106
3D Printed in TPU a replacement gasket for my bath tubs Spring Stopper. Where the only option was a $30 replacement (lemmy.world)
submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by the16bitgamer@lemmy.world to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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!

PXL_20240216_192037973

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

top 10 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] pearsaltchocolatebar@discuss.online 17 points 8 months ago

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.

[-] technomad@slrpnk.net 13 points 8 months ago

That's really cool man. Now, the real test will be if it lasts longer/shorter than the original :)

[-] the16bitgamer@lemmy.world 13 points 8 months ago

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.

[-] RestrictedAccount@lemmy.world 8 points 8 months ago

I think OP meant does the ring disintegrate and plug your pipes after a of months

[-] technomad@slrpnk.net 2 points 8 months ago

Yes, thanks.

[-] technomad@slrpnk.net 1 points 8 months ago

What was the verdict then?

[-] the16bitgamer@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

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

[-] roadkill@kbin.social 4 points 8 months ago

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.

[-] user1234@lemmynsfw.com 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

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.

[-] tagginator@utter.online -1 points 8 months ago

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)
Tagging: #3dprinting

(Replying in the OP of this thread (NOT THIS BOT!) will appear as a comment in the lemmy discussion.)

I am a FOSS bot. Check my README: https://github.com/db0/lemmy-tagginator/blob/main/README.md

this post was submitted on 17 Feb 2024
106 points (98.2% liked)

3DPrinting

15499 readers
54 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: !functionalprint@kbin.social or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
andypiper@lemmy.world
henry_rowengartner@lemmy.world
j4k3@lemmy.world
GrayBackgroundMusic@lemm.ee