Imagine coming home after a stressful day, ready to wash away your worries by splashing your face. But as you open your eyes, you stare at a sink full of murky water that refuses to drain. Frustrating, right? A clogged basin can make you want to tear your sink apart.
We’ve all been there at least once, waiting for the water to go down while the stubborn sink stopper holds it back. The culprit? A gunked-up sink plug. If you are also facing an issue like this or wish to avoid your bathroom basin from clogging in the future. Sweat not — today we will learn how to remove a bathroom sink stopper for cleaning.
What Is A Bathroom Drain Stopper?
Yes, it is exactly what it says it is. A sink drain stopper is a simple device (typically made of chrome) that controls the flow of water in your bathroom basin. The plug features a pop-up slot at its base, preventing you from simply pulling it out, which can make removal challenging without a simple trick.
How To Remove Bathroom Sink Stopper For Cleaning?
There are numerous stoppers and you need to know which type you have in your bathroom before beginning. Each variety has unique removal and cleaning instructions. If you’re not sure what type of blocker you have, this article will help. Let us show you how to remove the sink plug.
Lift and Turn
Also known as twist-and-pull stoppers, these drain plugs can be tricky to remove because different methods depend on their design. Some require unbolting, while others rotate off.
Note: Before starting, ensure the plug is raised and in the open position.
For lift and turns with a removable knob: Start by unscrewing the knob from the base. Then, use a screwdriver to loosen the screw inside the knob enough to release the stopper. Finally, pull out the plug.
For lift and turns with a screw-in base: Locate the screw head underneath the stopper. Insert a screwdriver horizontally and turn the screw counterclockwise. Remove the plug from the washbowl.
For lift and turns with a twist-style base: Use a wrench to rotate the base anti-clockwise. Then, detach the sink plug from the washbowl.
Push and Pull
Similar to lift and turn plugs, push and pull drain plugs have a simpler removal process. Although it’s less complex compared to lift-and-turn stoppers, its removal method may remind you of the lift-and-turn removable knob method.
With the plug in the open position:
- Unscrew the knob from the base.
- Push the stopper closed to expose the center post.
- Use pliers or a flat-head screwdriver in the center to turn the slotted screw anti-clockwise to loosen it.
- Lift the plug from the drain.
Toe-Touch
Removing the toe-touch drain plug is simple and requires simple steps. Before you start, ensure the plug is in the open position.
- Rotate the cap anti-clockwise: The cap, identified by a silver top labeled “push,” needs to be twisted anti-clockwise to remove a sink drain stopper. Underneath the cap, you’ll find a slotted screw at the center.
- Loosen it: Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully remove the screw located under the cap. This action will loosen it.
- Spin counterclockwise: With the screw removed, spin it anti-clockwise by hand to further loosen it.
- Pull it out: Once loosened, simply pull the stopper out from the drain.
Pop-up
The pop-up drain plug offers various removal methods. Similar to the lift and turn plug, you may need to try each method to determine which one applies to your plug.
Note: Ensure the pop-up stopper is in the open/lift position before attempting any removal method.
Method #1: Grip the drain plug by squeezing each side. Pull upward firmly until it comes out. If it resists, wiggle it back and forth while pulling.
Method #2: Spin the cap anti-clockwise then use a screwdriver to unbolt the base underneath the sink plug. Lift the entire assembly upward to remove it.
Method #3: Use the plug by lifting the arm to close the drain and pushing it down to open. To remove this type, go back under the sink plumb. Remove the pivot nut rod arm that connects to the sink drain pipe. You may require pliers or a wrench to help rotate the arm off. Pull out the arm along with the round plug attached to it. Return to the sink and pull it out.
Trip Lever Bathtub
Known as flip levers or plunger-style levers, trip lever bathtub drain stoppers present their challenges when it comes to removal. Similar to lever pop-up plugs found in bathroom sinks, removing them requires separating the metal clip arm above the bathtub from the opening below.
- Focus on the round arm with two holes on the side and a switch in the center. These holes contain screws.
- Unscrew one of the screws using a flat-head screwdriver.
- Next, unbolt the other screw while ensuring you maintain control over the arm cover and any loose parts.
- Remove the clip top from the opening below.
How To Clean The Sink Drain?
A blocked drain can give you a headache, literally! Partial blockage slows water drainage and can accumulate more debris over time, eventually leading to a full clog. When the basin is completely blocked, no water can pass through, making the basin unusable until the issue is resolved.
After removing the sink stopper, it is time to do a drain cleaning, even if it isn’t blocked. This helps prevent grime buildup inside the basin and reduces the risk of future blocks.
Use a drain brush to scrub the inside of the drain. If there is a clog, use a manual drain snake to break it up and unclog it. If you can’t snag it, breaking up the gunk is the next best option.
You’ll need a commercial basin cleaner or a household drain cleaning liquid of baking soda and vinegar to clear away any lingering residue inside the plumb line. This will help water to flow quickly and smoothly.
How To Clean Bathroom Plugs?
- Clean the sink stopper using fine steel wool or a stiff brush with soap. Both are effective for removing soap scum and other debris.
- Pry off and replace the O-ring. O-rings for bathroom sink plugs are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.
- If the stopper has an eye, position it so the eye faces the pivot hole. Thread the pivot horizontal plunger rod into the eye from beneath the sink and tighten the retaining nut.
- Run the water through the drain by the faucet. If water leaks from the retaining nut, or if it does not fully open or close tightly, adjust or replace the entire push-button lift assembly and plug.
- After you clean the stopper and basin, it is time to re-assemble everything back to its place.
Final Thoughts!
A clogged drain can cause you several problems, starting with a headache of seeing your bathroom untidy. That is why cleaning your stopper is necessary. The first step to a clean bathroom basin is removing the stopper, which can often be challenging if you’re new to DIY. Follow the simple steps outlined in the guide above to successfully remove a sink stopper and unblock your drains without help from a plumber. In most cases, simply knowing how to remove and clean a bathroom basin plug will suffice to extend the life of your pop-up and save you from future water or sewer damage.
