A sink stopper is a handy device that allows you to control the flow of water in your sink. It can help you save water, prevent clogs, and keep your sink clean. However, your sink stopper may wear out, break, or get lost over time. If that happens, you may want to replace it with a new one. Install a sink stopper is not difficult; you can do it with some basic tools and materials.
This blog post will show you how to install a sink stopper in simple steps.
What You Will Need
To install a sink stopper, you will need the following items:
- A new sink stopper kit that matches your sink’s drain size and style. You can find one at your local hardware store or online.
- A pair of adjustable wrenches or pliers
- A tubing cutter or a hacksaw
- A flathead screwdriver
- A bucket or a bowl
- Some plumber’s putty
- Some pipe dope or thread sealant
How to Install a Sink Stopper
Before installing a sink stopper, turn off the water supply to your sink and place a bucket or a bowl under the drain pipe to catch any water that may leak out. Then, follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the Old Stopper
The first step is to remove the old stopper from your sink. Depending on the type of stopper you have, you may need to do one of the following:
- If you have a pop-up stopper controlled by a lift rod behind the faucet, disconnect the lift rod from the extension bar and the pivot rod under the sink. To do this, pinch the spring clamp that holds them together and pull them apart. Then, unscrew the pivot nut that connects the pivot rod to the drain pipe and pull it out along with the pivot rod. Finally, lift the pop-up stopper from the drain opening by hand or with a screwdriver.
- If you have a lift-and-turn stopper twisted by hand to open and close, you need to unscrew it from the drain opening. To do this, close the stopper completely and twist it counterclockwise without twisting off the top cap until it comes out.
Step 2: Install the New Drain
The next step is to install the new drain assembly with your sink stopper kit. To do this, follow these steps:
- Apply some plumber’s putty around the underside of the drain flange (the metal ring on top of the drain opening). Then, please insert it into the drain opening and press it firmly into place.
- Place a rubber washer, a paper washer, and a metal nut over the drain tailpiece (the vertical pipe that extends down from the drain flange) from under the sink. Tighten the nut by hand or with a wrench until it secures the drain flange against the sink.
- If your drain tailpiece is too long for your plumbing configuration, you may need to cut it to fit with a tubing cutter or a hacksaw. Ensure you leave enough length to connect it to the P-trap (the curved pipe connecting to the wall pipe).
- Apply some pipe dope or thread sealant to the threads of the pivot ball (the metal ball on the side of the drain tailpiece). Then, screw on the pivot nut (the metal nut with an opening for the pivot rod) over it and tighten it by hand.
Step 3: Install the New Stopper
The final step is to install the new stopper into your sink. To do this, follow these steps:
- Insert the pop-up stopper into the drain opening from above and ensure the hole in its linkage (the metal rod attached to its bottom) faces toward the back of the sink.
- From under the sink, insert the pivot rod into the linkage hole and through the pivot nut opening. Adjust its position until it moves smoothly up and down when you push and pull it.
- Connect one end of the extension bar (the horizontal metal bar with several holes) to one end of the lift rod (the vertical metal rod that goes behind the faucet) using a clevis (a U-shaped joint) and a screw. Then, connect the other end of the extension bar to the pivot rod using a spring clamp. Choose the holes that allow the lift rod to operate the stopper properly.
- Test the stopper by pulling up and pushing down the lift rod. The stopper should open and close smoothly and seal tightly when closed. If not, adjust the position of the pivot rod, the extension bar, or the lift rod until it works correctly.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about an install sink stopper:
When choosing a sink stopper, consider the size and style of your sink’s drain. Measure the diameter of the drain opening and match it with the stopper kit’s flange. Also, ensure the stopper matches the style and finish of your faucet and sink.
If your sink stopper is stuck and you can’t remove it by hand or with a screwdriver, you may need to use lubricant or penetrating oil to loosen it up. Spray some lubricant or oil around the base of the stopper and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to twist or pry it out gently. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use some pliers or a wrench to grip and turn it.
To clean a sink stopper, remove it from the drain and rinse it with water. Use mild soap or vinegar to remove dirt, grease, or mineral deposits. If hair or debris is stuck, scrub with a toothbrush or wire brush. Dry the stopper completely before putting it back.
Conclusion
Installing a sink stopper is not hard if you have the right tools and materials and follow the steps outlined in this blog post. A new sink stopper can help you save water, prevent clogs, and keep your sink clean.
Hope this blog post was helpful and informative for you.
Thank you for reading!
