Pop-up sink stoppers, also known as drain plugs, operate with a more intricate mechanism than other stoppers. They play a vital role in maintaining the functionality of your bathroom or kitchen sink. It helps close and open the sink to let water in or out. You can control it with a lever, knob, or button.
If you’re thinking of changing your pop-up sink drain. Usually, these sinks have a handy lever, knob, or button for opening and closing the drain. But what if your sink doesn’t have one? No worries!
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to remove your pop-up sink drain without a lever. So, you will be able to put in a new one and set up your cool new stopper – all step by step. Even though there are lots of parts, don’t worry. We’ll make it super easy for you. Your sink will look brand new in a snap!
How to Remove a Pop-Up Sink Drain Without a Lever: 5 Steps Guide!
Before diving into the removal process, gather the essential tools:
- Sink stopper replacement kit
- Plumber’s putty
- Adjustable wrench or channel lock Pliers
- Towels and bucket (for potential water spillage)
- Plastic putty knife and wet rag (for old putty removal)
- Screwdriver (for some kits with screws)
- Rubber mallet (if the drain pipe is stubborn)
- Hacksaw or pipe cutter (if adjusting the P-trap length)
Now, let’s delve into the five steps to remove a pop-up sink drain without a lever.
Step 1: Disconnect the Connection Between The P-Trap And the Drain Pipe
Look under the sink for a U-shaped pipe called the P-trap. This is the curved pipe that connects the drainpipe to the wall plumbing. Before you start, place a bucket or towel under the P-trap to catch any water that might spill out. Also, turn off the water supply by twisting the valves counterclockwise.
You’ll find slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap. Gently loosen the nut connecting the P-trap and drain pipe to separate them. Be gentle when sliding the pipes apart to avoid damage.
Note: Sometimes, if there’s rust or dirt stuck, it can be harder to unscrew nuts.
Here’s what you can do: Put a bit of oil on them to make it easier to turn. If it’s really stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth while pushing to loosen it. If there’s a lot of corrosion, you can use a hacksaw to cut through the rubber and the assembly itself.
Step 2: Unscrew the Sink Stopper’s Drain Pipe From the Underside Of The Drain
With the bottom of the drain pipe free, loosen the nut, connecting it to the threaded bottom of the sink drain. Use your hand or a wrench if needed. Most sink drains have a compression nut and locknut. Use a large wrench to loosen and remove the locknut. Hold the sink drain if it spins.
Free the drain by pushing and jiggling it to release it from the plumber’s putty. If stubborn, tap it from below with a rubber mallet. Clear old putty residue from the sink.
Once it’s removed, you should be able to lift the drain assembly out of the sink.
Bring the disconnected parts to a home improvement store. Get a replacement kit matching your sink’s opening and P-trap diameter. Ensure the kit material matches your existing pipes (PVC or metal).
Step 3: Pull Out the Sink Stopper from the Drain Opening
With the drain assembly out, you can now access the drain stopper. Twist or lift it out, depending on the specific design. As you do so, be prepared for the sink stopper to drop into the drain. Hold the stopper with one hand or place an object underneath to prevent it from sliding down.
Pull up on the stopper, and it should come out without resistance unless there’s a clog. If your drain is slow or clogged, consider using a drain snake to remove debris before reinstalling the sink stopper.
Clean the Sink Stopper if Needed!
Take advantage of having the assembly out by cleaning any debris off the end of the pivot rod. Use cleaner and a scrub brush to wash the stopper thoroughly. Inspect each component for damage or wear, replacing parts as necessary.
Step 4: Installing the New Sink Drain
First, make a ring around the sink’s hole with the plumber’s putty. Get rid of any old putty using wet rags and a plastic knife. Push the new sink pipe into the hole, and clear away extra putty with your fingers and a wet rag.
Next, use the instructions and the right direction to put in gaskets and nuts, making sure it won’t leak. Tighten everything by hand unless they tell you to use a tool. Use a big wrench to carefully tighten a traditional locknut or bell housing nut. Don’t make it too tight to keep the sink safe.
To stop leaks, put pipe joint compound on the threads at the bottom of the sink pipe. If you have a metal tailpipe, put it on the threads of the P-trap, too. Twist the sink pipe and the sink together by hand until it’s snug. Make sure the stub for the pivot rod is in the right place.
If the new sink stopper is the same length as the old one, put back the P-trap. Slide the pipes together and twist the compression nut by hand. If the pipe is too long, cut it with a hacksaw or pipe cutter.
Step 5: Assembling the New Pop-Up Sink Stopper
Now, to change your sink’s pop-up drain stopper, follow these simple steps:
- Put the sink stopper into the sink’s hole. It has a special notch on the bottom. Make sure the notch faces where the handle will be pulled.
- Take the plastic washer from the kit and slide it onto the drain pipe’s horizontal stub. Ensure the narrower side goes in first to create a watertight seal.
- Insert the pivot rod into the drain stopper at a slightly downward angle. Check if the stopper moves up and down in the sink. Pull it up to make sure it’s properly attached.
- Thread the pivot nut over the rod’s end and hand-tighten it onto the drain pipe’s horizontal stub. Avoid overtightening to allow free movement.
- Drop the handle into the faucet or connect the bar to the handle using a clevis and a screw. Now you have a straight-up-and-down rod, and the bottom should line up with the horizontal rod. Make sure the holes in the bar face the rod.
- Angle the pivot rod downward until the stopper pops up. Feed the pivot rod through the extension bar and secure it with the V-shaped spring clamp.
- Finally, test the Stopper and check for leaks. Lift the handle to check if the stopper plugs the sink drain completely. Adjust the pivot rod’s height for a proper fit. Once satisfied, give all washers and nuts one more full rotation to ensure everything is tight.
Pop-Up Sink Drain Parts and Descriptions
| Part | Description |
| Pop-Up Stopper | The part that moves up and down to open or close the drain, controlling water flow. |
| Lift Rod | Located behind the faucet, it’s the rod you move to make the stopper work. |
| Pivot Rod | Connects the lift rod to the pop-up stopper and goes through the clevis strap. |
| Clevis Strap | A flat strip with holes that connect the lift rod to the pivot rod. |
| Ball Rod/Nut | Keeps the pivot rod in place and prevents water from leaking. |
| Drain Body | The main part in the sink that guides water down into the drainpipe. |
| Tailpiece | Connects the drain body to the P-trap in your plumbing. |
To Wrap Up!
Removing a pop-up sink drain without a lever is a manageable task with the right guidance. By following these four simple steps, you can maintain your sink’s functionality and address any issues that may arise.
Lastly, if you’re ever unsure or encounter difficulties, seeking the assistance of a skilled plumber is a wise choice. Keep your sink in top-notch condition, and enjoy hassle-free daily tasks.
