Pop-up sink stoppers are a common fixture in many bathrooms and kitchens. They are convenient because they allow water to drain quickly and easily. But, they can also be a source of frustration because they sometimes get stuck. Also, just like any other hardware component, it won’t last a lifetime.
A pop-up bathroom sink stopper is actually connected to a lever inside the drain. When you push down on the bathroom sink stopper, it raises the lever and blocks the drain. So the next time you’re trying to give your bathroom sink a good scrub and that little metal disk get in the way, just remember: it’s there for a reason!
If a stopper is damaged or broken, you will need to remove it before it can be replaced. If it looks like the pop-up assembly can be salvaged, check out our post on how to fix a sink stopper. If the sink is merely clogged, the stopper will need to be removed so you can successfully unclog the drain. No matter what you’re trying to do, the following easy-to-follow steps will help you remove a bathroom sink stopper in a jiffy.
Sink Stoppers – An Essential Component
A bathroom sink stopper is a small, but essential, piece of hardware. Its primary function is to seal the drain, preventing water from flowing out of the sink.
Bathroom sink stoppers come in a variety of styles, such as a pop up stopper or a push and pull. But they all serve the same purpose: to keep water from draining out of the sink and prevent hair from clogging the sink drain pipe. While most bathroom sink stoppers are made of durable materials that can last for years, they can eventually become worn out or broken. When this happens, it’s time to remove the bathroom sink stopper and replace it with a new one. There are a few different ways to remove a bathroom sink stopper, but the most common method is to use a flathead screwdriver.
The Flathead Screwdriver Method
There are a few different types of sink stoppers, but the most common is the pop-up stopper. This type of stopper is attached to the sink drain with a linkage, and it pops up when you want to close the drain and allow water to build up in the sink. Pop-up sink stoppers can be a little tricky to remove, but it’s not impossible. First, locate the knob or lever that controls the stopper. This is usually located near the sink faucet. Next, insert a flathead screwdriver into the opening and turn it counterclockwise. You should feel the stopper start to loosen. Finally, use your hands to twist and pull the stopper out of the drain. With a little patience, you should be able to remove a pop-up sink stopper without too much trouble.
Lift Rod Replacement
If your bathroom sink drain stopper isn’t working properly, it might be time to replace the lift rod. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple process that anyone can do with a few basic tools.
First, remove the sink stopper from the sink. You’ll need to unscrew the retaining nut that holds the stopper in place. Once the pivot nut is removed, you should be able to simply pull the stopper out of the sink.
Next, take a look at the lift rod. The lift rod attaches to the stopper body and extends up through the sink leverage hole. In most cases, the lift rod will simply unscrew from the stopper body. However, if it seems to be stuck, you can try gently tapping it with a hammer to loosen it up.
Once you’ve removed the old lift rod, it’s time to install the new one. Simply screw it into place on the stopper body and then reinsert the stopper into the sink. Be sure to screw on the retaining nut finger-tight until it’s just snug against the sink – you don’t want to over-tighten it and risk damage to your sink. With that done, your new lift rod should be ready to go!
From Small Repairs to Big Projects
If removing your sink stopper and clearing out the drain with a hair clog removal tool got you thinking about ways to improve your bathroom, have a look at our guide to bathroom transformation. If you are savvy enough to learn how to remove a sink stopper, there are plenty more renovation and decor projects that are within your reach!