Whether you’re getting started with sink pop-up drain stoppers for the first time or replacing an old one, having the appropriate tools and instructions to do the task correctly is critical. This style of drain stopper is popular among homeowners since it has a lever that slides behind the faucet and can be readily lifted or lowered to open or close the drain.
When replacing a sink, you’ll need to change the drain stopper. And if you’re installing a new faucet, it may come with its own stopper assembly that needs to be replaced with the old one. Finally, if your sink drains leak, you may replace the faulty stopper assembly with a new one.
Installing a drain stopper is usually quite straightforward, but it may become more difficult in certain situations because of variant features or connections.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started with your project if you’re going DIY:
- Pop-up drain stopper kit
- Bucket
- Rag
- Pliers
- Plumber’s putty
- Wet-dry Shop-Vac
How Does A Sink Pop-Up Stopper Work?
Before installing your sink pop-up stopper, you should first understand how it works. The pop-up drain stopper’s mechanism is quite easy to understand; the lift rod’s handle sits between the faucets and behind the spout on top of the sink.
When the handle is raised, the pop-up drain shuts, and when it is lowered, the drain opens. The lift rod of the sink is connected to a perforated metal bar called a clevis that is held in place by a clevis screw, which can also be tightened or loosened with a screwdriver or hand.
The pivot rod is affixed to the clevis with a spring clip that goes into a retaining nut of the drain. A washer, pivot ball, and plastic gasket are also positioned behind the retaining nut before it goes through a tiny loop in the pop-up stopper tail end.
The lift rod is linked to the clevis, which is in turn linked to the pivot rod, which is in turn linked to the pop-up stopper.
How To Install Sink Pop-Up Drain Stopper?
Remove The Old Drain Assembly:
The first step is to remove the old drain assembly. This will allow you to thoroughly clean the sink and start with a fresh surface for your new pop-up Stopper.
First, place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water that may spill out when you disconnect it. Next, use a pair of pliers to loosen the slip nuts that hold the trap in place and carefully remove it.
With the P-trap removed, you should now be able to see the pop-up stopper assembly. Use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the clevis screws holding it in place.
Once the clevis screws are removed, you can pull the entire assembly out.
Now is also a good time to give your sink a good cleaning. Use a rag and soap to remove any dirt or grime built up over time.
Disassemble The New Pop-Up Assembly Pieces:
The next step is to disassemble the new pop-up assembly pieces, and this will make it easier to install them later on.
Remove the old drain assembly and prepare the pop-up drain stopper by disassembling all the pieces and removing and replacing the mounting nut from the tailpiece. Now push down the plastic and rubber washer before installing the mounting nut top.
Apply A Thin Layer Of Pipe Joint Compound:
Apply a thin layer of pipe joint compound (also known as plumber’s putty) around the outside edge of the drain hole. This will help to create a watertight seal between the stopper and the sink.
Apply Sealant To Flange:
Next, apply a generous amount of sealant to the underside of the flange, which will help create a watertight seal between the flange and the sink.
Join All Drain Parts:
Now it’s time to join all of the drain parts together. First, take the tailpiece and thread it into the drain body. Next, add the washer and rubber gasket to the end of the pivot rod and thread it through the hole in the tailpiece.
Then, add the pivot ball and clevis to the end of the pivot rod. Ensure the pivot ball is facing up before threading the clevis onto the rod.
Tighten The Drain Body:
Once the pieces are in place, you can tighten the drain body. Use a wrench to hold the tailpiece in place while you tighten the nut with your other hand.
Make sure the nut is tight, but be careful not to over-tighten it as this could damage the drain.
Install Sink Pop-Up Drain Stopper:
The final step is to install the sink pop-up drain stopper. First, add a generous amount of plumber’s putty to the underside of the flange. Next, place the flange over the drain hole and press it into place.
Insert the pop-up lever into the sink’s hole behind the faucet spout. Ensure the stopper is positioned before connecting the horizontal pivot rod with the vertical lever.
Attach the connecting strap to the lever end of the vertical pop-up from beneath the sink. Tighten the screw on the connecting strap to secure it to the pivot rod. Shift the extension pin up or down to change its position.
Connect the vertical strap to the horizontal pivot by threading the spring clip through the rod and connecting each clip end to one of the straps. Check that the pop-up stopper closes and opens completely within the drain’s opening. If it does not, pinch and adjust the spring clip.
Finish Up Sink Drain Stopper Installation Job And Do Necessary Check:
That’s it! You’ve now installed your new pop-up drain. Be sure to give the putty and sealant time to dry before using the sink. Once it’s dry, run some water down the drain to check for leaks. If everything is working properly, you’re all set.
If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, feel free to reach out to a professional plumber for help. They will be able to walk you through the process and ensure that everything is installed correctly. Thanks for reading, and good luck!
