Most sink stoppers unscrew from underneath or pull straight out

A sink stopper that sticks, leaks, or won't hold water usually needs replacing, and you can do it yourself without calling a plumber. The stopper sits inside the drain opening, and the way you remove it depends on which of three common types you have: a screw-in stopper (the most common), a pop-up stopper connected to a rod under the sink, or a flip-lever stopper on the overflow hole. Once you know which type you have, removal takes five minutes and installation takes another five.

You do not need special tools. A pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and a bucket to catch water are all you need. The whole job costs between $5 and $15 for the replacement stopper itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Screw-in stoppers unscrew by hand or with pliers from inside the drain; pop-up stoppers pull up and out after you disconnect the rod underneath the sink.
  • Before you remove the old stopper, place a bucket under the sink to catch water that drains from the P-trap when you disconnect the rod.
  • Measure the drain opening or bring the old stopper to the hardware store to match the diameter, since stoppers come in standard sizes but not all fit all drains.
  • Screw-in stoppers thread in by hand; pop-up stoppers require you to reconnect the rod to the lift rod that controls the stopper from the faucet handle.
  • If the stopper spins but won't tighten, the threads inside the drain are stripped and you may need a plumber to replace the drain fitting itself.

Identify which type of stopper you have

Look inside the drain opening. If you see a stopper with a flat or rounded top sitting directly in the drain, it is a screw-in stopper. If you see a stopper with a rod attached to it that runs down into the drain, it is a pop-up stopper. If your sink has an overflow hole (a small opening on the side of the basin near the rim) and a lever on the faucet or wall, you have a flip-lever stopper, which is less common and usually requires a plumber to replace.

For screw-in and pop-up stoppers, you can do the replacement yourself. Pop-up stoppers are slightly more involved because they connect to the faucet mechanism, but the process is still straightforward.

Remove a screw-in stopper

Screw-in stoppers are the easiest to replace. Reach into the drain and grip the stopper with your fingers. Turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it is stuck or you cannot grip it well, use a pair of pliers with a cloth wrapped around the stopper to protect the finish. Once it unscrews, pull it straight out and set it aside.

If the stopper spins but does not come out, the threads inside the drain fitting may be stripped. In that case, stop and contact a plumber, because the drain fitting itself needs replacement.

Remove a pop-up stopper

Pop-up stoppers are connected to a rod that runs under the sink and links to the lift rod on your faucet. Place a bucket under the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink) before you start, because water will drain when you disconnect the rod.

Look under the sink and find the horizontal rod connected to the stopper. It usually slides into a clip or bracket on the vertical lift rod. Loosen the clip screw (usually a small brass screw) and slide the rod out of the clip. You may need to remove the entire rod assembly, which usually involves unscrewing one or two bolts that hold it to the sink basin. Once the rod is disconnected, pull the stopper straight up and out of the drain opening.

Install the new stopper

For a screw-in stopper, straightforward thread the new stopper into the drain by hand, turning it clockwise. Tighten it firmly but do not force it; it should feel snug when you stop turning. Fill the sink and check that water drains normally and the stopper holds water when closed.

For a pop-up stopper, insert the new stopper into the drain opening first, making sure the rod attachment points downward. Reconnect the horizontal rod to the lift rod under the sink by sliding it back into the clip and tightening the clip screw. If you removed bolts, reinstall them. Test the stopper by pulling the lift rod on the faucet; the stopper should rise and fall smoothly. Adjust the clip position if the stopper does not open or close fully.

Buy the right replacement stopper

Sink stoppers come in standard sizes, but not all fit all drains. The most common sizes are 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches in diameter. Measure the drain opening with a ruler or bring the old stopper to the hardware store and hold it next to the new ones to match the size.

For screw-in stoppers, you have a choice between solid stoppers (which do not drain) and strainer stoppers (which have small holes that let water drain slowly). Strainer stoppers are useful if you have a slow-draining sink, but they do not hold water as well. For pop-up stoppers, the replacement must match the rod type your sink uses; bring the old stopper or the rod assembly with you to the store.

Troubleshoot common problems

If the new stopper leaks or does not hold water, it may not be seated properly. Remove it and check that the drain opening is clean and free of debris. Mineral deposits or old rubber can prevent a good seal. Rinse the drain opening with a cloth and reinstall the stopper.

If the stopper is too loose or too tight, you may have the wrong size. Check the drain diameter again and exchange it for the correct size. If the stopper is the right size but still spins without tightening, the drain threads are damaged and you will need a plumber to replace the drain fitting.

For pop-up stoppers, if the stopper does not rise all the way or falls on its own, the rod may not be adjusted correctly. Loosen the clip screw and slide the rod slightly forward or backward, then tighten and test again. Small adjustments usually fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a stopper?

No. The stopper sits in the drain, not in the water supply line, so water does not need to be off. However, for pop-up stoppers, place a bucket under the P-trap because water in the trap will drain when you disconnect the rod.

What if the old stopper is stuck and will not unscrew?

Soak the drain opening with hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften any mineral buildup or corrosion. Then try again with pliers. If it still will not budge, explore a penetrating oil like WD-40, wait 30 minutes, and try once more. Do not force it; if it still will not move, contact a plumber.

Can I replace a pop-up stopper with a screw-in stopper?

Yes, but you will lose the ability to open and close the stopper from the faucet handle. You will have to reach into the sink and turn the stopper by hand each time. Most people prefer to replace pop-up stoppers with pop-up stoppers to keep the same function.

How long does a sink stopper usually last?

Most stoppers last five to ten years depending on water hardness and how often they are used. Hard water causes mineral buildup that can make stoppers stick. If your stopper starts to stick or leak before it is time to replace it, try soaking it in white vinegar overnight to dissolve deposits.

What is the difference between a solid stopper and a strainer stopper?

A solid stopper blocks the drain completely and holds water in the sink. A strainer stopper has small holes that let water drain slowly, which is useful if your sink drains slowly on its own. Strainer stoppers do not hold water as well, so choose based on whether you need to fill the sink or just slow the drain.