diff --git a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
index 8b28a97aec..0ff7527d48 100644
--- a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
+++ b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
@@ -460,12 +460,8 @@ gst_tee_release_pad (GstElement * element, GstPad * pad)
   }
   GST_OBJECT_UNLOCK (tee);
 
-  gst_object_ref (pad);
-  gst_element_remove_pad (GST_ELEMENT_CAST (tee), pad);
-
   gst_pad_set_active (pad, FALSE);
-
-  gst_object_unref (pad);
+  gst_element_remove_pad (GST_ELEMENT_CAST (tee), pad);
 
   if (changed) {
     gst_tee_notify_alloc_pad (tee);