How To Replace A Drain Stopper In Bathroom Sink

How to Replace a Drain Stopper in a Bathroom Sink

A bathroom sink drain stopper prevents water from draining out of the sink. These stoppers can become old, worn out, or damaged over time, and will need to be replaced. Fortunately, this is a simple and inexpensive process that most do-it-yourselfers can complete in under an hour.

Tools and Materials You Will Need:

New drain stopper
Adjustable wrench
Pliers
Putty knife
Caulk gun
Caulk

Instructions:

1. Turn off the water supply to the sink. This is usually done by turning the handles on the hot and cold water supply valves located under the sink. If there are no valves, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Remove the old drain stopper. If the stopper is a lift-and-turn type, simply lift the stopper up and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. If the stopper is a pop-up type, you will need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the stopper in place. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the stopper up and out of the drain.

3. Clean the drain. Use a putty knife to scrape away any old caulk or debris from the drain. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the drain opening.

4. Apply caulk to the new drain stopper. Apply a bead of caulk around the base of the new drain stopper. This will help to create a watertight seal.

5. Insert the new drain stopper. If the stopper is a lift-and-turn type, simply insert the stopper into the drain and turn it clockwise to tighten it. If the stopper is a pop-up type, you will need to insert the stopper into the drain and then tighten the nut that holds it in place using an adjustable wrench.

6. Turn on the water supply to the sink. Check for leaks around the drain stopper. If there are any leaks, tighten the stopper further.

Your new drain stopper is now installed and you can enjoy a leak-free sink.