How to Fix A Sink Stopper That’s Not Working

Start with identifying what type of sink stopper you have. Look under the sink. If you see a lift rod, you have a full-assemble sink stopper. Meanwhile, a universal sink stopper does not have that assembly.

Since you will be working with multiple small pieces, it’s wise to have a tray or a bucket to keep all the pieces you remove together. To disassemble a universal sink stopper, simply open it up and pull the whole piece out of the sink drain. You can usually pull it out with bare hands, or you can use channel lock pliers to remove the stopper.

For a full assembly sink stopper, start by squeezing on the spring clip to disconnect it from the pivot rod. Next, unscrew the pivot nut and remove the plug from the sink. Next, disconnect the extension bar and lift rod. Remove the lift rod from the faucet. Make sure to mark where the extension bar connects to the pivot rod.

Soak all disassembled parts in a cleaning solution or a vinegar-water solution. Let them sit for a few minutes, then use a brush to clean each part thoroughly. Only use a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging the parts. Wipe parts dry with a soft rag and lay them on a clean surface for inspection.

Now that everything has been cleaned, you can easily inspect what caused your sink stopper to malfunction. First, inspect the rubber seal (gasket) to see if there is any damage. If the gasket looks cracked, brittle, or broken, you will need to purchase a new stopper.

Next, closely inspect the remaining parts. Look for dents, bents, chips, or stubborn rusts that you couldn’t remove. Any part that shows deformation, severe corrosion, or obvious damage should be replaced. Sometimes, it’s a better deal to purchase a whole new stopper kit or use this as the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a universal sink stopper.

Once everything has been cleaned and replaced, you are ready to reassemble the sink stopper. You will need some pipe joint compound and plumber’s putty for this step.

Simply insert the stopper into the drain to replace a universal sink stopper. Apply a thin layer of joint compound on the rubber seal to ensure a stronger seal.

To replace a full assembly sink stopper, you would also begin by inserting the sink stopper. Next, push the tailpiece up from underneath the sink as high as possible. Hold it in place, fit the drain ring from above the sink, and tighten the mounting nut underneath. Then, assemble the extension bar and pivot rod.

Test by pulling the stopper rod. If everything was assembled correctly, the extension bar and pivot rod should move as you lift or push on the stopper rod.

Close the stopper and fill your sink with water so the bottom of the sink is submerged. Wait for a while. If the water didn’t leak away, you now have a sink stopper that’s fully functioning. Otherwise, continue to tighten the clevis and pivot nut. Then, run the water with your stopper open. If water drains fast and smoothly, your drain is in a good place. Otherwise, you might need to adjust the pivot rod to open the stopper further so water can drain.