it pop up or down feels different when you turn it too, spongy rather than a firm click this way or that.

After googling I went and bought a plunger but it won't seal in that area as the plug is a very slight dome. I can slide something very thin underneath the plug just a bit, like a credit card, but it doesn't pull out at all.

Any tips? Please help, I'd like to shower!

I can't follow your description. photo?

can you slip a knife in and lever it up?

Nobody wants a spongy knob

Search ‘pop up plug stuck’ on YouTube - there are various helpful videos

You can buy replacements plugs cheap on Amazon or at DIY shops but beware there are two sizes, so if you wreck it while un-sticking it measure it before you chuck it away.

We used manicure scissors, inched them in then lifted the edge enough to inch in a bit more. Buggers the edge of the plug though.
Maybe if you emptied out as much of the water as poss there would be less weight too?

We use a sucker from the bottom of a non-slip mat, or the bath toy bag that sucker-sticks to the tiles. We've lived with ours broken for over a year 🙄but it never reaches the top of my list of things to fix.

If I've understood the problem properly, you can tap a piece of wood on the edge of the plug with a hammer. It releases the plug.

Following in the hope that someone comes up with something I haven’t already tried, as mine is stuck too. Mines just the type you push down and then (supposedly) push again to pop up, but of course it doesn’t pop back up. I haven’t been able to use my sink for months and have to brush my teeth downstairs and wash my hands in the shower!! Builder not replying to my messages either. So annoying.

Spongey knob 😱😂

@Blowyourowntrumpet 😂😂😂

I moved into a house where this happens. I used to have to probe out the plug with something thin and sharp otherwise my husband had to plunge the bloody thing out. The normal way to lift up the plug just didn't work. I gave up and just ordered a standard plug with chain from amazon. At least i know I can drain the bath!

We had the same on our bathroom sinks at one point or another. Those where the pushing mechanism is nit uses as frequently - others have been fine (so far) - there might be a link or not.

The only solution was to unscrew the disc at the top, (grab with a dry cloth or use rubber gloves). This will at least allow you to use the sink.
Next step, take pictures and the disc with you and then go to local plumbers shop to get a replacement for the entire piece.
This is because the popping bit failed completely, got stuck in the closed position and there's no fix. I tried WD40 and it made no difference.
So remove everything after disconnecting from pipes below sink and replace.
It's not a difficult job but you need to apply a sealing 'paste' when installing the new piece and you need access under the sink.

OP I don't quite understand how yours got stuck. Can you unscrew the disc completely so at least the water runs out?
If it's a similar issue as the sink problem above, I wouldn't know how to replace because I have no idea how to access pipes under a bathtub or shower tray.

I have zero professional plumbing expertise so I might be miss understanding a bit.

We had this issue before. Luckily managed to use a toy bullet with a sucker on the end from one of the kids magazine toys!

It worked a treat and was the solution for many weeks until we actually got it fixed!

Agree with PP, I used the sucker from a shower puff to stick to the plug and pull sharply up. The plug popped up first time.

When mine got stuck I went on You Tube and was advised to wear a rubber glove and rub round the pub in a circular motion and it should pop up. I did this and it worked!

We used one of those suckers that are meant for removing bulbs from downlights.

Update: Nothing worked (plunger, sucker, prising with all sorts, except for a lot of silvery bits flaking off the plug) and had to call a plumber in. He struggled massively and had to remove the panels and use a lot of effort to get it out.

The culprit? Hair. The mechanism was held fast by hair wrapping around it and holding it down tight from the inside.

All's well now and new bath plug and no more spongy knob. 😝

Oooh that's quite an update! Professional job, not diy at all.
Glad it's sorted OP.