How To Fix Bathroom Sink Stopper Stuck Shut

How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Stopper Stuck Shut

A stuck bathroom sink stopper can be a frustrating plumbing problem, but it's usually easy to fix yourself. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to get your sink stopper working again:

Materials you'll need:

- Adjustable wrench - Needle-nose pliers - Allen wrench (if applicable) - Small flashlight - Baking soda and vinegar (optional)

Step 1: Turn off the water supply.

Before you begin working on the sink, turn off the water supply to the bathroom. There will usually be two shut-off valves below the sink, one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed.

Step 2: Remove the drain stopper.

There are two main types of drain stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers.

For pop-up stoppers:

- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nut that holds the stopper in place. - Once the nut is loose, pull the stopper up and out of the drain.

For lift-and-turn stoppers:

- Lift the stopper up to its highest position. - Turn the stopper counterclockwise until it is loose. - Pull the stopper up and out of the drain.

Step 3: Inspect the stopper.

Once you have removed the stopper, inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, breaks, or other signs of wear. If the stopper is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Step 4: Clean the stopper and drain.

Use a small flashlight to inspect the inside of the drain. Look for any debris or buildup that may be blocking the stopper. If you see any debris, use needle-nose pliers to remove it. Once the drain is clear, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help dissolve any remaining buildup. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.

Step 5: Reinstall the stopper.

Once the stopper and drain are clean, reinstall the stopper in the reverse order that you removed it.

For pop-up stoppers:

- Insert the stopper into the drain and line up the tabs on the stopper with the slots in the drain. - Tighten the retaining nut until it is snug.

For lift-and-turn stoppers:

- Insert the stopper into the drain and turn it clockwise until it is tight. - Push the stopper down to its closed position.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply.

Once the stopper is reinstalled, turn on the water supply to the bathroom. Check the stopper to make sure that it is working properly and that there are no leaks.

Tips:

- If you are unable to remove the stopper with an adjustable wrench, you may need to use an Allen wrench. The Allen wrench should fit into a small hole on the side of the stopper. - If the stopper is still stuck after you have cleaned it, you may need to replace it. Replacement stoppers are available at most hardware stores. - To prevent the stopper from getting stuck in the future, clean it regularly with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.