This lift rod slides up and down through a small hole in the back of the faucet body.
The pivot rod moves a linkage inside the drain tailpiece, lifting or lowering the stopper as needed.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
You’ll need to install a new drain stopper whenever installing a new sink.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Before You Begin
Alwaysshut off the waterbefore beginning any plumbing work.
you’ve got the option to choose different types of stoppers, finishes, and construction materials.
Consider the aesthetic and functionality you prefer.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The lower drain assembly can be made of durable metal or less expensive plastic.
Professional plumbers sometimes feel that metal assemblies are preferable.
Spring-loaded sink stoppers have none of these pivot parts.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
These stoppers are worth considering, as they are pretty easy to install.
Spring-loaded stoppers resemble the drain stopper that is very popular for bathtubs.
If you have this option, do it then.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
With some traps, you may be able to loosen and remove the trap by hand without a wrench.
There may be some water in the trap, so position a bucket under the trap to catch it.
Using joint compound at the joint will ensure it seals against the bottom of the sink drain opening.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Pipe joint compound is optional, but you might have trouble getting the rubber to seal without it.
The putty will help the upper part of the drain assembly seal against the sink drain opening.
An alternative to plumber’s putty is silicone caulk.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
You should also consider calling a professional if your pipes are very old.
The plumbing in older homes tends to be more fragile and can get corroded.
It’s not an adhesive but a barrier, giving a watertight seal.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
It remains soft, not hardening, chipping, or crumbling over time.
If theres anissue only with the stopper, you might replace it with a new one.
Many DIYers canaccomplish this taskwithout having to call in the pros.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Sink stoppers can be lowered to stop water and allow the sink to fill.
And when they’re raised, they allow water to drain and flow through thesink’s plumping.
A standardbathroom sinkdrain size is 1 1/2 inches across.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
