Clean Your Pop-up Drain Stopper: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

The pop-up drain stopper on your sink turns it into a small tub. However, all the gunk that you have accumulated over time will cause it to become clogged. It is possible that your pop-up mechanism has lost its pop. Make sure to clean the drain stopper on your pop-up.

What's the point?

• Pop-up drain stopper stuck in a jam

• Accelerate a slow drain

• Reduce mold and mildew growth within your bathroom

Materials Required

• Vinegar

• Use an old toothbrush or scrub pad

• Bowl

• Pliers

• Flashlight

• Permanent marker

Get rid of the pop-up drain stopper

1. Turn off the water to avoid any problems. The sink shut-off valve is located at the back of your cabinet under the sink. To turn the knob or knobs clockwise, shut off the water supply.

2. Unplug the horizontal ball rod and clevis. Use a flashlight to illuminate the area below the sink. The horizontal ball rod is a rod made of metal that runs between the drainpipe (clevis) and the sink. It's there. Grab the V-shaped spring clip holding the rod in position and remove the clip from the rod's end. Easy!

Tip: Mark the notch in your clevis while you are disassembling the horizontal ball rod. It will make it easier later to reinstall it.

1. Remove the horizontal rod from the drainpipe

You can loosen the retaining nuts that hold the horizontal rod to the drain pipe. If it is too tight, you can use an adjustable wrench. The horizontal ball rod should be pulled out of the drainpipe. You may see some plastic rings come out of the drain pipe. You don't have to worry about it, just ensure that they are back where they belong after you're done.

2. Disconnect the stopper and then get rid of the mess

It might be a good idea to plug your nose. Now the stopper is free as a bird. Give it a tug and get it out of your drain. You can throw the hair and other debris away, and you'll be able to sleep better knowing that it isn't slowing down your sink.

3. Wash everything with vinegar

Let the stopper rest in the vinegar for at least 15 min. You can also throw in the horizontal rod, which is likely to be quite gross. Use a non-abrasive scrubber or an old toothbrush to scrub everything until it looks new. Rinse off the parts in the tub or another sink.

4. Place the stopper in the sink drain

Flip the stopper over so that it is flat. Rotate the stopper clockwise or counterclockwise so that the hole at the bottom faces the wall. FYI: If the tab with the hole is off-center, ensure that the hole is as close as possible to the wall. As you place the stopper, slide it into the drain.

5. Install the horizontal rod

Go back to the sink with the horizontal rod in your hand. Replace any plastic rings that have fallen off earlier by sticking the rod's short end through the drain pipe. The rod should be fed as far as possible. You can check your work by pressing down on the end of the horizontal rod (like a lever), and then watching the stopper. If everything is correct, the stopper should pop up as soon as you push. Now tighten the retaining nuts until it is snug but not too tight.

6. Attach the clevis

Line up the prongs on the spring clip with the clevis. (You marked the hole in the clevis earlier). The spring-clip should be inserted through the clevis sandwich. Place the clip about one inch from the rod's end. Turn off the water, turn on the faucet, and let the water run for a moment. The water will then swirl down the drain.