How to Install a Bathroom Sink Stopper

Is your bathroom sink drain empty? An open drain can lead you to drop items down the drain, causing clogs. Here's a step-by-step guide that shows exactly how to install a bathroom sink stopper.

Step 1: Clear the Area Under the Sink

Now it’s time to move under the sink to access the stopper mechanism:

• Clear out any items under the sink that might block access to the drain assembly.

• Locate the vertical pipe leading up to the sink drain and the lever assembly behind it. The drain pipe is typically made of white PVC plastic.

Step 2: Identify the Pivot Rod and Pivot Nut

Next, locate the key components that connect the stopper to the lever mechanism:

• Find the pivot rod - a horizontal metal rod attached to the lever assembly. It connects the drain pipe and sink stopper via a pivot nut, which is typically plastic or metal.

• The pivot rod fits into one of the holes in the lever assembly, allowing the stopper to move up and down when you operate the sink lever from above.

Note: While looking under the sink, you can move the sink lever up and down from above. This will make the lever assembly and pivot rod move, helping you locate them more easily.

Step 3: Prepare for Potential Water Leaks

Before unthreading any parts, take precautions to handle potential water leakage:

• Place a bucket or bowl under the pivot nut to catch any water that might drip out while you’re working.

Step 4: Loosen the Pivot Nut

With everything in place, it’s time to disconnect the pivot rod from the drain pipe and sink stopper:

• Ensure the stopper is in the closed position (lever up). Unthread the pivot nut by turning it clockwise (facing it from the front). You can do this by hand, but if it’s too tight, use a pair of pliers.

• As you loosen the pivot nut, hold the stopper from the top to prevent it from moving, especially if you haven’t secured it.

Step 5: Disconnect the Pivot Rod

Once the pivot nut is removed, gently pull the pivot rod out of the drain assembly:

• Pull down on the lever assembly or on the pivot rod near the assembly to carefully move it downward.

• Remove the pivot rod from the drain pipe until it is fully disconnected from the stopper. If the rod is difficult to remove, you may need to detach it further.

Step 6: Remove the Clip and Fully Disconnect the Pivot Rod

If the pivot rod is still partially attached and won’t come out completely, follow these steps:

• Note which hole in the lever assembly the pivot rod is connected to. It might help to take a picture to be sure.

• Disconnect the metal clip that holds the pivot rod to the lever assembly. Hold the pivot rod and push the clip off along with the lever assembly towards the side of the pivot rod with the lever assembly attached. This can prove to be tricky. You might need to move the pivot rod up and down to different positions, and/or push the pivot rod into drain pipe while trying to remove the clip and lever assembly. It might help to pinch the clip slightly while removing it.

• Once the clip is removed and the pivot rod is fully disconnected from the lever assembly, you should be able to pull the rod out far enough to completely remove it from the stopper.

Step 6: Hold the Stopper in Place and Reassemble