Long and short of it. My bathtub’s spring stopper has deteriorated. Building manager solution was to use a rubber stopper. I looked for a replacement part, couldn’t find one outside of an outright replacement. So I modelled and printed this one in TPU.
It works!
EDIT: 2h30m later, the I’ve lost ~20mm of water in the replacements tub. Probably should increase the width of the Part to get a better seal. Nothing I can do about it tonight
EDIT: 12h later, the tub was pretty much empty. Trying again with a wider plug since I think the fit wasn’t tight enough before. As for those who think a regular stopper would be better, you are right. But for the $0.16 of material and a learning opportunity for TPU I don’t see it as a waste of time
Increasing the width likely won’t help a ton. Your layer lines are the issue. Unfortunately, TPU can be a bitch to finish.
I’d put a layer of something over it to smooth out the surface. Flex seal would probably work, or maybe some firm silicone epoxy.
That’s really cool man. Now, the real test will be if it lasts longer/shorter than the original :)
The original is dead. But I do have another tub with another stopper in it (my apt is so luxurious), both tubs are now filled. I will be able to tell if they drained by the morning… hopefully.
The plug already lasted an hour so it’s a win by my books already.
I think OP meant does the ring disintegrate and plug your pipes after a of months
Yes, thanks.
What was the verdict then?
It works but has a leak somewhere. Without seeing where that leak is, clear tube or seeing the underside, I’m just guessing but it’s so slow it doesn’t matter.
Wider didn’t help as predicted in this thread.
Good for a stopgap, not good if you need to hold water for over 8 hours
My tub came with a clicker stopper.
First thing I did was replace it with one of these: https://i.imgur.com/DBEGZsR.jpeg
Total cost: $3.99
Works better, too.
I printed a TPU gasket for a water bottle once a few years ago after my cat destroyed the original silicone one. Still works without any noticable leaks.
New Lemmy Post: 3D Printed in TPU a replacement gasket for my bath tubs Spring Stopper. Where the only option was a $30 replacement (https://lemmy.world/post/12051417)
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