Has your sink stopper been caught in the open position, preventing you from holding the water for your shave? Or is the stopper locked in the closed position, so you can’t use the sink? You have nothing to worry about. Whether you have a pop-up waste drain or a push-button one, I have you covered!
In this article, I will go over all the efficient techniques to unstick your stopper from above and below the sink. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
How To Unstick A Pop-up Sink Stopper From Above
- Pry Out With Your Fingers
Has your pop-up sink stopper stuck in an open position? You can try pulling it up with your fingers. If this doesn’t work, then gently use a flathead screwdriver or a prying metal file to lift it.
- Try The Plunger
A plunger can also help you fix this problem. It would be best to use it the same way you unclogged the toilet. First, fill your basin with water, then place the plunger over the circle of the sink drain and press it downward. Once the rubber is flattened, pull it upward and see if it pulled out the stopper.
- Use A Suction Cup
Sink stoppers typically measure 1 ¼ inches in diameter. To draw up the stopper, use any suction cup less than this size. I would also recommend filling the basin with water before applying the suction cup.
Don’t have a suction cup? Not a problem! You can find it in your bathroom shaving mirror, shower wall hook, or a children’s toy.
- Use A Magnet
If you have a strong magnet at your house, it might do the trick! You can use any magnet that can latch onto the stopper and force it out.
How To Fix A Stuck Pop-up Sink Stopper From Below
If you can’t unstick the stopper above the sink, you’ll have to crawl down the basin and repair it below. If you cannot do the task on your own, you can seek expert assistance. However, if you’re going to fix it yourself, you’ll need:
Tools Needed
- A pair of pliers
- Horizontal rod
- Lift rod strap
- A clip
- And a Flashlight
1. Clear The Space below the sink
Remove everything from under your sink so you have enough space to do the job.
2. Align The Water Supply Lines
The water supply lines can get tangled with the stopper kit, which makes it difficult for you. So, ensure the water supply lines are draping freely at the sides of the pop-up drain assembly.
3. Find The Horizontal Rod And Pull It Down
You’ll find the horizontal rod on the drainpipe just below the sink. Pull down on it; your stopper should be released, and all the water will drain.
4. Replacing The Stopper Mechanism
Once the stopper is removed, it is best to repair it permanently. Otherwise, it may become stuck again. Follow the procedures below to replace the pop-up stopper pieces.
- The ribbed nut on the tailpiece connects the horizontal rod to the drainpipe. Remove the nut using your fingers or a wrench(if needed).
- Now, you can pull out the lever. But first, detach the horizontal rod from the lift rod strap at the back. Just squeeze and hold the metal clip on the strap and slide out the rod.
- Remove the horizontal rod to access the basin’s stopper. If it is stuck in the closed position, use tape or any other adhesive product to remove it.
After you’ve removed all the pieces, check them to determine whether they’re in workable condition; occasionally, the only issue is that they’re not correctly attached. However, if you need to replace them, take the components to the store and buy the same sink strainer replacements.
An Easy Guide To Install A New Stopper Mechanism
Do you have the spare parts? It is now time to fit them. Here’s how if you’ve never done it before.
- Place the stopper into the drain. Now, insert the horizontal rod into the tailpiece and connect it with a hole at the bottom of the flange. Then, move up and down on this rod so your stopper can operate as intended. If so, use bare hands to tighten up the ribbed nut of this tailpiece.
- Put the metal clip over the lift rod and the horizontal rod into either of these holes.
- At the end, attach the lift rod strap to the lift rod either by tightening the ribbed nut or snapping them together (depending on your model).
Fixing a Push-Button Sink Plug
Do you have a push-button sink stopper in your bathroom? If yes, then the lever mechanism does not matter to you. What if the stopper gets stuck in the open position? The spring is the problem. You’ll need to fix it or replace it. Here’s how:
- First, unscrew the stopper by turning it anti-clockwise.
- Pliers will be needed in other models to hold the flange while turning the stopper.
- You can adjust or replace (if required) the spring after disassembling the stopper.
How Can You Avoid The Sink Stopper From Getting Stuck Again
The only way to avoid this problem is to remove and clean the stopper from time to time. This will also help in preventing any clogs in your sink. If you’ve never done it, here’s how:
- Turn the stopper plug anti-clockwise until it comes off.
- After removing the stopper, use pliers to remove the stem by spinning it anti-clockwise.
- Clean the stem with a sponge scourer. Make certain to remove any soap scum and grime from it.
- Use pliers to screw back the stem. Now, turn the stopper plug clockwise.
- Check for any leaks. Because any leak will induce corrosion in the components, resulting in the same issue.
You can visit here for a more detailed guide on cleaning your pop-up stopper.
Parting Words
I hope this article helped you unstick your sink stopper and put an end to your anguish. However, if you cannot resolve the issue and require more support, I am here for you; please get in touch with me in the comments section below, and we will work together to find a solution.
What problem is this article solving?
This article helps readers unstick or replace their sink stoppers (both pop-up and push-button). It guides them to prevent it from happening in the future as well.
