Introduction How to Remove Drain Stopper from Bathroom Sink
If your bathroom sink is clogged or the drain is running slowly, you may need to remove the sink drain stopper to clear out debris, hair, and other gunk that is trapped down the drain. There are several different types of sink drain stoppers you may encounter under your bathroom sink, ranging from simple lift and turn designs to more complex pop-up and plunger mechanisms. Learning how to identify and remove your particular drain stopper style is a useful DIY skill that can save you from having to call a plumber every time your bathroom sink gets backed up. This article will guide you through the process of taking out common types of bathroom sink drain stoppers.
Why You May Need to Remove Your Sink Drain Stopper
Before jumping into the different drain stopper designs, let’s review some reasons why you may need to remove the stopper from your bathroom sink drain:
- Clearing a Clog – Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and other debris can gradually build up down your sink drain, eventually leading to water backing up or draining slowly. Removing the stopper gives you access to the drain pipe so you can clear out clogs.
- Cleaning the Stopper – Stoppers can collect gunk and get sticky over time. Taking them out allows you to thoroughly clean the stopper mechanism so it functions properly.
- Replacing Stopper Assembly – Old or damaged sink stoppers may need to be replaced with new drain assemblies for optimal performance. You’ll need to remove the entire stopper apparatus first before installing a new one.
- Installing a Garbage Disposal – If you’re adding a garbage disposal unit, the drain pipe and stopper setup will need to be altered. Taking out the existing stopper is the first step.
- Fixing Leaks – A leaky drain at the stopper seals could indicate worn out parts. Replacing the stopper or drain assembly may fix stubborn leaks.
Types of Sink Drain Stoppers
Bathroom sink drains can have several types of stoppers that control water flow down the drain:
Lift and Turn Stopper
Perhaps the most common type you’ll find is the lift and turn or lift and twist stopper. To take this style stopper out, first turn on the faucet slightly to allow any suction to release. Then simply lift the stopper straight up and twist it about a quarter turn to unlock it from the drain opening. Once it’s removed, you can clean the stopper and use a paper clip or zip tie to fish out hair and debris clogging the drain.
Be sure the stopper assembly is fully locked back in place when you return it to the drain. Test for leaks after re-installing. Over time, lift and turn stoppers can wear out and may need replacement if they become loose or damaged. Getting them out just takes a lift, twist, and pop up though.
Pop-Up Stopper
Many modern sinks have a pop-up style drain stopper activated by a lever on the back of the sink. To release a pop-up stopper, first pull the lift rod up all the way. This will disengage the stopper seal inside the drain opening. You can then press down on the backside stopper mechanism to pop it up out of the drain pipe.
Use a small mirror to see how the linkage is connected inside when removing a pop-up stopper assembly for the first time. Take pictures too for reference when putting everything back together. The spring and seals on these assemblies can weaken over time, so replacement may be needed if the stopper no longer functions smoothly.
Plunger/Push Stopper
You’ll recognize a plunger or push-style drain stopper by the rounded rubber cap seated in the drain opening. Removing this type of stopper is as simple as pushing down on the cap to compress the plunger, then continuing to press down while twisting the stopper counterclockwise to release it from the drain pipe.
Check the underside of the stopper and remove any hair or debris clogging the seal. You can also unscrew the stopper collar from the sink to thoroughly clean the assembly and drain. Make sure the plunger fully seals and returns to the closed position when replacing this type of sink stopper assembly.
Ball and Flap Stopper
This type of sink stopper uses a ball and flap mechanism to seal off the drain. Start by clearing any hair around the ball portion located in the sink bowl. Next, use a hooked wire from below to pull the ball straight down and out of its socket. This will release the flap underneath to fully open the drain.
Remove any slime or debris clogging the stopper pieces. It’s a good idea to boil ball and flap stoppers in vinegar or baking soda solution to fully sanitize them. Be sure the flap seats properly and the ball fits snugly but freely in the socket when replacing this stopper style. Need worn parts repair or replace.
Fixed Stopper
Some older sinks have a non-removable, fixed stopper embedded right in the drain opening itself. Fixed stoppers generally need to be replaced entirely if they become clogged or damaged. But you have a couple options for removing a fixed stopper temporarily to clear out a clog.
First try a plunger to forcefully dislodge debris and suction out any gunk clearing the stopper seal. Baking soda and vinegar can also dissolve soap scum; just pour a bit down the drain, let sit 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
If those tactics don’t open the fixed stopper, you can take apart the piping below the sink to fully remove the stopper apparatus and clear any stubborn clogs. Make sure to have replacement parts ready before taking this step. Re-sealing the drain assembly properly is crucial to prevent leaks.
Unclogging a Sink With Non-Removable Stopper
Let’s go over some key methods for clearing an obstructed bathroom sink drain when you have a fixed, non-removable stopper:
- Plunger – Place a plunger directly over the sink drain opening and plunge vigorously for 30-60 seconds to try dislodging the clog. Add a bit of water if needed to create suction. Repeat several times, checking if water starts flowing freely.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar – Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar and pour down the drain opening. Let bubble and fizz for 10-15 minutes then rinse with very hot water. The chemical reaction can break up gunk.
- Snake – Use a hand crank auger or snake to work through the stopper and scrub out stubborn clogs. Take care not to scratch porcelain with the wire.
- Remove Stopper Assembly – If other methods don’t unclog the fixed stopper, unscrew piping under the sink to detach the stopper mechanism; clean thoroughly before re-assembling and sealing everything correctly.
- Replace Stopper – For frequent clogging issues, replacing the entire fixed stopper with a new and improved drain assembly is the best permanent solution.
Calling in a professional plumber is advisable if you can’t get the sink to drain fully after trying these remedies. They can determine if the clog is further down the pipes.
Installing a New Sink Drain
When an old sink drain assembly has failed beyond repair, installing a new one is the fix. Follow these key steps to safely replace your sink drain:
- Turn off hot and cold water supply valves and disconnect hoses. You want the area completely dry.
- From below, detach the drain P-trap bend and existing drain tailpiece from the sink waste line.
- Remove old drain basket, stopper, and flange/strainer assembly from above sink bowl.
- Clean sink bowl area thoroughly to remove all old plumbers putty.
- Apply fresh putty and set new basket strainer in place, fastening tightly.
- Attach tailpiece, P-trap, and supply hoses to new strainer assembly using pipe tape on threads.
- Check for leaks and test stopper function when complete.
Taking time to correctly replace a worn-out bathroom sink drain assembly can prevent lots of future clogging headaches. Always shut off water supply and disconnect all piping before removing old sink drains. Follow manufacturer instructions closely for installing any new drain parts.
Conclusion
As you’ve now learned, bathroom sinks can have a few common drain stopper designs ranging from simple lift-out types to more complex pop-up and plunger stoppers. With the right technique for your particular style, you can easily remove most sink stoppers for cleaning and clearing clogs. For stuck non-removable stoppers, try a few unclogging methods first before replacing the entire assembly. Contact a professional plumber if problems persist. Taking action to remove and maintain your bathroom sink drain stopper can help keep water and debris flowing freely down the drain long-term.
FAQs:
How do you remove an old bathroom sink drain assembly?
Follow these steps to remove an old bathroom sink drain assembly:
Turn off water supply valves below the sink and disconnect supply lines.
Place bucket under trap to catch water. Loosen slip nut connections and remove trap.
From below, hold drain body from below while unscrewing the mounting ring/rim above. Wear gloves – it’ll likely be gross.
Once mounting ring is removed, the entire drain assembly will detach from the sink. Remove old plumber’s putty from above sink hole.
Clean the sink hole area thoroughly. Apply new plumber’s putty around new drain flange. Insert new assembly into hole and hand tighten mounting ring.
Re-attach trap and supply lines. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. Tighten any connections as needed.
How to unclog a bathroom sink drain with a non removable stopper?
If your bathroom sink has a non-removable stopper that’s causing a clog, try these methods:
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Let the mixture fizz for 10-15 minutes then rinse with hot water. The reaction can help dissolve soap scum, hair, and grime.
Use a zip-it drain cleaner by inserting it down into the drain and moving up and down to hook hair and debris.
Fill the sink halfway with hot water. Use a plunger by sealing it over the drain and plunging vigorously several times to loosen the clog.
Use a wire coat hanger by straightening it out and inserting down the drain to fish out debris.
Remove the P-trap under the sink to check for clogs. Place a bucket under it first. Unscrew the two threaded slip joints.
If none of these DIY methods work, you may need to call a plumber to use a drain auger or snake to clear really tough clogs from a non-removable stopper.