Repair a Pop-Up Sink Stopper

Move everything from under the sink so you have room to work. Check to see that the horizontal pivot rod is connected to the clevis. Loosen the retaining nut that holds the horizontal pivot rod in place. Remove the horizontal pivot rod from the drainpipe. Mark the spot where the clevis is connected to the stopper rod with a permanent marker. Then loosen the clevis screw. Soak the clevis and horizontal pivot rod in mild cleaning solution or vinegar.

Lift the stopper out of the drain. Inspect the rubber seal on the bottom of the stopper head. If the seal is cracked or brittle, the stopper should be replaced. If it's still in good condition, you can reuse it.

Dip the stopper in mild cleaner or vinegar. Clean it thoroughly with a brush or an old toothbrush. Rinse the stopper and clean the clevis and horizontal pivot rod.

Insert the stopper into the drain. Slide the clevis over the stopper rod and insert the horizontal pivot rod into the drainpipe. Tighten the retaining nut just enough to hold the horizontal pivot rod in place. Tighten the clevis screw where you marked it before. Test the stopper rod to ensure all the moving parts are reattached. The clevis, horizontal pivot rod and stopper should all move when the stopper rod is pulled.

Tighten the retaining nut just enough so the stopper rod doesn't slide down. If the retaining nut is too tight, the horizontal pivot rod won't move. Loosen the clevis screw, and pull the stopper rod up. Slide the clevis up the stopper rod as far as you can. Tighten the clevis screw.

The pop-up stopper should hold water now. If not, continue to adjust the retaining nut and the clevis until you get a good seal.