How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Stopper: A Step

Aug 18, 2023

Dealing with a stuck bathroom sink stopper can be a real pain. However, this is a DIY project that can be tackled in just a couple of hours. Plumbing and heating expert walks us through the process of fixing a bath sink stopper in this easy-to-follow guide.

Understanding the Sink Stopper

The purpose of a bath sink stopper is to close the sink drain when you want to fill the basin with water, and then to allow the water to drain away when it's time. Over time, stoppers can become less and less compliant, and they will often freeze or become stuck in place. If this happens, the stopper needs to be replaced.

Before starting the project, it's important to understand the various parts that make up a sink stopper. The pop-up drain assembly is the mechanism that operates the pop-up stopper, and it is typically sold as a kit for a replacement sink drain. The stopper lever, also known as the lift rod, is located behind the faucet knobs and is used to close or open the stopper plug. The linkage, which is also called the lift rod strap or clevis strap, is a perforated, flat metal strip located beneath the sink with five to eight holes. The top of the linkage is connected to the bottom of the stopper lever. The pop-up lever, also known as the pivot rod, is a horizontal rod located beneath the sink that connects the linkage to the pop-up drain assembly. The clip, also known as the spring clip, is a bent metal clip located on the pivot rod that holds the pivot rod to the linkage. The tailpiece is a long, straight piece of pipe that connects from the pop-up drain assembly at the bottom of the sink to the drain trap, which is the curvy portion of pipe. The drain trap, also called a P trap, is the curvy portion of pipe beneath the sink that is designed to hold a bit of water to form an airtight seal that prevents sewer gas from entering your home. Finally, the strainer, also called a strainer flange, is a metal rim that inserts into the sink bowl, acting as the connection between the sink and the drain pipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Bathroom Sink Stopper

If your bathroom sink stopper is stuck, follow these steps to replace it:

Step 1: Remove the Old Linkage

Start by removing any items beneath or around the sink area to give you room to work. Place a pan or bucket beneath the pipes to catch any potential leaks. You don't need to shut off the water supply, but it's a good idea to shut off the supply valves under the sink to prevent accidentally opening the faucet.

Locate the connection between the stopper lever and the pop-up lever underneath the sink. Slide the clip holding the pieces together toward the wall to disconnect the assembly.

Step 2: Pull the Old Stopper Out

Place an adjustable wrench over the nut holding the pop-up lever into the pop-up assembly. Turn the wrench to remove the nut and the lever. Pull the stopper out of the drain.

Step 3: Disconnect the Tailpiece

In some cases, there will be a short length of pipe that threads into the old pop-up drain assembly on one end and then sits in the drain trap on the other. This is called a tailpiece. Hold the drain trap firmly with one hand to prevent it from moving or twisting, and use water pump pliers to loosen the compression nut holding the tailpiece into the drain trap. Then, unscrew the tailpiece from the pop-up drain assembly above it.

Step 4: Remove the Strainer

Find the overflow holes under the lip of the old strainer and place a flat head screwdriver in one of the holes. Use the screwdriver to hold the drain in place. Head under the sink and place the water pump pliers on the large nut on the strainer. Remove the nut and gaskets from the pipe and push the strainer up through the sink to remove it. Clean the drain hole in the sink with a rag and an all-purpose cleaner to remove any gunk or residue.

Step 5: Insert the New Strainer

Take a ball of plumber's putty, work it into a rope about ½-inch thick, and wrap it around the underside of the new strainer from the replacement sink drain kit. Push the strainer into the hole.

Working from underneath the sink, place the rubber gasket over the threads (the flat side of the gasket should be down) and press it up against the sink. Place the new drain nut over the threads and tighten the nut with a wrench. If the strainer starts to spin, place a screwdriver through the overflow holes. Be careful not to over-tighten the nut, as this could crack the sink.

Step 6: Install the New Pop-Up Assembly

Coat the threads of the strainer with some pipe dope, place the gasket in the pop-up assembly, and thread the new assembly onto the strainer threads. Use water pump pliers to tighten the pop-up assembly, stopping when the threaded port for the pop-up lever is perpendicular to the wall behind the sink. This is the hole that the pop-up lever inserts into. If the threaded port is not perpendicular to the wall, but there isn't enough thread to go around another turn, loosen the strainer nut slightly, turn the strainer until it's positioned correctly, and retighten the strainer nut.

Step 7: Install the New Tailpiece

Hold the new tailpiece in place to get an idea of how much to cut. Keep in mind that the pipe should thread into the pop-up assembly, while the other end of the tailpiece has to be long enough to sit inside the drain trap. Use a tubing cutter to cut this to the proper length. Apply pipe dope to the threads.

Carefully loosen the nut on the drain trap and swivel it out from under the drain to provide some clearance. Place the nut and then the gasket onto the end of the tailpiece and the non-threaded end of the tailpiece into the drain trap. Lightly thread the nut onto the drain trap. Maneuver the drain trap back under the drain so the tailpiece is in line with the pop-up assembly. Thread the tailpiece into the pop-up assembly and tighten until snug. Tighten the compression nut holding the tailpiece to the drain trap as well as the nut on the trap.

Step 8: Attach the Linkage

Slide the retaining nut over the long end of the pop-up lever so that it's sitting over the ball (the threads should be facing the shorter side of the lever). Place the tip of the pop-up lever through one hole in the clip, then through a hole in the perforated linkage under the faucet, and then through the other hole in the clip. Slide the pop-up lever back through the linkage.

Step 9: Install the New Stopper and Arm

Align the new stopper so that the hole for the pop-up lever is facing the wall behind the sink, and then insert it in the strainer. Place the pop-up lever into the pop-up assembly so that it slides through the hole in the bottom of the stopper. Slide the nut over the pop-up lever and tighten to seat the arm in the pop-up assembly. Again, be careful not to overtight

Step 10: Test and Adjust

With everything installed and tightened, test to see if the stopper and the stopper lever are working properly. With the stopper lever pulled upward, the stopper should close and hold water in the sink. When the stopper lever is down, the drain should open. If the stopper lever is too low or too high to operate, remove the pop-up rod from the linkage and adjust it to the next hole up or down.

Finally, turn on the water and check the system for leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections accordingly.

In conclusion, fixing a bathroom sink stopper is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right tools and a bit of patience, anyone can do it. However, if you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to call in a professional plumber. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have your bathroom sink stopper working like new in no time. With a little DIY know-how and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you’ll save yourself time and money in the long run.