Many people refuse to continue using the basin waste that may have simple problems most of the time. This is just because they can’t find the problem and solve it. However, after reading this post completely and carefully, you will find the waste drain problems and solve them. So, let’s make it happen.
What Are The Common Problems Of Basin Wastes?
The most common problem of all types of basin wastes is Leaking or leakage underneath the basin. In addition, the blockage of the stopper is also a well-known problem. But this one does not happen for all types—moreover, some issues depending on the types of wastes that we will discuss further in this article.
Basin Waste Drain Problems and Solutions
We have divided the problems into two categories to make them easier for you. Those are:
1. Specific Problems – these happen to only specific types of basin wastes.
2. Common Problems – these happen to all types.
Specific Problems
Other basin wastes have different types of functions and parts. That’s why you’ll see some problem differences. Here are some popular waste drains along with their problems and solutions:
Click-Clack
This is the most popular basin waste around the globe. It has a simple mechanism of push-button at its top. However, the stopper at its center inside does the main job.
The stopper is connected with the push-button from above. Your first push on the button will make the stopper head go down and make a temporary lock. Therefore, it’ll seal the drain. Again for your tap on the button will unlock the stopper. As a result, it will move up and open up the drain seal.
Problem:
The problem that click-clack wastes face is “clogging the stopper.” Since the media is almost always the water, there is an excellent chance of rust inside the stopper. Also, dirt particles enter the stopper. Therefore, it cannot slide properly and causes clogging.
Solution:
The only solution to this problem is you will need to clean the stopper properly. Here’s how you can do it (follow these steps sequentially):
1. Firstly, remove the push-button from the waste body by twisting it anticlockwise.
2. Now, take a look inside the basin waste hole; you’ll see a brass tube which is the stopper. After that, use your fingers or maybe a plier to undo its spins. This will disconnect it from there and then pull it off.
3. To clean it properly, you have to disassemble all its parts. To do this, follow these and make a note of each of your activities:
Firstly, remove the ring followed by the bent L rod from its bottom using a flathead screwdriver. You will see a screw on the stopper body, time to remove it now. Press both sides of the stopper using your fingers and undo the screw using a screwdriver. When the screw is loosened, gently release your finger presses. Therefore, there will be no accidental fall of the spring, and all parts are disassembled.
4. Properly wash and clean all those parts using a toothbrush or something like that. After that, apply some grease only on the heart-shaped groove area for more flexibility.
5. Finally, you can join the parts as they were before. Then install the stopper again inside the waste and attach the push-button.
Pop-Up
The Pop-up basin waste is also a very much popular waste drain for sinks. This one has many similarities comparing to the click-clacks. But only the lever of pop-up wastes makes the difference. You will see the lever behind the faucet. It runs down the basin and connects to the waste from there. Also, pop-up waste drains come in two forms. That is with the stopper (similar to click-clack stopper) and without the stopper.
Problem:
The pop-up drains also have the same problem: clogging the stopper or the inner mechanism does not work well. This can happen because of 2 things. Either the stopper is clogged (similar to the previous problem), or the lever is not working properly.
Solution:
For pop-up wastes, you’ll need to check the lever first. To do that, make access under the basin. After that, check if the joins of the lever are properly tight or not. If not, then make them at least hand tight. Also, check for other problems there and try to fix them.
However, after fixing the lever, if the problem is still happening, it’s the stopper problem. Just follow the solution part of the click-clack waste to solve it.
Plug and Chain
The plug and chain basin wastes have a regular waste body and a disc plug with a chain. This type does not have any stopper mechanism. And the plug attached chain has a nut at its other side. Chain-supported basins will have a tiny hole where this nut will be installed. So, you can seal the drain with the plug or set it aside to leave the drain open.
Problem:
The plug and chain wastes usually cause 3 types of problems:
- The rubber washer of the plug begins to rust after some time.
- The chain gets dirty quickly and spreads odors.
- You won’t find the chainstay hole to install the chain nut.
Solution:
You can anytime change the plug if it’s not working well or damaged. To keep the chain clean, wash it after you finish your works in the basin. And most of the modern basins does not have any chain hole. So, check it before you buy the basin.
Flip-Top
The flip-top waste drains also have an ordinary waste body with no stopper but a completely rotatable disc at its entrance. It is an ordinarily closed drain (disc stays horizontally). You’ll need to partially flip the disc or make it vertical to open the drain.
Problem:
The disc is flexible enough to rotate. But sometimes, because of common uses or dirt entries, it becomes clogged or cannot rotate properly.
Solution:
When you see such problems, please give it a good wash first. After that, apply some grease or maybe some hair oil in there. Then rotate it several times, and it’ll be good to go.
Common Problems
Now we will discuss the common problems of basin waste drains. These problems can occur in all types of waste drains.
Leakage Under the Basin
Research shows that about 90% of basin waste users experience leakage problems. If you notice any water drips under your basin near the waste then this is a leakage problem. It could be due to a bad pipe or a loose connection of the waste drain and pipe.
Solution:
First of all, you’ll need to find the root of the problem. To do that, seal the drain and fill the basin with water. Then open the drain to release the water. Meanwhile, inspect the leakage and see if it’s leaking from the pipe or the waste drain. If it’s leaking from the pipe then call a plumber for an inspection.
But if the water drips are coming from the bottom of the basin waste then follow the below steps to fix it. You’ll need Teflon tape or silicone gel or plumber putty, and an adjustable plier to do this.
1. Loosen the pipe connection from the waste first. After that, remove the hexagonal nut and the rubber washer from the waste drain threads.
2. Use a piece of cloth to wipe the threads properly. Then insert the rubber washer.
3. Now bind some Teflon tape on the threads below the washer. Or if you have silicone gel/plumber putty then apply it accordingly there.
4. Insert the hex nut and make it tight using the adjustable plier.
5. Finally, reattach the pipe connection and test it. If there’s still some leakage visible then apply a bit more putty or tape and tighten the joint harder.
Clogged Drain
This problem does not occur in the basin waste. But it’s important to learn this as many users suffer from this. Dirt and debris enter through the waste hole and arise clogging in the drain. As a result, the water drains slowly and sometimes backflows and odors.
Solution:
Here’s how you can solve this:
1. Pour 1 pot of hot water (<=60oc) into the sinkhole.
2. Release a cup of baking soda there and leave for 5-10 minutes.
3. Run a cup of white vinegar and again leave it for 5-10 minutes.
4. Lastly, flood another pot of hot water into it. And if you have a hot water faucet then leave it open for 10 minutes.
To conclude, you’ve got all the ideas to solve the problems of basin wastes. So, you can efficiently use any waste drain for a long time. Moreover, for any kind of basin waste-related queries and purchasing… don’t forget to contact Hofen Sanitary for a professional consultation. Hofen is a one-stop sanitary equipment supplier where you can get quality products. So, don’t make it late and grab yours.