Removal of vessel tub

unscrew it, counterclockwize

The lift gate as you call it is part of the overflow pipe and the drain pipe under the tub. Depending on the style you may have to remove the drain pipe behind the tub for access.

Generally the drains that are controlled from the
OVER-FLOW do indeed have a rod that goes down
from the face of the overflow... which lifts (opens)
the drain by lifting a hollow (typically plastic) sleeve
from in front of the outflow of the drain...

It is hollow to allow the OVERFLOW to work at all times.

The version you seem to have... WOULD have a
bellows like device that pushes on a plug lever...

More complex... but I seriously believe both may be
serviced through the OVERFLOW
(will attach a drawing below)...

OBVIOUSLY you will want to block the drain before rolling & dropping screws in, on & around the drain HOLE...

Once you see the diagram of the drain MECHANISM...
you will be able to see that jamming in a coat-hanger
was a terrible idea.

You can still most likely remove and repair the
mechanism ... (from the over-flow)

ELSE
You are looking at buying a new one and installing the entire drain from the bottom (hopefully).

Diagram of drains:
Go to Bing homepage

Carnac the Magnificent

a vessel I dont beleive has a overflow. you need a differant waste for that unless theres something your not telling me

Hi,
Unless you can get to the bottom of the tub either through the floor below or the wall in front of the tub.... you do not want to do that...
To change it you may need to change some of the piping to the tub drain....
It is possible that you can take a needle nose pliers and turn the tub piece out by sticking the pliers through the webing in the tub drain and turn the CCW also.....but if the bottom piece is not the same thread.. or the piece moves... you may not be able to get the new piece started and then your in BIG trouble...

heatman101

your machine needs a lid switch

You must turn it counter clockwise.If there isn't any of the cross left you have two options you can take a small hack saw and cut 3 or 4 slits in the drain lip, being careful not to scratch the tub. Then pry the lip up very carfully with a small flat screw driver & pliers.You should be able to unscrew it now.Or if you have access to the waste and overflow, behind the front of the tub you can remove the overflow, (its the piping with the cover plate at the top of the tub) and move the waste shoe from side to side,to loosen the drain up. [thats the part the drain screws into] I would try my 1st solution.You would most likely have to replace the waste & overflow and maybe the trap with the 2nd. Good Luck.

You will have to change out the waste and overflow. This is not a hard job, unscrew drain from tub, remove overflow plate and disconnect from p-trap. Go to local home improvement store and buy a new waste and overflow kit, many to choose from. Reinstall .

a waste with a over flow does not work well with a vessel sink because the sink is to thin

Put plumbers putty around the flange that will be in contact with the sink. When you put it into the hole, try to line up the overflow as good as possible. The nut that goes onto the bottom (tailpiece) has a rubber gasket that will go between the nut & the sink. Adding some plumbers putty here won't hurt. After all is secure, just remove the putty that squeezed out from tightening.