How To Fix A Sink Stopper

A sink stopper is a small but essential part of any sink. It helps to keep water in the sink when you need it and out when you don't. But what do you do when your sink stopper breaks? Don't worry, it's a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. Here are the steps on how to fix a sink stopper:

1. Determine the type of sink stopper you have

There are two main types of sink stoppers: pop-up stoppers and lift-and-turn stoppers. Pop-up stoppers are the most common type. They have a small button on the top that you press to open and close the stopper. Lift-and-turn stoppers have a handle that you lift and turn to open and close the stopper.

2. Remove the old stopper

Once you know what type of sink stopper you have, you can remove the old one. For pop-up stoppers, simply unscrew the button on the top of the stopper. For lift-and-turn stoppers, remove the handle by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the handle is removed, you can pull the stopper out of the drain.

3. Clean the drain

Once the old stopper is removed, it's a good idea to clean the drain. This will help to prevent any clogs from forming in the future. Use a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the drain. Rinse the drain thoroughly with water after cleaning it.

4. Install the new stopper

Now it's time to install the new stopper. For pop-up stoppers, simply screw the new stopper into the drain. For lift-and-turn stoppers, insert the stopper into the drain and then screw the handle into place. Tighten the screws until the handle is secure.

5. Test the stopper

Once the new stopper is installed, test it to make sure it's working properly. Run water into the sink and press the button on the pop-up stopper or lift and turn the handle on the lift-and-turn stopper. The water should stop flowing when the stopper is closed and should start flowing again when the stopper is open.

6. Troubleshooting

If the stopper is not working properly, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that the stopper is properly installed. If it is, then check the drain for any clogs. If there is a clog, remove it and then test the stopper again. If the stopper is still not working properly, you may need to replace it.

Fixing a sink stopper is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. By following these steps, you can get your sink stopper working properly again in no time.