The sink drain stopper is an often overlooked but crucial component of your bathroom or kitchen sink. It allows you to fill the basin with water and, just as importantly, helps prevent larger debris from clogging your pipes. However, there are times when this handy tool needs attention, whether it’s due to a blockage, cleaning, or general maintenance. In this article, learn why you may need to remove the sink drain stopper and how to do this as it will keep your plumbing in top shape. Let’s learn more about it!
Why You May Need to Remove Your Sink Drain Stopper
- Regular Cleaning: Hair, soap, toothpaste, and other materials can accumulate on the stopper, leading to unsanitary conditions and unpleasant odors.
- Clogs and Slow Draining: A sink that takes longer to drain might be signaling a blockage that requires immediate attention.
- Repair or Replacement: If the stopper mechanism is faulty or damaged, it may not function properly, necessitating repair or replacement.
- Inspection: Occasionally, you may need to inspect the condition of the drain and the pipes beneath the stopper for signs of wear or corrosion.
Tools You’ll Need
To remove a sink drain stopper, you will need the following materials:
- Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt and possible sharp edges.
- Pliers or Wrench: Depending on the type of stopper, you may need these to grip and turn parts that are too tight to do by hand.
- Clean Rag or Towel: To lay the stopper on after removal and to clean up any spills or debris.
- Brush: A small brush (an old toothbrush can work) for cleaning the stopper once it’s removed.
- Cleaning Agent: Mild soap, baking soda, or vinegar can help dissolve grime and buildup on the stopper.
- Bucket or Cup: To catch any residual water that may spill out from the pipes when removing the stopper.
- Flashlight: To help you see under the sink if you’re working with a pivot rod type stopper.
These materials will assist in the removal process and ensure you can thoroughly clean and inspect the stopper before re-attaching it.
Preparing to Remove The Sink Drain Stopper
To ensure a smooth process, clear any items from around the sink area. Put on gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or debris. Have pliers or a wrench ready if your stopper type requires it for removal. Place a clean rag or towel nearby to lay the stopper on after removal, and prepare a brush or cleaning agent for later use. Additionally, make sure there’s no standing water in the sink, and dry the work area to prevent slippage or rust formation on your tools.
How to Remove Sink Drain Stopper
Now it is time to remove the sink drain stopper. For a standard push-pull or lift-and-turn sink drain stopper, follow these steps:
- Set in the Open Position: Begin by ensuring the stopper is in the open position to allow for easier removal.
- Unscrew or Twist Off: Grip the body of a lift-and-turn stopper and turn the knob counterclockwise to unscrew it. For a push-pull, you may need to hold the stopper body while unscrewing the top knob.
- Lift Out: Once the stopper has been loosened, gently lift it out of the drain opening.
Different Types of Sink Drain Stoppers
There are different types of sink drain stoppers. Let’s learn more about them.
Push-Pull
- Firmly grasp the stopper body and rotate the knob counter-clockwise to detach it.
- Once the knob is removed, you should be able to pull the stopper body out of the drain with ease.
Lift-and-Turn
- Rotate the stopper to the open position to expose the set screw, if applicable.
- Hold the body of the stopper and unscrew the knob on top counter-clockwise. Some models may require a screwdriver to loosen a set screw.
- Lift the stopper from the drain.
Pop-Up
- Pull the stopper up to its highest position.
- Hold the body of the stopper in place and use pliers to grip the nut located under the sink. Next, turn the stopper clockwise or counter-clockwise (depending on the model) until it disengages from the pivot rod and lifts it out.
Pivot Rod
- Locate the pivot rod beneath the sink; it’s usually connected to the drainpipe with a retaining nut.
- Unscrew the pivot rod nut and carefully pull the rod out from the drainpipe, which will release the stopper.
- Reach into the drain and lift the stopper out.
How to Clean Sink Drain Stopper
With the stopper removed, rinse it under warm water. Apply soap or a vinegar solution to break down grime and mineral deposits. Then, use a small brush to scrub the stopper thoroughly, paying special attention to crevices where buildup can hide. Rinse again and dry before reinstallation.
Reattaching the Drain Stopper
When it is time to reattach the drain stopper, carefully reverse the removal steps to reattach the drain stopper. Ensure that all components are aligned correctly and that the stopper moves up and down smoothly. In addition, for pivot rod types, ensure the rod passes through the hole at the bottom of the stopper before tightening the retaining nut.
Recommended Maintenance
To prevent future issues, clean and inspect your drain stopper every few months. Additionally, this proactive approach can extend the life of your stopper and help maintain a clog-free drain. One area to keep an eye on is the smell of sewage from your bathroom sink. Unfortunately, this is not usually a smell that dissipates. It usually has an underlying cause such as a dry P trap or clogged drain to name a few. It is important to investigate what the culprit is and fix it.
Another area is that the sink trap may be leaking. The sink trap is under the sink and keeps the sewer gases from being released into the air. If it becomes dry, there will be a smell. The good news is that you can fix this. It may require tightening the connection or disassembling it if it is leaking.
Lastly, if you have a toilet handle that breaks, you can fix it. There are some steps that you can take to do this. In addition, it is important to take care of the handle by lubricating moving parts and also checking the lift chain to name a few.
When to Call a Professional
If you encounter persistent clogs, cannot remove the stopper, or feel uncomfortable performing these tasks, it’s wise to call a professional plumber. In addition, they have the expertise and tools to handle complex plumbing issues safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Mastering the removal and care of your sink drain stopper is a simple yet effective way to contribute to your home’s maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent plumbing problems and save you from costly repairs. While DIY methods are often sufficient, don’t hesitate to seek professional help when necessary to ensure your sink remains in perfect working order. While taking care of the drain stopper, reach out to Edifice Inspections in Peachtree Corners, GA for a home inspection.