How To Remove Stopper In Bathroom Sink

Bathroom sink stoppers can get clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris, which can cause water to drain slowly or not at all. If your bathroom sink stopper is clogged, you can remove it and clean it to restore proper drainage.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

Pliers
Adjustable wrench
Bucket
Rag or towel

Safety Precautions:

Turn off the water supply to the sink before starting.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Pop-Up Stopper:

Pop-up stoppers are the most common type of sink stopper. To remove a pop-up stopper, first, try to pull it up by its knob. If that doesn't work, you can use a pair of pliers to grasp the stopper and pull it up.

2. Remove the Screw-In Stopper:

Screw-in stoppers are less common than pop-up stoppers. To remove a screw-in stopper, you'll need an adjustable wrench.

Place the adjustable wrench on the stopper's base and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Once the stopper is loose, you can unscrew it by hand and remove it from the sink.

3. Clean the Stopper:

Once the stopper is removed, you can clean it by soaking it in a solution of hot water and dish soap. Use a brush or sponge to remove any debris from the stopper.

4. Reinstall the Stopper:

For pop-up stoppers, simply insert the stopper back into the drain hole and push down on the knob to close it.
For screw-in stoppers, apply a thin layer of plumber's putty to the base of the stopper and screw it back into the drain hole until it's snug.

5. Test the Stopper:

Once the stopper is reinstalled, turn on the water supply and test the stopper by filling the sink with water and then pulling up on the knob or pushing down on the stopper to close it. The water should drain quickly and completely when the stopper is closed.

Tips:

If you're having trouble removing the stopper, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it.
If the stopper is badly clogged or damaged, you may need to replace it with a new one.
To prevent future clogs, clean the stopper regularly by removing it and soaking it in a solution of hot water and dish soap.