Bathtub drain drains quickly for a minute or less than very slowly thereafter. It's a Kohler K-7161 Clearflo Bath Drain. Everything I've read online says I need to remove the handle and overflow hood in order to remove the lift rod assembly to snake the drain. But, I can't get the handle off. Two questions:

1) I do have access to the P trap via the basement. If I clean that out, do I still need to get the handle and lift rod assembly out?

2) Another article online said that this type of thing (starts fast and then slows down) is most likely a vent problem. Would you agree--and if that's the most likely case, is it even worth doing the above?

Thanks for your help!

the handle is 'permanently' attached to the 'overflow hood'

the entire assembly (hood, handle, linkage) lifts out as ONE assembly after the 'hood' screw or screws are removed

this enables you to 'snake' the tub drain clear of hair BEFORE the trap



then

clear the trap below using ITS clean-out

if

issue still persists = time for a pro

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



Edited 1 times.

A "vent problem" would do exactly the opposite, so it is unlikely to be the cause.

Sounds like a partial stoppage. Requires snaking from the overflow with a small diameter snake I.E. 1/4" or a 3/8" from your basement

srloren

Agreed