How To Get The Drain Stopper Out Of A Bathroom Sink Faucet

How to Get the Drain Stopper Out of a Bathroom Sink Faucet

A bathroom sink drain stopper is a simple but essential part of your plumbing system. These stoppers allow you to fill the sink with water for washing, shaving, or other tasks, and then easily drain the water when you are finished. However, sometimes the drain stopper can become stuck in the drain, making it difficult or impossible to use the sink. This article will guide you through removing a stuck drain stopper from your bathroom sink faucet.

Understanding Different Types of Bathroom Sink Drain Stoppers

The first step in removing a stuck drain stopper is to understand the type of stopper you have. There are two main types of bathroom sink drain stoppers:

Lift-and-turn stoppers: These are the most common type of drain stopper, featuring a small, round knob that you lift to close the drain and press down to open it. They are often made of metal or plastic.
Push-and-pop stoppers: These stoppers have a small, round button that you push down to close the drain, and it pops up when you push it down again to open the drain. They are often made of metal, plastic, or rubber.

Knowing the type of stopper you have will help you identify the appropriate method for removing it.

Removing a Lift-and-Turn Drain Stopper

If you have a lift-and-turn stopper, follow these steps to remove it:

Locate the stopper stem: The stopper stem is the metal rod that connects the stopper to the drain mechanism underneath the sink. It's typically located in the center of the drain opening.
Remove any obstructions: Check for any debris blocking the stopper stem, such as hair, soap scum, or dirt. Use a small tool, like a needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver, to remove any obstructions carefully.
Try pulling the stopper up: Once the stem is clear, try gently pulling the stopper straight up. If the stopper is stuck, you might need to use a tool to help unscrew it.
Unscrew the stopper: If pulling doesn't work, you might need to unscrew the stopper from the stem. Use a pair of pliers or channel locks to grip the stopper and twist it counterclockwise to loosen it. If you can't get a good grip on the stopper, try wrapping a cloth around it for better traction.
Clean the stopper and stem: Once the stopper is removed, clean it and the stem with a cleaning solution to remove any buildup.

Removing a Push-and-Pop Drain Stopper

If you have a push-and-pop stopper, follow these steps to remove it:

Locate the stopper button: The stopper button is a small, round button located in the center of the drain opening.
Try pushing the button down: Gently press down on the button. If the stopper is stuck, it may be difficult to push down.
Use a tool: If you can't push the button down, use a small tool, such as a needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver, to gently lift it.
Remove the stopper: Once the button is lifted, the entire stopper should easily pop out of the drain.
Clean the stopper and drain: Once the stopper is removed, clean it and the drain with a cleaning solution to remove any buildup.

If these methods don't work, or if you are uncomfortable attempting the removal yourself, it is recommended to contact a professional plumber for assistance.