bathtubdrainold-houseoverflowplumbing
I couldn't find any examples of my tub drain lever online, so I can't figure out how to remove it. The overflow is leaking, so I'd like to open it up and see what the gasket is like to replace it. On the back of the tub, it looks like there's some corrosion at that point, so that's probably the culprit.
I got the handle loose, but the overflow cap is blocking my access to screws. I can't get the handle out of the assembly, it's connected somehow to the tub drain.
Pix:
Your tub has an overflow drain. You just have to find it. Remove the two screws next to the combination drain toggle & overflow plate. Now gently pull up to reveal the overflow hole and the drain plug:
Get out your snake (you've got a snake, right?) and thread it down the newly revealed hole. Also remove the single screw holding the drain screen. Use some sort of semi-flexible plastic rod to clean out the horizontal section of the drain (a suitable tool comes with some bottles of drain cleaner, else you can improvise).
Don't bother with drain cleaner -- it is not right for your situation.
You'll need a different tool to get the plunger and/or linkage - your drain snake would be unlikely to get it. You might have one of these grabber tools somewhere in the house, and it would be worth trying it (down the access plate opening, so it's got a straight shot at the plug.) If that fails, you're probably near the tipping point where calling a plumber might be quicker and cheaper than continued DIY.
Best Answer
I figured it out! Figured I'd answer my own question in case someone else has a similar lever. The lever handle was stuck onto the shaft. I just needed to force it off.