Does A Bathroom Sink Need A Stopper? (Expert Advice)

By - Ron Singh

Updated -

Are you constructing a new house or working on an existing one? The bathroom is one of the essential rooms you have to renovate.

You will receive directives from the engineer to buy supplies for the work. Each item might have different prices and models. 

However, some sinks have a stopper, and others don’t have one. You might wonder if a bathroom sink needs a stopper to reduce expenses. 

A bathroom sink needs a stopper. Although it is not compulsory, it is vital. It ensures that you drain the water completely. It prevents larger particles from getting into the drainage pipe.

What Is the Use of a Bathroom Sink Stopper?

Does a Bathroom Sink Need a Stopper

A bathroom stopper has various uses. Some people use bathroom stoppers to retain water in their sinks.

They prefer using water that is not flowing, so they use the stopper to hold it. Bathroom stoppers help to reduce the blockage in drainages.

It filters water and leaves unwanted materials which might accumulate in the drain pipe and cause drainage problems.

In addition, you can stop the water without a stopper, but it is more effective with a stopper. Your sink should likely come with a stopper, but some do not have a stopper, or the price of both might fluctuate.

How Does Bathroom Sink Stopper Work?

Many parts make up the bathroom stopper. Each of them has specific functions, and these functions are listed in the table below;

Press the lift rod when you’re interested in adjusting the stopper to open or close. Through the clevis scrap and clevis screw, the pivot rod enables you to open or close the stopper.

Sometimes, your drain or stopper might not work properly; in this case, you’ll have to replace the stopper with a new one.

How Do I Install a Bathroom Sink Stopper?

Sink stoppers are complex to install. But you can still install them without the help of a plumber if you follow the steps carefully.

#1. Step 1

In the drain aperture of the sink, align and insert the drain stopper. 

#2. Step 2

Put the tapered plastic washer within the tailpipe’s horizontal stub. A little plastic ring with a slightly larger diameter on one side than the other will be included in your package. 

#3. Step 3

Put the pivot rod through the drain stopper’s hole and into the stub. You should slot the rod at a modest angle downwards.

However, if your drain stopper aligns correctly, you should have no trouble feeding the rod from the opening. 

If your drain stopper in the sink bobs up and down, you’ve succeeded. It is connected if it’s impossible to pull the stopper from the drain hole when you pull up on it to check the attachment.

#4. Step 4

Attach the pivot nut to the pipe stub by feeding it on the pivot rod. Hand-tighten these nuts into the threads bore on the horizontal stub of the tailpipe.

It might compromise the pivot rod’s ability to move upwards and downwards if the nut is overtightened freely; check the rod’s range of motion and gently unscrew the nut if required.

#5. Step 5

Connect and install the extension bar and lift handle. It’s nearly often just behind the spigot; insert the sink’s lift handle into the aperture in the faucet fixture.

Apply the supplied screw to the clevis joint at the base of the extension bar to link it below the sink’s lift handle beneath the sink.

The reusable vertical shaft and the bottom should meet the approximately horizontal rod. Ensure that the extension bar’s holes are pointed toward the pivot rod.

#6. Step 6

Link the extension bar and the pivot rod together. Aim the pivot rod downward and extend it until the stopper pops into the sink basin’s highest position.

Maintaining as much of the pivot rod’s downward inclination as you can, feed it through the extension bar’s matching hole.

Hold the extension bar and pivot rod together using the V-shaped spring clamp that is included in the package.

#7. Step 7

Look beneath the sink for any leaks. Open the sink drain and let some water flow down it for a while. Examine the pivot nut with other pipe connections you did to prevent leakage.

Examine each connection for tiny leaks by running a dry tissue to cover it. You should tighten the connectors if necessary.

However, if the leak persists, you may need to replace the pipe portion or any washer found at the specific connection.

Types of Bathroom Sink Stopper

There are various types of bathroom stoppers. Below are the different styles and designs; some are preferred over others.

#1. Push and Pull:

It does not need too much maintenance. Its design is standard with a push and pulls motion.

#2. Pop Up:

It traps dirt which may be hard to clean afterward. It pops up to filter the water.

#3. Lift and Turn:

It is easy to open by twisting. Its design is simple and requires little maintenance. The lift and turn are easy to install, but you should take caution to avoid problems.

#4. Flip It:

You can install it without any tools. You should install a deep in the drainage pipe along with a water seal.

#5. Toe Touch:

You can operate it with your toes, and it’s easy to maintain.

#6. Trip Lever:

A plunger is essential for its use. The up and down motion opens and closes it. Generally, bathroom sink stoppers are relatively cheap.

The quality, style, and design determine the price of the sink stoppers. The prices range from ten to 20 dollars.

Can I Remove a Stopper?

You can remove a stopper. Contacting a plumber for the job is advisable, but if you feel you’re up to it, you can follow the directives in the following guide.

#1. Attempt To Manually Remove the Stopper 

You can take out some stoppers manually without needing special equipment or methods. Try rotating the stopper by just pulling it up. You may just need this to get it out.

#2. Clear Out the Sink’s Undermount Storage

The next step is to clear away anything that is kept below the sink to make room for you to work. If you can’t remove the stopper, you must reach beneath the sink to release it.

#3. Head Beneath the Sink With Your Flashlight In Hand 

You must locate the horizontal rod that joins the strap and stopper. It should be simple to see since it is the rod attached to the vertical strap and the metal object with holes.

You will see that a little metal clip holds the rod and the metal strap it is attached to together after you have located them.

The rod and strap may be separated by removing this clip, which should then store safely to prevent loss.

You should now unscrew the pivot nut connected to the opposite end of the rod that you just freedContactingce a bucket under the sink to capture any water that may leak out while you remove this nut.

Put the bucket in position and use your hands to attempt to unscrew the nut. You will need to use the pliers or wrench to pry it out if it doesn’t come away on its own.

Use the detergent, vinegar, and warm water to soak it while it is out if you desire to clean it further. Then, put it back in.

Do All Sinks Have a Stopper?

Not all sinks have a stopper. You might have purchased it when the stopper was separated from it. If you don’t have it, you can purchase a new stopper. 

How Do You Stop a Sink Without a Plug?

You can use coffee capsules, lids, and plastic bags. Coffee capsules can fit into the drain holes. You can place air-tight lids on the openings.

Plastic bags are more reliable materials to use. They should be thick and flexible enough to hold water. 

Conclusion

Sink stoppers are important to avoid clogging and washing away valuables during hand wash or bath.

Various types of bathroom stoppers come with different designs and functions.

Furthermore, you can remove stoppers if you’re not comfortable with them. For the safety of drainage pipes, stoppers are advisable.

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