How to Remove a Bathroom Sink Stopper in 10 Simple Steps

A bathroom sink stopper is a device that blocks the drain opening and prevents water from flowing out. It is useful for filling the sink with water for washing or shaving, but sometimes it can get stuck, dirty, or damaged. In such cases, you may need to remove the sink stopper and fix or replace it.

Removing a bathroom sink stopper is not a difficult task, but it requires some preparation and patience. In this article, we will show you how to remove a bathroom sink stopper in 10 simple steps, regardless of the type of stopper you have. We will also give you some tips on how to maintain your sink stopper and keep it in good condition.

Image Credit: kemo1980, Istockphoto

Getting Started

Before you start removing the sink stopper, you will need to gather some tools and materials for the job. Here is a list of what you will need:

• A pair of pliers or a wrench
• A screwdriver
• A bucket or a towel
• A pair of gloves
• A cloth or a sponge
• A mild cleaner or vinegar

Step 1: Clearing the Workspace

The first step is to clear the workspace and make sure you have enough room to work. Remove any items from the bathroom sink area, such as soap, toothbrushes, or cosmetics. You don't want them to get wet or dirty during the process.

Next, provide adequate lighting for better visibility. You can use a flashlight or a lamp to illuminate the sink and the area underneath it. This will help you see the parts of the sink stopper and avoid any mistakes.

Step 2: Identify the Sink Stopper Type

The next step is to identify the type of sink stopper you have. There are three common types of bathroom sink stoppers: pop-up stoppers, push-and-pull stoppers, and lift-and-turn stoppers. Each type has a different mechanism and a different way of removal.

• Pop-up stoppers are the most common type of sink stoppers. They have a knob or a lever on the faucet that controls the movement of the stopper. When you push or pull the knob or the lever, the stopper pops up or down.
• Push-and-pull stoppers are similar to pop-up stoppers, but they do not have a knob or a lever on the faucet. Instead, they have a cap on the top of the stopper that you push or pull to open or close the drain.
• Lift-and-turn stoppers are the least common type of sink stoppers. They have a cap on the top of the stopper that you lift and turn to lock or unlock the drain.

Step 3: Prep Work

Before you start removing the sink stopper, you need to do some prep work to avoid any mess or damage. First, use gloves for hygiene. The sink stopper may be dirty or rusty, and you don't want to touch it with your bare hands.

Second, place a bucket or a towel under the sink to catch any water that may drip from the drain. You don't want to flood your bathroom floor or damage your cabinets.

Step 4: Locate the Stopper's Access Point

The next step is to locate the stopper's access point. This is where you will disconnect the stopper from the drain. The access point is usually underneath the sink, behind the P-trap. The P-trap is the curved pipe that connects the sink drain to the main drain pipe.

To locate the access point, you need to inspect the P-trap and look for a metal rod that extends from the back of the drain pipe. This is the pivot rod, and it is attached to the sink stopper. The pivot rod moves up and down when you operate the sink stopper, and it is held in place by a nut.

Step 5: Pop-Up Stopper Removal

If you have a pop-up stopper, here is how to remove it:

• Unfasten the pivot rod nut. Use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the pivot rod to the drain pipe. Be careful not to damage the nut or the pipe.
• Detach the pivot rod from the pop-up stopper. Pull the pivot rod out of the drain pipe and slide it off the hole at the bottom of the stopper. You may need to wiggle the stopper a bit to free it from the rod.
• Lift the pop-up stopper out. Grab the stopper by the cap and pull it out of the drain opening. You may need to twist it slightly to release it from the drain.

Step 6: Push-and-Pull Stopper Removal

If you have a push-and-pull stopper, here is how to remove it:

• Loosen the nut connecting the stopper rod. Use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the stopper rod to the drain pipe. The stopper rod is a metal rod that extends from the top of the stopper to the back of the drain pipe. Be careful not to damage the nut or the pipe.
• Slide the stopper rod out. Pull the stopper rod out of the drain pipe and slide it off the hole at the top of the stopper. You may need to wiggle the stopper a bit to free it from the rod.
• Remove the stopper. Grab the stopper by the cap and pull it out of the drain opening. You may need to twist it slightly to release it from the drain.

Step 7: Lift-and-Turn Stopper Removal

If you have a lift-and-turn stopper, here is how to remove it:

• Turn the stopper counter-clockwise. Grab the stopper by the cap and turn it counter-clockwise until it is loose. You may need to apply some force to break the seal.
• Unscrew the stopper. Keep turning the stopper counter-clockwise until it is completely unscrewed from the drain. You may need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw at the bottom of the stopper.
• Lift the stopper out. Grab the stopper by the cap and lift it out of the drain opening.

Step 8: Inspect and Clean

After you remove the sink stopper, you need to inspect and clean it. Here is what you need to do:

• Check for clogs or debris. Look inside the drain opening and the stopper for any clogs or debris that may have caused the stopper to malfunction. You can use a cloth or a sponge to remove any dirt or hair that may be stuck in the drain or the stopper.
• Clean the removed stopper. Use a mild cleaner or vinegar to clean the stopper and remove any stains or rust. You can use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the stopper. Rinse the stopper with water and dry it with a towel.
• Inspect the drain opening. Look at the drain opening and make sure it is not damaged or corroded. You can use a flashlight or a lamp to see better. If the drain opening is cracked or worn out, you may need to replace it.

Step 9: Maintenance Tips

To keep your sink stopper in good condition and prevent future problems, you need to follow some maintenance tips. Here are some of them:

• Regular cleaning of the stopper. You should clean the stopper at least once a month to prevent dirt and rust from building up. You can use the same method as in step 8 to clean the stopper and the drain opening.
• Avoiding harsh chemicals. You should avoid using harsh chemicals to unclog or clean the drain, as they may damage the stopper or the drain opening. Instead, you can use natural remedies, such as baking soda and vinegar, to clear the drain and remove odors.
• Periodic inspections for wear and tear. You should inspect the stopper and the drain opening every few months for any signs of wear and tear. You can use the same method as in step 8 to inspect the stopper and the drain opening. If the stopper or the drain opening is damaged or corroded, you may need to replace it.

Step 10: Reassembling the Sink Stopper

The final step is to reassemble the sink stopper and restore its functionality. To do this, you need to reverse the removal steps, depending on the type of stopper you have. Here is a summary of what you need to do:

• Pop-up stopper reassembly. Insert the stopper into the drain opening and align the hole at the bottom of the stopper with the pivot rod. Slide the pivot rod through the hole and secure it with the nut. Adjust the knob or the lever on the faucet to test the stopper functionality.
• Push-and-pull stopper reassembly. Insert the stopper into the drain opening and align the hole at the top of the stopper with the stopper rod. Slide the stopper rod through the hole and secure it with the nut. Push or pull the cap on the stopper to test the stopper functionality.
• Lift-and-turn stopper reassembly. Insert the stopper into the drain opening and screw it clockwise until it is tight. You may need to use a screwdriver to insert the screw at the bottom of the stopper. Lift and turn the cap on the stopper to test the stopper functionality.

If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to unclog your bathroom sink, look no further than this DIY sink drain cleaning hack. All you need is salt, baking soda, and vinegar to dissolve the gunk in your drain.

Conclusion

Removing a bathroom sink stopper is not a hard task, but it requires some preparation and patience. By following the 10 steps we outlined in this article, you can remove any type of sink stopper and fix or replace it. You can also maintain your sink stopper and keep it in good condition by following some simple tips.

A well-maintained bathroom sink stopper can improve the functionality and appearance of your sink, as well as prevent water wastage and clogging. It can also save you money and time by avoiding the need for professional plumbing services.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy DIY sink maintenance! 😊