How to Install a Pop-Up Drain

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your bathroom sink or faucet, you might want to consider install a pop-up drain. A pop-up drain is a drain stopper that allows you to control the water flow with a lift rod behind the faucet.

When you pull up the lift rod, the drain plug closes and prevents water from draining. When you push down the lift rod, the drain plug opens and lets water flow through. Install a pop-up drain is not very difficult and can be done with some basic tools and materials.

In this article, I’ll show you how to install a pop-up drain in your bathroom sink step by step.

I’ll also answer frequently asked questions about pop-up drains and how they work.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials ready:

• A new pop-up drain kit
• A bucket
• A putty knife
• A hacksaw
• Pliers
• A cleaning cloth
• Plumber’s putty

Step 1: Remove the P-Trap

The first step is to remove the existing drain assembly from your sink. To do that, you need to disconnect it from the drain pipe. Place a bucket under the sink to catch any excess water.

Use pliers to loosen the nut that connects the P-trap to the sink drain tailpiece. The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe that curves under the sink.

Then, loosen the nut that connects the P-trap to the branch drain. Pull out the P-trap and dump any water or debris into the bucket.

Step 2: Remove the Old Stopper Assembly

Next, you need to remove the old stopper assembly from your sink. This includes the flange, the tailpiece, and the pivot rod. The flange is the part of the drain that sits on top of the sinkhole.

The tailpiece is the long cylindrical base of the drain that connects to the P-trap. The pivot rod is the horizontal rod that extends from above the tailpiece and connects to the lift rod.

First, detach the clevis strap and the spring clip from the pivot rod to remove these parts. The clevis strap is a thin metal strip with holes for adjusting the lift rod.

The spring clip is a small metal ring holding the pivot rod. Then, unscrew the nut that secures the pivot rod to the tailpiece and slide it out. Lift out the stopper from the sinkhole.

Finally, use pliers to loosen and remove the nut that holds the tailpiece to the sinkhole. Push up on the tailpiece to free it from the flange. If it’s stuck, wiggle it until it comes loose.

Step 3: Prep the New Stopper Assembly

Now that you have removed the old stopper assembly, you can prepare the new one for installation. First, roll a small piece of plumber’s putty between your fingers until it gets warm and soft. Plumber’s putty is a flexible substance that will seal the sinkhole and prevent leaks.

Then, apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty around the bottom edge of the new flange. Once installed, the flange is part of your new pop-up drain kit and will cover the sinkhole.

Step 4: Place the New Drain Assembly

Next, please insert the new flange into the sinkhole and press it down firmly. Make sure it’s aligned with your faucet and centered over your drain pipe.

Then, insert your new tailpiece through the flange and screw it onto your new pop-up drain collar underneath your sink. The collar is another part of your new pop-up drain kit and will connect your tailpiece to your pivot rod.

Tighten the nut on your tailpiece by hand until it’s snug. Then use pliers to give it another quarter turn.

Step 5: Secure the Assembly

Next, secure your new stopper assembly with some washers and nuts.

First, slide a rubber washer over your tailpiece until it reaches the bottom of your pop-up drain collar.

Then, slide a metal washer over your tailpiece until it reaches the rubber washer.

Finally, screw a metal nut onto your tailpiece until it reaches the metal washer.

Tighten the nut by hand until it’s snug. Then use pliers to give it another quarter turn.

Step 6: Drop in the Drain Stopper

Next, insert your new drain stopper into your sinkhole.

First, make sure your lift rod is in the down position. This will allow your drain stopper to drop in easily.

Then, please insert your new drain stopper into your sinkhole and align it with your pivot rod.

Step 7: Install the Lift Rod

Next, connect your lift rod to your pivot rod with a clevis strap and a spring clip.

First, insert your lift rod through the hole in the back of your faucet.

Then, attach one end of your clevis strap to your lift rod with a screw. Adjust the height of the clevis strap so that your lift rod is at a comfortable level.

Next, insert your pivot rod through the hole in the back of your pop-up drain collar. Make sure it goes through the hole in the bottom of your drain stopper.

Then, attach the other end of your clevis strap to your pivot rod with a spring clip. Choose a hole in the clevis strap that allows your drain stopper to open and close smoothly.

Step 8: Test the Stopper

Now that you have installed your new pop-up drain, you need to test it for proper function and leaks.

First, turn on the water supply valve under your sink and run some water through your faucet.

Then, pull up and push down on your lift rod to see if your drain stopper opens and closes as expected.

Next, check for any leaks around the flange, the tailpiece, the P-trap, and the branch drain. If you see any drips or moisture, tighten the nuts or apply more plumber’s putty as needed.

Step 9: Clean Up

Finally, you need to clean up any excess plumber’s putty or debris from your sink and floor.

Use a putty knife to scrape off any plumber’s putty squeezed out from under the flange. Be careful not to scratch your sink or faucet.

Then, use a cleaning cloth to wipe off any dirt or residue from your sink and faucet.

You’re done! You have successfully installed a new pop-up drain in your bathroom sink. Enjoy your upgraded bathroom!

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about pop-up drains and how they work.