On 3/25/2012 5:57 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Mar 24, 12:02 pm, Steve
wrote:
Cast iron tub with hidden stopper down the overflow tube.

The stopper was jammed (probably from lack of use; I mostly take showers).
I tried loosening with penetrating oil (Lime-Away, too) but to no avail and
now the reach rod has broken free of the stopper from pulling too hard. I
believe the normal thing would be to reach down with a coat hanger wire
formed into a hook but that's not going to be effective with a stuck
stopper. How can I loosen it so that has a chance of working?

I'm thinking of running HCl down from the overflow to eat up any scale but
the stopper itself is (if I recall) brass so this might make things worse.
The stopper and passage way is going to have to be very loose for it to be
picked up with a hook.

Have you tried pushing the stopper down to free it?

Since it's so stuck that pulling up resulted in a broken linkage,
perhaps you could free it up by pushing it down, then pulling it up.

If that doesn't work, I don't see too many options other than
disassembly. Since you've mentioned that access is not readily
available, you seem to be in a bit of a pickle.

I wish you luck!
There comes a time when every DIY skilled person needs professional
help. I think that your situation calls for a plumber.
--
Peace,
bobJ