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How to Remove a Sink Drain Stopper

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Updated January 8, 2024

A slow draining sink can be frustrating and render your sink nearly unusable. The first step in unclogging a sink is to check if the sink stopper is stuck. Learn how to remove a sink stopper with just a few tools and easy solutions to clean it too.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

A person cleaning with a bathroom with a cloth soaked in vinegar.

Tools and Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Disassemble and Clean the Sink Stopper Assembly

A twist-and-pull sink stopper can be removed easily by hand with no need for tools. Try lifting the sink stopper gently and twisting it to remove. If it doesn’t lift easily, avoid using pressure as you could damage it. If you don't have a twist-and-pull stopper, follow these simple steps to learn how to remove a sink stopper and clean the under sink assembly.

Instructions

Reassemble and Adjust the Sink Stopper Assembly

A person removing the pop-up stopper assembly beneath a sink.

If the sink is draining properly after cleaning, you can go ahead and reassemble the existing sink stopper. If the existing drain stopper is damaged consider installing a new one. Follow the steps below to learn how to install a sink stopper and reassemble under sink components.

Instructions

Sink Stopper Removal Tips

How to Remove a Sink Stopper That is Stuck

You can try using a plunger to drain the sink and also help pull out the stopper by the vacuum force. The best way to remove a sink stopper that is stuck is to disassemble and clean the under sink assembly.

How to Remove a Pop-Up Sink Drain Without a Lever

If you don’t have a trip lever, you’ll need to disassemble the under the sink assembly to remove the sink stopper. Follow the steps listed above to remove the pop-sink drain and clean it.

How to Remove a Sink Stopper Without a Pivot Rod

If there is no pivot rod, it is likely that you have a push-and-pull or a twist-and-pull sink stopper. Unscrew the knob from the stopper base. Then insert a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the stopper from the base. Lift the stopper from the drain to clean it.

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