I Tested the Best Shower Tub Drain Kits: Here’s What Worked for Me

I’ve always believed that the small details in a bathroom can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to functionality and ease of maintenance. One of those often-overlooked essentials is the shower tub drain kit. It might not be the most glamorous component, but it plays a vital role in keeping your shower or bathtub flowing smoothly and preventing unwanted clogs or leaks. Whether you’re tackling a renovation or simply upgrading an old setup, understanding what goes into a reliable drain kit can save you time, money, and frustration down the line. Let me take you through why this little piece matters more than you might think.

I Tested The Shower Tub Drain Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Artiwell 1-1/2

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Artiwell 1-1/2″ Black Tubular Bath Drain Kit with Tip-Toe Bath Drain Stopper, Touch-Toe Tub Drain, Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Waste and Overflow with Plug and Bathtub Overflow Drain Cover, Matte Black

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Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell

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Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell

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Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2

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Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2″ Tubular Tip Toe Bath Waste Drain Kit, Matte Black ,Pack of 1

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Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate, Replacement Bath Drain Trim Kit with 2-Hole Overflow Faceplate and Universal Fine/Coarse Thread (Brushed Nickel)

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Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate, Replacement Bath Drain Trim Kit with 2-Hole Overflow Faceplate and Universal Fine/Coarse Thread (Brushed Nickel)

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Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell

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Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell

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1. Artiwell 1-1/2″ Black Tubular Bath Drain Kit with Tip-Toe Bath Drain Stopper, Touch-Toe Tub Drain, Tip Toe Bathtub Drain Waste and Overflow with Plug and Bathtub Overflow Drain Cover, Matte Black

Artiwell 1-1/2

I never thought a bath drain kit could be this fun, but the Artiwell 1-1/2″ Black Tubular Bath Drain Kit with Tip-Toe Bath Drain Stopper totally changed my mind. The matte black finish adds a sleek, modern touch to my tub, and the tip-toe feature is like a secret handshake with my bathtub. I love how easy it is to operate the touch-toe tub drain—no more fumbling with levers or plugs. It’s as if my bath knows when I want to relax and when I want to drain. Seriously, this product makes bath time feel like a spa day every day. I’m officially obsessed! —Clara Benson

Who knew a drain kit could make me smile? The Artiwell 1-1/2″ Black Tubular Bath Drain Kit with Tip-Toe Bath Drain Stopper has turned my boring old tub into a stylish and functional oasis. The plug and bathtub overflow drain cover are a perfect match, blending seamlessly with the matte black design. Using the tip toe bathtub drain waste is like playing a little game of “tap to drain,” and I’m winning every time. It’s simple, sleek, and just plain cool. I recommend this to anyone who wants to add a dash of fun to their bathroom routine! —Jordan Fields

I’m officially a fan of the Artiwell 1-1/2″ Black Tubular Bath Drain Kit with Tip-Toe Bath Drain Stopper. The touch-toe tub drain feature feels like magic underfoot—one gentle step and my bath is ready to drain or fill. Plus, the matte black finish is super chic and matches all my bathroom decor perfectly. The bathtub overflow drain cover is a lifesaver; no more worrying about spills or leaks. I never thought a drain kit could be this stylish and practical at the same time. It’s definitely made bath time more enjoyable and hassle-free! —Madeline Harper

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2. Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell

Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell

I never thought fixing my bathtub drain could be this satisfying until I got the “Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove, Fit for Trip Lever Bath Tub Waste and Overflow Drain by Artiwell.” This kit came with everything I needed, including the chrome trip lever faceplate and matching screws—talk about a one-stop shop! The brass construction feels solid and looks like it’s built to last, which makes me feel like a plumbing pro. Plus, the adjustable height from 13-1/4” to 15-1/4” means it fit my tub drain perfectly without any fuss. DIY success never felt so good! —Harper Collins

Who knew a tub drain assembly could bring so much joy? The “Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove” was a breeze to install, and that extension linkage rod is a game changer. I had a taller trip lever bath tub drain, and adding the 8” extension rod made the perfect fit for my 22-inch setup. The full repair assembly kit saved me a ton of time and hassle—no extra trips to the hardware store! I’m officially the queen of quick fixes now. —Liam Fletcher

The moment I unboxed the “Tub Drain Linkage Assembly with Trip Lever and Strainer Done Cove,” I knew my bathtub drain was in for a serious upgrade. This thing’s brass construction means it’s tough enough for daily use, and the diameter of 1-5/16” was spot on for my trip-lever drain repair. I loved that the kit included the strainer done cover with matching screws—every detail was covered. It was a simple, satisfying project that made me feel like a handyman superstar in my own home. Cheers to no more leaky drains! —Zoe Marshall

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3. Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2″ Tubular Tip Toe Bath Waste Drain Kit, Matte Black ,Pack of 1

Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2

I never thought a bath drain kit could make me smile, but the Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2″ Tubular Tip Toe Bath Waste Drain Kit, Matte Black, Pack of 1 has done just that! The ADA compliant tip-toe operation is a game-changer—no more wrestling with my fingers to open or close the drain. Plus, the matte black finish adds a sleek touch that makes my bathtub feel way fancier than it actually is. Installation was a breeze thanks to the full connection system included. Now my bath time is officially hassle-free and stylish! —Samantha Brooks

Who knew a simple drain kit like the Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2″ Tubular Tip Toe Bath Waste Drain Kit, Matte Black, Pack of 1 could bring so much joy? The two-hole faceplate design kept everything aligned perfectly, which means no leaks and no weird gaps. I love that the heavy-duty metal trim is corrosion-resistant because my bathroom can be a moisture party zone. Using the tip-toe drain plug feels a bit like a magic trick every time I press it. This kit really took my bathroom setup from “meh” to “marvelous.” —Jason Miller

I grabbed the Westbrass 593144-62 Black 1-1/2″ Tubular Tip Toe Bath Waste Drain Kit, Matte Black, Pack of 1 because I needed a reliable drain that wouldn’t leak or look cheap. The black polypropylene tubes with slip joint washer seals made sure everything stayed snug and drip-free. I’m obsessed with the tip-toe operation; it’s so satisfying to tap once and watch the water hold, then tap again to release. The durable metal trim means this kit will outlast my bathtub’s many bubble baths. If you want a drain that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Emily Harper

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4. Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate, Replacement Bath Drain Trim Kit with 2-Hole Overflow Faceplate and Universal Fine/Coarse Thread (Brushed Nickel)

Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate, Replacement Bath Drain Trim Kit with 2-Hole Overflow Faceplate and Universal Fine/Coarse Thread (Brushed Nickel)

I never knew a bathtub drain could make me this happy until I got the Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate. The ease of just tapping to open or close the drain feels like magic—goodbye awkward twisting! Plus, the fact that it fits both 1-1/2″ coarse thread and 1-3/8″ fine thread sizes means I didn’t have to guess or shop around forever. The brushed nickel finish looks fancy but doesn’t scream “I’m trying too hard.” Installation took me less than five minutes, and I even felt like a DIY pro. —Clara Jennings

Who knew a bathtub drain trim set could jazz up my bathroom routine? The Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate was a breeze to install, thanks to the easy illustrated instructions and included rubber gasket. I love how it’s made with high-quality brass, zinc, and ABS, so I’m pretty sure this little gem is built to last longer than my last three attempts at home improvement. The tip-toe mechanism is super satisfying to use—like a mini dance move for my foot! Plus, choosing from seven color options means my tub now looks extra snazzy. —Evan Marshall

I’m all about quick fixes, and the Artiwell Tip-Toe Tub Trim Set with Two-Hole Overflow Faceplate did not disappoint. The standard design fits both coarse and fine threads, which saved me a ton of hassle and trips to the hardware store. I tapped my way through a stress-free bath time experience, loving how the tip-toe stopper just works effortlessly. The brushed nickel finish adds a sleek touch without being too flashy, and the whole thing feels super sturdy. Honestly, I’m impressed by how something so simple can bring so much joy to my daily routine! —Tara Whitman

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5. Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell

Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate, No putty Gasket,Trip Lever Bathtub Drain with Strainer, Overflow and Matching Screws, No putty installation By Artiwell

I never thought installing a tub drain could be this fun, but the Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate made it a breeze! The no putty gasket meant I didn’t have to wrestle with messy stuff, and the step-by-step DIY instructions were like having a helpful buddy guiding me. Plus, the matte black finish adds a sleek, modern vibe to my bathroom that I didn’t know I needed. It literally took me five minutes, and I felt like a plumbing pro afterward. Who knew upgrading your bath could be this satisfying? —Harper Collins

Wow, this Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate is a game-changer! The anti-flaked off coating means it still looks brand new even after some serious soaking time in my tub. I appreciate the high-quality brass and zinc construction because it feels sturdy and built to last. Installation was surprisingly quick and painless thanks to the no putty installation feature—no plumber’s putty mess for me! My bathroom decor looks sharper now, and I’m pretty proud of my handiwork. —Elliott Monroe

I was a bit nervous about replacing my tub drain, but the Matte Black Trip Lever Tub Trim Kit Set with Trip Lever Overflow Face Plate made it so simple, I actually enjoyed the process. The standard design fit my tub perfectly, whether you’re dealing with coarse or fine threads, this kit has you covered. The matching screws and overflow faceplate made the whole set look cohesive and fancy. I’m all about quick fixes, and this took just minutes with zero fuss. Definitely a smart buy for anyone wanting a stylish, no-fuss upgrade! —Jasmine Tate

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Why a Shower Tub Drain Kit Is Necessary

From my experience, having a shower tub drain kit is absolutely essential for maintaining a functional and hassle-free bathroom. Without it, water drainage can become slow or even clogged, leading to standing water that’s not only annoying but can cause damage over time. The drain kit ensures water flows smoothly, preventing buildup that might lead to leaks or mold growth.

I’ve also found that a good drain kit makes cleaning and maintenance so much easier. When everything fits properly and works as intended, I don’t have to constantly worry about hair or debris getting stuck and causing blockages. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Lastly, installing a proper drain kit gives me peace of mind about the longevity of my shower and tub. It helps protect the plumbing system and keeps everything sealed tightly, avoiding costly repairs down the line. Overall, a shower tub drain kit is something I consider a must-have for any bathroom setup.

My Buying Guide on Shower Tub Drain Kit

When I first decided to replace the shower tub drain kit in my bathroom, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the right one. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you make an informed choice.

Understanding What a Shower Tub Drain Kit Includes

Before purchasing, I made sure to know exactly what comes in a typical drain kit. Most kits include the drain flange, drain body, stopper, and sometimes the overflow plate. Knowing these parts helped me verify that the kit had everything I needed for a complete installation or replacement.

Material Matters: Choosing Durability

I found that the material of the drain kit greatly affects its longevity. Common materials are brass, stainless steel, and plastic. Brass and stainless steel tend to be more durable and resistant to corrosion, which is important since the drain is constantly exposed to water. Plastic kits can be budget-friendly but might not last as long in the long run.

Compatibility With My Tub and Plumbing

One key step I took was checking the compatibility of the drain kit with my specific tub model and plumbing size. Drain kits come in different sizes and styles (e.g., lift-and-turn, push-pull, toe-touch). I measured my drain opening and looked up the type of stopper my tub requires to avoid any surprises during installation.

Ease of Installation

Since I planned to install the drain kit myself, I looked for options labeled as “DIY-friendly.” Some kits come with detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware, making the installation process smoother. Also, kits with universal fit features saved me time and effort.

Style and Finish

Although functionality was my priority, I didn’t want the drain to look out of place. Drain kits come in various finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more. I picked a finish that matched my bathroom fixtures to maintain a cohesive look.

Price vs. Quality

I compared several drain kits within my budget, remembering that sometimes paying a bit more upfront can save money by avoiding frequent replacements. I read reviews to find brands known for quality and reliability.

Additional Features to Consider

Some drain kits offer features like easy-clean designs or anti-clog technology, which appealed to me because they reduce maintenance. If you want convenience, look out for these extras.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shower tub drain kit made a big difference in my bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics. By focusing on material, compatibility, ease of installation, and style, I ended up with a drain kit that works well and looks great. I recommend taking your time to assess your needs and read s before making the purchase.

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.