How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Stopper (Step-by-Step DIY Guide)

Have you ever turned on your bathroom sink, only to find that the water won’t drain properly? A stuck or broken sink stopper can be frustrating and messy. The good news is, you don’t always need a plumber to fix it. With a little time and some basic tools, you can handle this DIY repair yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a bathroom sink stopper in simple steps. Whether your stopper is jammed, won’t stay down, or is leaking, this tutorial will help you solve the problem. Don’t worry if you’re not a DIY pro—this repair is beginner-friendly.

Why Bathroom Sink Stoppers Stop Working

Bathroom sink stoppers are designed to let you close the drain when you need to fill the sink and open it when you’re done. Over time, they may stop working properly due to:

• Dirt, hair, and soap buildup around the stopper.
• Rust or corrosion of metal parts.
• A broken or loose pivot rod under the sink.
• Wear and tear from daily use.

Knowing the cause helps you decide whether to clean, adjust, or replace the stopper completely.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these items:

• Adjustable wrench
• Water pump pliers
• Screwdriver (flathead)
• Plumber’s putty
• Sink drain replacement kit
• Pipe dope (thread sealant)
• Bucket or bowl (to catch water)
• Rag or cleaning cloth

Most of these tools are inexpensive, and the total cost should be under $30. The repair usually takes 1–2 hours.

Step 1: Clear the Work Area

Before working under the sink, remove any items stored in the cabinet. Place a bucket or pan underneath to catch drips when you loosen pipes.

Tip: While it’s not required, you can shut off the water supply valves to avoid accidentally turning on the faucet during the repair.

Step 2: Remove the Stopper Linkage

The stopper lever behind the faucet is connected to a rod and strap under the sink. To disconnect:

1. Go under the sink and locate the pivot rod (a horizontal rod connected to the drainpipe).
2. Slide off the small spring clip that attaches the rod to the strap.
3. Pull the rod free from the strap.

If you have a pedestal sink, access might be tighter, and you may need to partially move the sink from the wall.

Step 3: Pull Out the Old Stopper

• Use a wrench to loosen the nut holding the pivot rod.
• Pull the rod out of the drainpipe.
• Remove the stopper from inside the sink.

Often, you’ll find gunk or hair stuck around the stopper—clean it before deciding if it can still be reused.

Step 4: Disconnect the Tailpiece

The tailpiece is the straight pipe that connects the drain to the P-trap (U-shaped pipe).

1. Hold the P-trap in place to avoid moving it.
2. Use pliers to loosen the nut connecting the tailpiece to the trap.
3. Unscrew the tailpiece from the drain assembly.

Step 5: Remove the Old Strainer

The strainer is the metal rim inside the sink bowl.

1. Insert a screwdriver into one of the overflow holes to hold it steady.
2. From below, loosen the large nut holding the strainer.
3. Push the strainer up and out of the sink.

Clean the sink hole thoroughly with a rag and cleaner to remove residue.

Step 6: Install the New Strainer

1. Roll plumber’s putty into a rope and press it around the underside of the new strainer.
2. Insert the strainer into the sink hole.
3. From below, slide on the rubber gasket and tighten the drain nut with pliers.

Excess putty will squeeze out—wipe it off. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could crack the sink.

Step 7: Attach the New Pop-Up Assembly

1. Apply pipe dope to the strainer threads.
2. Screw the pop-up assembly (from your new kit) onto the strainer.
3. Make sure the hole for the pivot rod is facing the wall.

If it isn’t aligned, adjust by loosening and retightening slightly.

Step 8: Install the Tailpiece

1. Measure the tailpiece length so it fits between the pop-up assembly and the P-trap.
2. Cut to size if necessary using a tubing cutter.
3. Connect the tailpiece to the assembly and the trap.
4. Tighten all nuts securely.

Step 9: Reconnect the Linkage and Stopper

1. Drop the new stopper into the drain with the pivot rod hole facing the wall.
2. Insert the pivot rod into the assembly so it connects to the stopper.
3. Slide the nut over the pivot rod and tighten gently.
4. Reattach the strap and clip to connect the pivot rod to the lift rod behind the faucet.

Step 10: Test and Adjust

• Pull the lift rod up—your stopper should close and hold water.
• Push it down—the drain should open fully.
• If it doesn’t align, adjust the strap connection to a different hole until it works smoothly.

Turn on the faucet and check for leaks under the sink. Tighten connections if needed.

Maintenance Tips to Keep It Working

Now that your stopper is fixed, keep it working smoothly with these simple habits:

• Clean hair and soap buildup regularly.
• Once a month, flush the drain with hot water and vinegar.
• Avoid pouring grease, oils, or harsh chemicals into the sink.
• If the stopper becomes loose, check the pivot rod connection and re-tighten.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a bathroom sink stopper may sound complicated at first, but once you understand the parts and follow these steps, it’s actually quite simple. Most homeowners can finish this DIY project in an afternoon and save money on plumber fees.

With just a few tools, patience, and this guide, you’ll have your sink working like new again.