A properly functioning sink stopper is more than just a convenience; it's necessary for daily household tasks. Whether you’re soaking dishes or fitting in a quick hair wash, the sink stoppers in your home make sure water stays in the sink and drains when you want it to.

You probably don’t think much about a sink stopper until it needs fixing, but you might face everyday issues with your sink stoppers, such as clogs, corrosion, or general wear and tear. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step to show you how to fix a sink stopper and what to do when those sink stopper issues flare up.

Before we begin, let's go over the various types of stoppers, so we know which technique we need for each sink stopper repair.

Types of Sink Stoppers

Sinks often come with various types of stoppers. The most common styles include:

Pop-up stoppers: These are common bathroom sink stoppers. Activate them by pressing down on the metal to close them and pressing down again to let them pop up and open.
Flip-top stoppers: Typically manual, you flip or twist these to open or close the drain.
Lift-and-turn: These are standard bathroom sink and tub stoppers that allow users to lift the stopper to let water flow into the drain or turn it to block the drain and collect water in the sink.
Trip-lever: These sink stoppers operate by a trip lever located behind the faucet. Pushing down or pulling up on the lever opens or closes the stopper, allowing water to drain or preventing it from going down the drain.

A pop-up sink stopper in a bathroom sink.

It's essential to identify which type you have before proceeding with any repair or sink drain stopper replacement. Recognizing the inner mechanisms of your sink stopper also aids in understanding how to address potential issues.

Tools Needed for Sink Stopper Repair

When learning how to fix a sink stopper or replace it, you might need the following tools and materials on hand:

Pliers
Wrench
Screwdrivers
Plumber's putty
Replacement parts (as necessary)

Step-by-Step Guide for How to Fix Your Sink Stopper

Let's walk you through how to fix your sink stopper.

Removing Your Sink Stopper

Prepare the work area: Clear the sink area and place a towel beneath the sink to soak up any water.
Gather your tools and materials: Ensure you have all the necessary tools ready to avoid interruptions.
Raise the stopper: If the stopper functions, push down the lift rod to elevate the stopper, facilitating its removal later.
Detach the pivot rod (if applicable):

Underneath the sink, locate the clamp (typically c-shaped or v-shaped) connecting the pivot rod (horizontal bar) to the clevis or extension bar (vertical bar with holes).
Pinch the clamp, slide it off the pivot rod, and mark the insertion point on the clevis for reassembly. Set the clamp aside safely.
Unscrew the nut connecting the pivot rod to the drainpipe, turning counter-clockwise. If tight, use a wrench to loosen it. Remove both the nut and the pivot rod.

Remove the stopper: Lift the stopper from the drain. If it's lowered, gently pry it up with your hands or a think tool if needed.

A man's hand removes a rusted drain ring from his bathroom sink to replace it with a pop-up stopper.

Sink Stopper Replacement

Replace the clevis strap (if necessary): To replace the clevis strap, loosen the screw connecting it to the lift rod.
Replacement and reassembly: If only the stopper needs replacement, take it to your local hardware store for a matching piece. For a complete match, opt for a sink stopper set identical to the old one. This way, you avoid disconnecting the drain. If no exact match is available, purchase a complete sink stopper replacement kit and disconnect the drain for a total replacement.
Reposition the stopper: Insert the stopper into the drain, ensuring the tab with a hole (located at the bottom of the stopper) faces the pivot rod's opening. This hole is where you insert the pivot rod.
Reattach clevis strap: If the clevis strap was previously detached from the lift rod, now is the time to secure it back in place.
Insert the pivot rod: Slide the pivot rod into the clevis strap. Gently insert the pivot rod into the drainpipe, aiming slightly downward. Ensure the rod aligns and fits into the hole at the bottom of the stopper. Confirm proper alignment by testing the stopper's movement—it should easily pop up and down.
Secure the pivot rod: Tighten the nut securing the pivot rod. Be cautious; over-tightening can hinder the stopper's movement.
Attach the clamp: Pinch and slide the clamp onto the pivot rod to connect it to the clevis strap.
Test the stopper: Operate the lift rod, ensuring the stopper moves correctly and forms a complete seal when in the closed position.

Image shows the underside of a sink with identifying copy that points to the clevis strap, the pivot rod, and the V-clamp.

Troubleshooting Tips for Sink Stopper Repair

Issues with sink stoppers can range from minor clogs to corrosion or worn-out parts. Here are some helpful troubleshooting steps to try:

Common problems with sink stoppers: Some common issues include the stopper not staying down or moving but not staying put. In such scenarios, check the horizontal pivot bar or move the vertical clevis. Tighten any loose nuts, ensure rods are connected, and realign the P-trap.
Clogs: These are one of the main reasons homeowners seek sink stopper repair. It might not be an issue with your sink stopper. Try using a drain snake to unclog your sink, and then try to remove your sink stopper completely to do further draining. If it is an issue because your sink stopper is not opening, follow our steps to remove the sink stopper or check the manufacturer's manual for the next steps.
Corrosion: Over time, parts may rust or corrode. In such cases, sink plug replacement might be necessary.
How to remove your sink stopper: Depending on your stopper type, you might need to unscrew, twist, or release a lever to remove it. Refer to the manual for the specific type of stopper you have.
Sink stopper stuck: If your sink stopper's stuck and your sink stopper is not lifting, there might be an issue with the pivot bar. If your sink stopper rod came out, you will need to go through the sink stopper assembly steps.
How to reattach a sink stopper: If the sink stopper is broken or was removed, you can often reattach it by sliding the lift rod back through the faucet and connecting it to the extension bar. Remember, the sink stopper is controlled by metal bars beneath the sink. If the stopper doesn't respond to the lift rod, there might be an internal issue with the pivot rod.

Homeowner is using a plumber's wrench to loosen the p-trap pipe under a sink.

Key Takeaways

First American home warranty plans cover the repair or replacement of many home systems when they break down from normal wear and tear. This means you have peace of mind and a simple solution for unexpected repairs. Plans can cover plumbing, electrical, and heating, as well as appliances like your dishwasher, oven, water heater, and more. Learn about coverage for plumbing stoppages and the protection you can enjoy with our home warranty plans, and get a free quote today.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.