How To Replace Pop Up Bathroom Sink Drain

How to Replace a Pop-Up Bathroom Sink Drain

A pop-up drain is a common fixture in bathroom sinks. It allows for easy draining and stopping of water flow. Over time, these drains can become worn, damaged, or simply outdated. Replacing a pop-up drain is a relatively simple plumbing task that can be completed with basic tools and a few hours of your time. This article will guide you through the process of replacing a pop-up drain in your bathroom sink.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Supplies

Before starting the replacement, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You will need:

Adjustable wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Bucket or other container to catch water
Rag or absorbent cloth
New pop-up drain assembly
Teflon tape
Optional: Plumber's putty

It is advisable to purchase a new pop-up drain assembly that matches the existing one. This will ensure compatibility and prevent any unforeseen issues during installation.

Disassembling the Old Drain

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, follow these steps to disassemble the old drain:

Turn off the water supply to the sink. Locate the shut-off valve beneath the sink and turn it clockwise to close the water flow.
Remove the overflow plate. This is usually held in place by a small screw. Use a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to remove the screw and carefully lift the plate off.
Remove the stopper. The stopper is the visible part of the pop-up drain that you use to control water flow. Gently pull the stopper up to remove it. If it is stuck, you can use adjustable pliers or channel-lock pliers to grip the stopper stem and twist it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Unscrew the drain nut. This is the nut located at the top of the drain pipe, just below the stopper assembly. Use an adjustable wrench to grip the nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Remove the drain pipe. Once the nut is removed, the drain pipe should be loose. Pull it up and out of the sink.

Remember to place the drain pipe and other removed parts in a safe place so you can use them as a guide for assembling the new drain later.

Installing the New Drain

With the old drain removed, you can now install the new one:

Prepare the new drain pipe. If necessary, clean the threads on the new drain pipe with a wire brush or toothbrush to remove any debris or residue. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the drain pipe, starting at the end and wrapping it in the same direction as the threads. This will help prevent leaks.
Position the new drain pipe. Align the new drain pipe with the drain hole in the sink basin.
Attach the new drain nut. Thread the drain nut onto the new drain pipe until it is snug. Do not overtighten the nut.
Install the stopper assembly. Insert the stopper into the drain pipe and align it with the drain nut. You might need to adjust the position of the stopper to ensure it seats properly.
Attach the overflow plate. Carefully place the overflow plate back onto the sink and secure it with the screw.

Testing the New Drain

Once the new drain is installed, you need to test it for leaks.

Turn the water supply back on. Slowly open the faucet and check for any signs of leaks around the drain assembly.
Test the stopper. Raise and lower the stopper several times to ensure it functions smoothly and does not leak.

If you find any leaks, tighten the drain nut slightly or replace the plumber's putty around the overflow plate.

Replacing a pop-up drain is a straightforward plumbing task that can save money and enhance your bathroom's aesthetics. By carefully following these steps, you can ensure a successful replacement and enjoy a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom sink for years to come.