Water may leak or refuse to drain around a sink pop-up for a number of reasons. This is a repair you can do yourself. A sealant of some type will also be required. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I am pleased for you that your stopper works now. When these types of problems occur, it is time to fix your drain. Pulling the knob causes the pivot rod to pull the stopper down. You'll know when you get it right when the stopper moves when you move the rod and the stopper … Then move the rod up or down into a different hole in the clevis and replace the spring clip. This expert guide shows how drain stoppers work and how to fix them when they don’t. I suppose with the extra crud gone, it needed the adjustment I found on your instructions. Pulling the knob causes the pivot rod to pull the stopper down. If your pop-up assembly is metal, be careful not to tighten the nut too much with a pair of pliers. 1 With a slight twist, try to lift out the stopper. If the stopper sits too high or not high enough in the drain, go under the sink with a flashlight and identify these parts, per the illustration above. If all you need to do is adjust your stopper because it is too tight … Does this make sense?For your help! I ran to a store to get some silicone sealant formulated for use in the bathroom, including with plastics. To adjust the stopper, simply lift it out of the drain along with the rocker arm. 5 If adjusting the clevis screw doesn’t help, reset the pivot rod by squeezing the spring clip and freeing the pivot rod. Remove the clip that holds the link in place by squeezing the clip ends together. I even went exchanged the faucet for a new one and the stopper still leaks on the second one so, obviously there has to be something wrong with the shape of the stopper opening or something. Add to Cart to get it, then will come with awesome decoration for your bathroom sink! Click here to buy pop-up drain stoppers online. Slide the linkage into the nut. Tighten appropriately. Clean off all hair and debris. Pop-ups can be operated by either pressing down on the drain cover or by lifting or pushing a rod behind the faucet. A sink that drains slowly is a red flag; a sink that’s stopped draining entirely or is starting to back up is in need of serious assistance. Or, the clevis may be out of adjustment (see illustration to identify the various parts).eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'hometips_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',625,'0','0'])); Pushing the knob and the lift rod down causes the pivot rod to push the stopper up. You may have to turn the stopper to unhook it from the pivot rod. You have to extract the stopper to clean it. I like to clean the vanity drain stopper, since gets dirty, and accumulating hair, I decided to pull it off to wash it, something happens because right now I've the problem that it's too hard to grabe it to take off, so I use a pin, so I decided to put around a piece of elastic thread, in order to pull it off, every time when I need to clean and disinfect it. 2 years ago. When the … - an Electric Go Kart Homeschool STEM Project, Concrete & Wood Counterweighted Mic Stand, Build Your Dream Car (Alfa Romeo Vintage in Wood). It is always nice when you can keep the repairman out of your house. I have removed the arm under the sink -- as I read somewhere else -- so the stopper is not being held down -- but it … Discard it. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "widget05-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "auto"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = "2619525011,1055398,2972638011,228013"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "fed726c60c88d738e7784c819bb73fbc"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {"type":"search","value":"pop-up stopper"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. I’ve tried slipping a knife in to pry it up but it’s set too tight. Add more sealant if needed. To save money for those with the stopper ony issue, you can buy just a new stopper or just a new ball (his was broken in his photo) it is not necessary to replace eveything. In some cases, a rusted pivot rod end can cause the pop-up stopper to stick in the drain. There are four holes among the threads. When a pop-up drain stopper in a sink or bathtub doesn’t work, how do you fix it? Did you notice in the Instructable that I had problems with leakage until I inserted silicone sealant above and below the big neoprene washer under the sink? My sink has some small cracks in it starting at the drain and going outward into the bowl, which have been sealed. Please I need help, thanks!! I trimmed it with a sharp knife and then the finished flange fit the hole just fine. Share it with us! Reply 9 months ago. Retighten the set screw. Step 2: What Goes Wrong. This is what you will see when the finished flange is unscrewed from the body of the pop-up assembly. Check The Ball And Stopper. Fit the P-trap and screw both of its nuts in place. If it is stuck, you may need to turn it a quarter turn before … 9 months ago Drop the new drain plug into the hole in the finished flange from the top of the sink. The horizontal arm is engaged in the hole in the bottom of the pop-up ("locked position," hole facing rear of sink as instructed), and the pop-up … Unsubscribe anytime! If the pivot rods are fine, the next place to check may require some … But, I really don't want to let it beat me like that though. This plastic one is made to tighten sufficiently with fingers only and no pliers. If your drain stopper is lined up properly, you should be able to feed the … It was about 2 inches long with a lip at the top. About: I miss the days when magazines like Popular Mechanics had all sorts of DIY projects for making and repairing just about everything. Flip the lever up, and it lifts the rod, allowing the stopper to drop down and plug the drain. The p trap got its name long ago it is called that because clean water stays in the bend that way it stops sewer gases from coming up through the pipe . The drain itself is not clogged, as demonstrated by pulling up on the stopper by hand. Thank you so much for this instructable! by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020, How a Pop-Up Stopper WorksHow to Remove a Bathtub Pop-Up Drain StopperHow to Fix a Bathtub Pop-Up Drain StopperHow to Fix a Sink Pop-Up Drain Stopper. If so, how to make sure I am buying the right one? And you are done! Pushing the knob and the lift rod down causes the pivot rod to push the stopper up. But, the new chrome-plated plastic finished flange screws onto threads on the outside of the pop-up assembly. Question Then push the assembly back in and replace the cover plate. Most are 1 1/4 x 12 inches. Move the clip up to the next clevis hole and insert the rod. The diameter of the threaded area on the new finished flange is too great to slip into the hole for it in the bottom of the sink. However, when I push the rod back down, the stopper will not pop-up. Place a suction cup on top of a metal sink stopper that does not have a knob, and push down on the suction cup to create a … Universal replacements for pop-up stoppers are available online. Part of the metal nut is a thin washer mounted in the nut and it can push out. I'm wondering if there is a way to change the pop-up mechanism without replacing the finished flange? If your sink won’t hold water, chances are the stopper isn’t seating securely over the drain hole, or there could be leakage due to a bad stopper gasket. Go to your local plumbing store to look and ask questions. Reply In my bathroom sink the metal plug has become stuck in the drain. The only reason cockroaches will be coming up … With a lift-and-turn design, a knob on the sink drain cover allows you to manually lift it, and … The old pop-up assembly is metal and has a brass retaining nut under the sink. 4 years ago. Loosen the pop up’s clevis screw to adjust the lift rod. If not, slide the springy "C" clip toward the body of the pop-up assembly until it does pull down and seal. Moen sells many kinds of drain replacement parts, including drain replacements for kitchen sink drains, bathroom sink … 4 Loosen the set screw on the clevis and adjust the strap up or down so that it operates the pivot rod to open and close the stopper. Hold it and turn the body of the pop-up assembly below to unscrew it from the finished flange. (See also: J-bend and U-bend). This rod pushes the stopper up or lets it drop down into the drain body. I added some sealant at the top end of the threaded portion, too. Though they look complicated, it’s relatively easy to fix a pop-up stopper. Be careful that the body of the pop-up assembly does not rotate out of its position. With the end of the linkage rod in its most downward position, choose the hole in the lift rod assembly that best fits it. 6 If water drips from around the pivot ball, tighten the retaining nut that holds the ball in place. on Step 8, I pulled out the plastic ring that’s molded to the sink because it was filthy and pulling away from the side. Use locking-jaw pliers to loosen it if necessary. See the text boxes for where to put sealant. Pretty Handsome Guy … Written by: Paul Massey. Feel to make certain it is still in place. I have tightened the retaining nut underneath the sink snugly, tried that, it still leaked. Adjust the nut that lengthens or shortens the rod assembly—lengthen it to raise the stopper higher or shorten it to let it drop lower. All I had to do was move the c clip and Presto! My flange & body are too loose. I got everything apart just fine, but when it came to putting the stopper back in so it would actually function properly, I couldn't figure out where I was going wrong to save my life! The lever moves -- not the plug. It’s easy to remove a tub stopper to check it for mechanical problems or blockage. Check for leaks under the sink. Once it does, you will have difficulty making the nut hold the ball on the linkage rod so there are no leaks. It looked as though it was a barrier to keep the water away from the porcelain. (There was nothing wrong with the old lift rod assembly, not even a scuff on the chrome. You have saved my sanity this morning! Often you can buy the linkage rod with ball and a stopper without buying the whole pop-up assembly. Insert the body into the hole in the sink from below the sink. My pop up bathroom sink won't go up. The old metal finished flange screwed into threads on the inside of the body of the pop-up assembly. Although the stopper assembly has only a few moving parts, the stopper … Pop-ups are simple mechanical devices that use a system of links and levers to move a drain stoppers up and down to seal a sink bowl or bathtub. Fill the sink partway with water and use the plunger as directed. The photo shows a typical array of tools and supplies that may be needed to replace a stopper. To remove an old-style bathtub pop-up:eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'hometips_com-box-4','ezslot_1',602,'0','0'])); For removing a newer spring-loaded bathtub pop-up, this video shows the necessary techniques: IN DEPTH:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',605,'0','0'])); A common problem with bathtubs is that the pop-up stopper doesn’t close fully, fit the drain flange tightly, or open easily when the lever or knob is engaged. Now the problem is baffling to me, and I wonder if you have any ideas. Remove the blue protective film. Tighten the nut on the pop-up assembly body. Personally, I would find a store with adequate plumbing supplies in stock and match the old stopper. In reality parts have either broken or badly deteriorated from rust and will need to be replaced. Place the linkage rod into its hole and catch the loop at the bottom of the drain plug with the rod. Find bathtub pop-ups on Amazon. I’m thinking that a suction cup tool may be the only way to pull up … Hold it firmly while tightening. If the clog is in the trap, the coat hanger should … Firstly you have to get the plug bit out (the shiny chromed bit) If you can get … I have pushed down on the stopper manually and it still leaks. Hold the body of the pop-up assembly so the fitting for the linkage points toward the rear of the sink, that is, the side toward the wall. The advantage is that the stopper is pulled tightly into the drain when closed. When you go to the store to buy a replacement stopper, you want to look for a pop-up assembly. The pop-up stopper is connected to the rod in side the drain. You’ll encounter a couple of different types of bathtub pop-ups: old-style mechanisms like the one shown in our illustration above, and newer spring-loaded pop-ups. I chose to save some work and leave it in place. If a house is left unoccupied for a long while, you may smell sewer gas. Join us to get great money-saving tips, cool ideas, and valuable advice from home improvement expert Don Vandervort! To remove the stopper, you must first go under the sink and completely loosen the pivot nut (see previous question). Tighten the body nut as tightly as your fingers can tighten it. The culprit is often a buildup of hair around the base of the stopper or the pivot rod mechanism. I chose to replace the whole pop-up assembly. Depending upon the type of pop-up, you adjust the way the stopper seats either by adjusting the length of the striker rod or by adjusting the rocker arm.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'hometips_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',633,'0','0'])); To adjust the overflow assembly, remove the screws that secure the overflow cover plate, and pull the plate and lever away from the overflow hole, partially pulling out the mechanism. It worked great, until a few weeks ago. You will need to clean away excess sealant later. I just ordered one on the internet, and was huge, of course I returned. I realize that may not be possible for you. I am almost at the point where I am ready to just let the stopper leak since it is in the guest bathroom and does not get very much use. A sink stopper with a push/pull rod control at the faucet is a great modern convenience. It was kind of rigged to begin with, so I left everything in it's position. If it seems to be linked to the mechanism below, reach under the sink and unscrew the pivot rod retaining nut and pull out the pivot rod to disengage it. Cover your drains with a stopper to prevent the cockroaches from coming up from the drain. But, sink stoppers fail. Just run water for a minute or two wherever there is a drain for water, and you will solve the problem. Do not use more than necessary. This should help to move a more minor clog along and free up … I'm afraid that removing the finished flange will make it crack more. When they do, they are often unsightly and an irritation. Place the nut and compression washer on the new pop-up assembly. Thanks! Keeping the drain clear of hair, soap and shampoo residue, and other debris is one of the best ways to help keep the stopper in good working order. To do this, you first have to squeeze the metal clip holding it and slide it off. If it seems to be linked to the mechanism below, reach under the... 2 Lift the stopper from the drain. Pull out the horizontal pivot arm and the stopper will … In a double sink configuration, one side houses the garbage disposal. Troubleshooting Adjusting Pop-Up Drains; Drain Spacer Gasket Kit For Bathroom Sinks; Fables & Flowers™ Design on Cantata® Sink Pop-ups are simple mechanical devices that use a system of links and levers to move a drain stoppers up and down to seal a sink bowl or bathtub.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',198,'0','0'])); Bathroom sink pop-ups are raised and lowered with a lift knob or lever, usually located on or near the faucet body. Move the linkage up or down to a different hole to adjust … The body and the flange may be just fine. Pull up on the lift rod knob as if you were using the sink. Question The lever operates a lift linkage that pulls on a spring. Basically, I just tell people not to close the drain, and it stays open all the time. Fix a Sink Stopper Step 1: Materials and Tools. From there you have to "feel" you way in with the rod and catch that hole. If the stopper does not have a knob, proceed to the next step. Could you attach a photo of the ring so I know exactly whst you mean? Don founded HomeTips in 1996. There is also a piece of similar white plastic that falls out when the linkage retainer nut is removed from the body. Then work the arm and stopper back down into the drain hole to make sure the flange is tightly seated (though older tubs may have corroded flanges). Lift the pivot stopper out of the sink drain. Locate the # 3 – horizontal rod and the #4 – nut at the back of your drain that holds the #5 – ball, … Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years, as Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. This post may contain affiliate links. The rod that allows you to open and close the drain came off, and the plug is set solid so I can’t get it out. Looks like the ring came with the sink. That makes a seal to keep sewer vapors from coming into the house. But I do have small things and contacts that could fall down the drain, so it would be great if I could remedy this problem. How to Fix a Sink Pop-Up Drain Stopper 1 With a slight twist, try to lift out the stopper. It is tempting to think something merely separated from another part and you can restore the function of the stopper by manipulating the operating rod while holding the stopper in place or twisting it somehow. The problem is with my pop-up mechanism. I want to buy a pop up vanity drain stopper, that doesn't need to much work to remove it to put it back every time when I need to cleaning. The disadvantage is that cleaning the stopper and the drain is a little more difficult. On some sinks, you may be able to pull it right out. Pinch the spring clip to release the flat bar (clevis) from the pivot rod. Stoppers that don’t open readily or don’t open all the way make tub drain sluggishly. I also had trouble getting a good seal when I did not put enough sealant under the flange in the upper side of the sink. Loosen it with the plier. You may also need to replace the gasket or washer (or both) inside the pivot ball-and-rod assembly. 2 Lift the stopper from the drain. Check to be sure there is enough sealant and no gaps or air pockets. There is a teflon ring in the body of the pop-up assembly that is a seal bettween the ball and the body. Be sure to … … If the sink won’t drain quickly, the stopper either isn’t opening far enough or the drain is partially clogged. I can save the new lift rod assembly parts or use them as raw materials in some project.) Fortunately, there is a plastic ring molded into the bottom of the sink. What should I do?Thanks, Answer Did you make this project? It's called a P-trap because the pipes are shaped like the letter P. As opposed to an S-trap, which are often illegal because they tend to siphon dry. Push up  on the pop-up assembly and grasp the finished flange with a pair of pliers. 9 months ago. I tried to upload the picture of the broken vanity drain stopper, I could not. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTV’s “The Fix,” and served as MSN’s home expert for several years. You’re tutorial was great! Usually it is the metal rod that is the arm which rusts off and needs replacing. The lever that you pull up to have the stopper close came off in my hand.