How To Replace Stopper In Bathroom Sink

How to Replace Stopper in Bathroom Sink

A bathroom sink stopper is a small but essential part of the bathroom. It helps keep water in the sink when it is needed and drains water when it is not. Over time, stoppers can become worn out or damaged and need to be replaced. Replacing a bathroom sink stopper is a relatively easy job, and it can be done in a few simple steps.

Tools and Materials

Before you start, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:

New bathroom sink stopper
Adjustable wrench
Pliers
Bucket or bowl
Rag or towel

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the sink. This is important to prevent water from leaking out when you remove the stopper.

To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valves under the sink. There will be two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water. If your bathroom sink does not have shut-off valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

Step 2: Remove the Old Stopper

Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the old stopper. To do this, use the adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut that holds the stopper in place, take care not to drop the old stopper down the drain, so be sure to have a bucket or bowl underneath to catch it.

Once the nut is loose, carefully remove the stopper from the drain hole. If the stopper is stuck, it may be necessary to pry it loose with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. Do not force the stopper out of the drain, or you could damage the sink.

Step 3: Install the New Stopper

Now it’s time to install the new stopper. Start by applying a thin bead of plumber's putty around the base of the stopper. The plumber's putty will help to create a watertight seal between the stopper and the drain hole.

Next, place the stopper in the drain hole, and tighten the nut onto the stopper. Do not overtighten the nut, or you could damage the stopper or the sink.

Step 4: Turn on the Water Supply

Once the new stopper is in place, turn on the water supply to the sink. Check for leaks around the stopper. If there are any leaks, tighten the nut a little bit more.

That's it! You have now successfully replaced the stopper in your bathroom sink.

Tips

Here are a few tips to make replacing a bathroom sink stopper even easier:

If you are replacing the stopper in a sink with a garbage disposal, remove the splash guard before removing the old stopper.
Use a flashlight to get a better view of the drain hole and the stopper.
If you have trouble removing the nut that holds the stopper in place, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen it.
Do not overtighten the nut that holds the stopper in place.
If you are unsure about how to replace a bathroom sink stopper, consult a professional plumber.