You’re probably wondering how to fix pop-up waste. It can be frustrating when your sink starts overflowing with water, and you have no idea why. This step-by-step guide will show you how to fix a pop-up waste in minutes without any expensive tools or trips to the hardware store.
What is a Pop-up Waste?
Pop-up waste is a type of plumbing fixture found in sinks. It is a mechanism that allows water to be drained from the sink. When the lever on the pop-up waste is depressed, the stopper inside the sink is released, and the water drains from the sink.
The pop-up waste mechanism consists of a lever, a stopper, a rubber seal, and a spring. The lever is attached to the stopper and is used to release the stopper.
The spring clip holds the lever in place and pushes the stopper up when the lever is released or with a slight twist.
Common Problems with Sink Pop-up Waste:
There are many problem areas with the typical pop-up waste. Most of these involve the little parts that make up the whole.
Here are some common issues:
- The knob or handle is difficult to turn – This usually means that the washer is not seated correctly or something is caught in the mechanism.
- The knob or handle comes off in your hand – The screws that hold it on may be loose, or the threads may be stripped.
- The pop-up doesn’t pop up – Often due to a broken spring.
- Water leaks from around the base of the pop-up – This is usually caused by a bad seal where the pop-up meets the sink.
- Water leaks from the sides of the pop-up – A wrong washer or gasket often causes this.
How do you identify if you have a broken pop-up waste?
You can tell if your pop-up waste is broken in several ways.
The most obvious way is if the pop-up doesn’t pop up when you depress the lever.
Another way to tell is if water leaks from around the base of the pop-up when it is in the closed position.
If water leaks from the sides of the pop-up, then the washer or gasket is probably damaged.
It may also be challenging to turn the pop-up knob or handle.
If the pop-up knob or handle comes off in your hand, the screws are probably loose, or the threads are stripped.
How to Fix a Pop-up Waste?
First of all, you’ll need to get the right tools to fix the sink pop-up stopper.
The tools you will need to fix your sink stopper are:
- A screwdriver
- An adjustable wrench
- A set of pliers
- Rubber gloves
- A new pop-up waste (can be purchased at a hardware store)
After you’ve got these tools, let’s move to the instructions.
- Step 1: Identify the problem
Before you can fix your pop-up waste, you need to identify the problem. Four main problems can occur with pop-up waste:
- The knob is loose
- The knob is broken
- The linkage is broken
- The stopper is damaged or corroded
Identified the problem? Let’s move toward the next step.
- Step 2: Turn off the water
Once you know the problem, it’s time to fix it. But before you do anything, you need to turn off the water. This will prevent any further damage from occurring and will make the repair process much more manageable.
To turn off the water, locate the shut-off valves. These are usually located under the sink. Once you’ve found them, turn the valves clockwise to shut off the water.
- Step 3: Remove the knob
Now that the water is turned off, it’s time to remove the knob. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the knob. If your pop-up waste doesn’t have screws, it’s most likely held in place by a set screw. In this case, use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw.
Once the screws are removed, pull the knob off of the linkage.
- Step 4: Remove the pop-up waste
With the knob removed, you should now be able to see the pop-up waste. To remove it, use a wrench to loosen the locknut that holds it in place. Once the locknut is loose, pull the pop-up waste out of the sink.
- Step 5: Inspect the parts
Now that you have all of the parts removed, it’s time to inspect them. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as corrosion or cracks. If any of the pieces are damaged, you’ll need to replace them, or maybe you’ll need to buy a new Pop-up waste.
- Step 6: Reassemble the pop-up waste
Once you’ve inspected all the parts, it’s time to reassemble the pop-up waste. Start by attaching the pop-up waste to the sink. Then, reattach the knob and turn on the water.
Test the pop-up waste by pressing down on the knob. If it pops up and down quickly, you’ve fixed your pop-up waste!
If your pop-up waste is still not working correctly, you may need to replace it.
Tips for Avoiding Future Problems With Your Pop-up Waste:
To avoid future problems with your pop-up waste, there are a few things you can do:
- Check the knob regularly to ensure it’s tightened: The knob can become loose over time. This can cause the pop-up waste to leak. To avoid this, check the knob regularly and tighten it if it’s loose.
- Clean the pop-up waste regularly: Another way to avoid problems with your pop-up waste is to clean it regularly. Pop-up wastes can become clogged with hair and other debris. When this happens, they can start to leak. To prevent this, clean your pop-up waste regularly with a plunger or a brush.
- Replace the washer: If your pop-up waste is leaking, the washer is one of the first things you should check. Over time, washers can become damaged. If this is the case, they will need to be replaced. You can usually find replacement washers at your local hardware store.
- Fix any leaks immediately: If you notice a leak, it’s essential to fix it immediately. Small leaks can often turn into big ones if they’re not fixed promptly.
Following these tips can help you avoid future problems with your pop-up waste.
How to Clean the Pop-up Waste?
You’ll need the same tools you used while fixing the pop-up waste.
So, if you have them, let’s move toward the steps.
Step #1 Unscrew the Nuts: You first need to unscrew the locknut and clevis screw. To do this, use an adjustable wrench. You’ll find the locknut at the back of the drain body. As you unscrew it, check that the pop-up doesn’t fall off. Also, ensure you don’t drop the parts while unscrewing them.
Step #2 Take Out the Stopper: Now that you have removed the locknut and clevis screw, you can take out the stopper. For this, hold onto the pop-up and pull it up. The stopper will come out of the drain body as you do this.
Step #3 Remove the Lift & Pivot Rod: The next step is removing the lift and pivot rod. For this, unscrew the retaining nut that you’ll find under the sink. You can pull out the lift rod once you’ve removed the retaining nut.
Step #4 Clean the Parts: Now that you have all the parts in front of you, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. Start by scrubbing the stopper with a brush and some detergent. This will help remove any build-up of dirt and grime.
Step #5 Clean the Drain: Clean the drain as thoroughly as possible using wire wool. This will help to remove any build-up of dirt and grime. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the drain. Start by scrubbing the inside of the drain body. Then, scrub the outside of the drain body. Once you’re finished, rinse off the brush and wipe down the drain body with a cloth.
Step #6 Put Everything Back Together: You can start putting it back together. Start by inserting the lift rod into the drain body. Then, screw on the retaining nut. Next, take the stopper and insert it into the drain body. Make sure that the rubber gasket is in place. Once the stopper is in place, you can screw on the locknut and clevis pin. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten them in place.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleaned the pop-up plug. It would help if you cleaned it regularly for your home improvement.
How to Install the New Pop-Up Waste?
If you have decided to install a new pop-up waste in your bathroom sink, there are just a few simple steps that you need to follow.
In no time, you will have a new pop-up waste that looks great and functions perfectly.
Here is what you need to do:
Step #1 Shut off the water to your sink: This is important because you don’t want to turn on the water while working on the sink.
Step #2 Remove the old pop-up waste: You must unscrew the stopper from the drain. Once the stopper is removed, you can pull the pop-up waste out of the sink.
Step #3 Clean out the drain: Before installing the new pop-up waste, you will want to ensure the drain is clean. Use a brush to scrub away any dirt or debris caught in the drain.
Step #4 Install the new pop-up waste: Insert the new pop-up waste into the drain. Then, screw the stopper back into place.
Step #5 Turn on the water: Once you have installed the new pop-up waste, you can turn the water back on to your sink. Test out the new pop-up waste to ensure it is working correctly.
If everything is working correctly, then you are all done!
These are just a few simple steps that you need to follow to install a new pop-up waste in your bathroom sink.
Conclusion:
We hope that this article was helpful and answered some of your questions about pop-up waste.
If not, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or clarification.
With over 17 years of experience in basin waste manufacturing, we know a thing or two about sink drains!
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And be sure to check back often at hofensanitary for more tips and tricks from your friends!
