Steps for Installing a Pop-Up Drain Stopper for a Bathroom Sink

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Overall Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: Between $20 and $50

The device used to block drains in most bathroom sinks is a pop-up mechanism featuring a short vertical rod connected to a pivot rod situated beneath the sink. This lift rod moves up and down through a small opening at the rear of the faucet. The pivot rod operates a linkage within the drain tailpiece, allowing the stopper to be raised or lowered as required.

When setting up a new sink, it’s essential to install a fresh drain stopper. Additionally, if you’re putting in a new faucet, it might include a stopper assembly that requires replacing the existing one. Should the sink drain start to leak, you can purchase a new stopper assembly to replace the defective one.

Installing a drain stopper is generally a simple taskhowever, it can sometimes become a bit more complex due to differences in the fixtures or fittings involved.

Prior to Starting

Before starting any plumbing tasks, it’s essential to turn off the water supply. You can find the shut-off valves, which are typically round or oval knobs—one for hot water and the other for cold—beneath the sink.

You have the option to select various kinds of stoppers, surface finishes, and building materials. Think about the style and practicality that you desire.

Sink Stopper Coatings

Sink stoppers come in various metal finishes, allowing the visible drain ring and stopper to coordinate with your faucet fixtures. The lower drain assembly can be constructed from sturdy metal or more affordable plastic. While professional plumbers often favor metal assemblies, plastic pop-up assemblies are typically suitable for DIY enthusiasts. However, they may be somewhat susceptible to damage if the nuts are over-tightened during installation.

Conventional Sink Stoppers vs. Spring-Activated Sink Plugs

Conventional pop-up stoppers operate with a lift rod, a pivot rod, and a ball mechanism that raises and lowers the stopper. In contrast, spring-loaded sink stoppers do not incorporate any pivot components. These stoppers are a viable option, as they are relatively simple to install.

Spring-loaded stoppers are similar to the commonly used drain stoppers found in bathtubs. These stoppers operate by pressing down on them from within the sinka single push secures the stopper in the closed position, while another push releases it, allowing the internal spring to elevate it back to the open position. However, a drawback of this design is that it necessitates the user to reach through the water to disengage the stopper and drain the sink.

Tip

When experts set up a full bathroom sink and faucet system, they typically perform the installation with the vanity top detached from the base cabinet, as this provides easier access to all components. If you have the chance to do this, it’s advisable to take advantage of it.

Requirements

Gear / Instruments

• Bucket
• Channel lock pliers

Materials

• Pop-up drainage system
• Pipe joint sealant
• Plumber’s sealant

Instructions

Instructions

Take out the old drainage system.

Use channel-type pliers to detach the P-trap from both the branch drain and the sink drain tailpiece. In certain cases, you might be able to unscrew and take off the trap manually, without the need for a wrench. Be prepared for some water to spill from the trap, so it’s a good idea to place a bucket underneath to collect any liquid.

• Remove the existing pop-up linkage assembly, if present.
• Utilize channel-lock pliers to detach the mounting nut from the tailpiece of the existing drain assembly.
• Remove the complete drain assembly from the sink. You might need to gently wiggle the tailpiece to loosen the connection at the drain flange.
• Once the drain assembly has been taken out, ensure the sink is thoroughly cleaned of any debris and remnants of old plumber’s putty.

Get ready the new pop-up drain stopper.

• Take apart the components of the new pop-up assembly.
• Loosen and take off the fastening nut from the drain pipe.
• Place the plastic and rubber washers onto the mounting nut and press them down firmly (as shown in the image).

Use Pipe Joint Sealant

Spread a light coating of pipe joint compound on the upper surface of the rubber washer that will make contact with the sink. Utilizing joint compound at the connection will help create a seal against the underside of the sink drain opening. While the use of pipe joint compound is not mandatory, it may be challenging to achieve a proper seal with the rubber washer alone.

Use plumbing putty.

Spread a substantial amount of plumber’s putty along the bottom of the flange on the sink drain ring. This putty will assist in creating a tight seal between the upper section of the drain assembly and the sink drain opening. If you prefer, you can use silicone caulk as a substitute for plumber’s putty. Additionally, certain pop-up assemblies may include a foam or rubber gasket that can be used in place of plumber’s putty or caulk.

Tip

• Take a portion of plumber’s putty and shape it into a long strand by rolling it between your palms. Warming the putty by hand will enhance its compressibility.
• Place the rope along the perimeter of the drain ring as shown in the image.

Assemble the Drain Components

• Elevate the pop-up drain tailpiece assembly through the drain hole from beneath the sink as far as you can.
• While keeping the drain component steady, insert the drain ring into the sink opening from the top, and manually screw the ring onto the drain tailpiece as tightly as possible.
• Ensure that you thread it properly, avoiding any cross-threading. It only requires hand-tightening to secure it.

Secure the Drain Assembly.

• From beneath the sink, grasp the drain tailpiece securely with one hand while you turn the mounting nut upward, directing it towards the sink’s base. Ensure that the tailpiece’s opening, designed for the pop-up pivot lever, is aligned straight back towards the wall.
• Use channel pliers to firmly tighten the mounting nut while keeping the tailpiece steady. Avoid excessive tighteningensure the nut is secure enough to prevent the drain assembly from rotating in the drain opening.

Tip

• Clean away any excess plumber’s putty that seeps out from the drain opening.
• Return it to the container. The putty can be preserved and reused as long as it remains clean.

Position the drain stopper correctly.

• Place the pop-up stopper into the sink’s drain opening, making sure the linkage hole is oriented towards the back of the sink.
• From beneath the sink, place the pivot rod into the slot located on the side of the tailpiece. Typically, there are plastic washers on both sides of the plastic ball. You should be able to sense the end of the pivot rod passing through the slot in the stopper linkage within the drain assembly.
• Attach the pivot rod nut to the threaded connector located on the side of the tailpiece to ensure the ball is firmly held within the tailpiece.
• Check the movement of the pivot rod to confirm that the stopper moves up and down smoothly within the drain.
• If the pop-up is functioning correctly, secure the nut by hand until it is snug.
• If the pop-up isn’t functioning, adjust the stopper and pivot rod to ensure the components fit together correctly.
• If the pop-up assembly is difficult to maneuver when adjusting the pivot rod, it indicates that the pivot rod nut is overly tightened and should be loosened a bit.

Set up the pop-up lever.

• Insert the vertical pop-up lever into the opening located behind the faucet’s spout.
• Ensure that your stopper is completely raised (in the open position) prior to attaching the horizontal pivot rod to the vertical lever.
• From underneath the sink, secure the connecting strap to the bottom of the vertical pop-up lever.
• Fasten the screw on the connecting strap to ensure it is firmly attached to the pivot rod.

Link the Pop-Up Lever with the Pivot Rod.

• Attach the vertical strap to the horizontal pivot rod by sliding the spring clip onto the rod, ensuring that one end of the clip is secured to each side of the strap.
• Make sure that the pop-up stopper fully opens and closes within the drain opening.
• If the rod connections are not aligned properly, adjust them by pinching and repositioning the spring clip.

Reconstruct the Drain Trap.

• Reattach the P-trap to the drain pipe and the drain tailpiece.
• To inspect for leaks, seal the drain, fill the sink with water, then remove the stopper and observe for any leaks underneath as the water drains.
• Connections that are leaking can be gently tightened using channel-lock pliers, but be careful not to overtighten.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If you’re not confident in your ability to disassemble plumbing, it’s wise to reach out to a plumber for assistance. Additionally, if your pipes are quite old, enlisting a professional’s help is a good idea. The plumbing systems in older residences are often more delicate and susceptible to corrosion. It’s common for aging pipes to become fragile and fail, leading to repairs that may be more expensive than anticipated.

Is it advisable to apply plumber’s putty to a sink drain?

Plumber’s putty is frequently utilized to create a seal around the base of faucets and various sink fixtures prior to their installation on the sink. Rather than acting as an adhesive, it serves as a barrier to ensure a watertight seal. This material stays pliable, avoiding hardening, chipping, or crumbling as time passes. Apply it generously at the junction of the two components, assemble the pieces, and remove any surplus putty.

Is it possible to only change the sink stopper?

Certainly! If the problem lies solely with the stopper, you can easily swap it out for a new one. Many do-it-yourself enthusiasts can handle this job without needing to hire a professional.

What is the function of a sink plug?

Sink stoppers can be pressed down to block water, enabling the sink to fill up. When lifted, they permit water to drain, allowing it to flow through the plumbing system.

Are sink stoppers compatible with all types?

The typical diameter of a bathroom sink drain is 1 1/2 inches. Nevertheless, drain sizes can vary, so it’s important to choose a sink stopper that is compatible with your particular drain.