How To Fix A Pop Up Sink Plug
If you’ve ever faced the frustration of a stuck pop-up waste plug, you’re not alone. Many people encounter this annoying issue, where the basin waste won’t pop back up after being pressed down.
Thankfully, our easy-to-follow instructions can help to fix the issue so that your sink plug functions as new.
In most cases, it's usually a build-up of grime that causes the waste plug to stick. That said, if you follow our steps but the problem persists, it could be the spring loaded mechanism is damaged or corrded. If that's the case, it may be time to buy a new basin waste.
Essential Tools To Fix A Pop Up Sink Plug
Step 1: Remove the Top of the Pop-Up Waste Plug
First thing to do is unscrew the cap on top of the pop-up sink plug. This is so you can determine the cause of why it's not working as it should.
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If the cap is in the open position, use your hand and gently unscrew the top of the plug. If it doesn’t come off easily, try again but improve your grip by using a cloth.
- If the cap is in the closed position, apply firm pressure by pressing down on the centre of the cap and twist anti-clockwise. Eventually the cap will loosen enough so that it can be removed.
Step 2: Check the Cap for Signs of Wear
With the cap of sink plug removed, check it for any signs of excessive wear or damage paying particular attention to the seal that runs around the edge. If the rubber seal is cracked this could cause water to leak, so it's worth replacing it at this point.
Step 3: Check the Functionality of the Spring Mechanism
Keeping the cap off, check the spring mechanism of the plug to check that's it working OK.
- Do this by pressing it down until it engages and remains in place.
- Now, press it again to disengage the spring allowing it to pop back up.
- Repeat this process several times to ensure it can consistently engage and release the spring.
If you find that it's intermittent and sometimes remains in a stuck position, this could indicate the build up of dirt and grime. In which case, it's time to remove the mechanism for a thorough clean.
Step 4: Remove the Spring Mechanism
To remove the spring mechanism, you'll need your adjustable spanner.
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Using the adjustable spanner, grip the flat edges on either side of the spring mechanism.
- Turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it from the waste plug. This component can sometimes get stuck due to the build up of corrosion, especially in hard water areas.
- Once loosened, you should be able to unscrew it completely by hand.
Step 5: Clean the Components
Place both the spring mechanism and plug cap in limescale remover and allow the parts to soak for around 15-20 minutes. This will help break down any lime-scale or debris. After soaking, scrub the components using an old toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt and build-up.
Step 6: Reassemble the Pop-Up Waste Plug
Once you've given the components a good clean, you can now reassemble the sink plug.
- Place the larger threaded end back into the waste plug. Turn it clockwise by hand to fix it back into position.
- Use your adjustable spanner to tighten it up.
Step 7: Lubricate the Spring Mechanism
With the mechanism back in place, applying some lubricant can help to prevent future sticking issues.
- Use some multi-purpose lubricant and lightly apply to the top of the pop-up function.
- Once you've done that, screw the plug cap back on.
Step 8: Test the Pop-Up Waste Plug
Test the waste plug by pressing down on the pop-up waste plug multiple times to ensure everything is working properly. The mechanism should respond smoothly, popping back up without resistance.
