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.
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:
Bathroom sink drains can have several types of stoppers that control water flow down the drain:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let’s go over some key methods for clearing an obstructed bathroom sink drain when you have a fixed, non-removable stopper:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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