You must act quickly if you notice a musty odor and moist areas in the sink cabinet to avoid further damage. A leaking sink drain is usually at blame in this circumstance. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this type of repair before. Fiestagrill.net will show you How to remove the kitchen sink drain stopper
Bathroom Sink Stopper Types
It’s crucial to understand the different types of plugs before learning how to remove the bathroom sink stopper since they affect the removal process. Stoppers come in six different varieties, all of which serve the same objective of keeping water in the bathroom sink or bathtub and making emptying easier. It will be easier to remove and replace your sinks if you know what type is installed.
1. Raise and rotate
A tiny knob protruding from the stopper’s lid clearly distinguishes lift and turn variants. The little knob, which opens and closes the sink drainage, can be turned in different directions. Underneath the cap is an installation screw. This type is difficult to remove because unscrewing the set screw might be difficult, especially if it is corroded or overtightened.
2. Stoppers (push and pull)
The design of push and pull models is very similar to that of lift and turn models. They are, however, opened by drawing up and closed by pushing down, as the name implies. Press and pull types, like lift and turn bathroom sink stoppers, feature an installation screw under the cap.
3. Sink Stoppers with Toe-Touch
Push and pull types are also imitated by toe-touch plugs. The installation technique is very similar to press and pull and lift and turn models, despite the spring clip. It’s as simple as using a walk-in bathtub to use this bathroom sink stopper model. To open or close the stopper, simply press it down with your toe. While the stopper is simple to care for, the spring clip will need to be replaced after a while.
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4. Drain Stopper (Flip-It)
The flip-it bathroom sink stopper, unlike push and pull variants, has a toggle lever that rotates from one side to the other, opening or closing the sink. Because it requires no tools, this type may be readily placed in a conventional or corner bathtub. Simply place the bathroom sink stopper in the sinkhole, and the rings will form a tight seal that will keep the sink in place.
5. Drain Stopper with a Trip Lever
The trip lever bathroom sink stopper is likely the only one having levers on the overflow plate. As a result, a strainer in the sink opening replaces the traditional pop-up stopper. Unlike other press and pull bathroom sink stoppers on this list, removing this stopper for scrubbing is rather difficult because the overflow plate and tube must be removed.
6. Bathroom Sink Stopper that Pops Up
Because of their similar look and operation, most people, including expert plumbers, mistakenly confuse this drain end with typical bathroom pop-up sinks. The model has a lever on top of the overflow plate that opens and closes using a spring.
These stoppers have a great design that makes it easy for them to capture dirt. Despite its high-quality build, however, removing it for cleaning or replacement is extremely difficult.
Bathroom Sink Stopper Clogging Causes
The most common reason for removing your bathroom sink stopper is clogging or obstructing drainage. What, though, is obstructing this drainage hole? The following are some of the most typical causes of a clogged bathroom sink stopper:
Hair
Hair is most likely the cause of a clogged bathroom sink stopper. It clumps together when wet and accumulate any other debris that is washed down the drain.
Soap scum
Soap scum is the result of soap ingredients reacting with magnesium and calcium ions in water. Over time, it turns into a chalky substance that adheres to pipe walls. It traps any other material flowing through the drainage tube in the same way that hair does.
Cooking oil
Cooking oil or grease that seeps through the drain clogs most kitchen sinks.
How To Remove Kitchen Sink Drain Stopper
Before you begin, read through each step carefully and gather the necessary tools for your sink.
Remove the drain from the piping system.
To catch any spilled water, lay down an old towel or cloth first. Place a small tray or box on the table to safely store washers or screws that you remove.
The coupling nut that links the sink strainer to the pipe should now be located. It’s either metal or PVC, and compared to the rest of the drain, most nuts are simple to see.
If the connection nut is made of PVC, loosen it by hand by rotating it counterclockwise. Because metal nuts are likely to be stiffer, use an adjustable wrench to tighten them. To loosen it, turn it counterclockwise one more.
Use pliers to keep the basket strainer in place from the top if it rotates as you loosen the nut. It’s better to enlist assistance, but you can push yourself to get there on your own. The pipe should come loose after you loosen this fitting.
Disconnect the drainpipe where it connects to the P-trap if desired. This will make it easier to work by freeing up some space.
Remove the strainer from the sink.
Remove any screws using a normal screwdriver if your model has them. Make sure the head and size of the screw corresponding to the screw type. Remove the plate and place them in the box or tray.
If your model has a single locknut, loosen it similarly to how you loosened the coupler further down. You may need to use an adjustable or pipe wrench to relocate it. A locknut wrench can also be purchased from a hardware store.
Unthread the fitting by hand once you’ve loosened it enough for it to spin smoothly. After that, if the rubber washer is still in good condition, you can replace it.
We recommend that you replace the washer with a new one from Mr. Kitchen Faucet. They’re not too expensive, and now that you’ve disconnected everything, swapping them out is simple.
If you’re using a bell washer strainer, loosen the bottom nut. The housing can then be wiggled free. If it won’t budge, pry it off with a screwdriver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the connections have become rusted?
Occasionally, the nut or screws are completely rusted. It’s not easy to get rid of them, therefore now is a good moment to hire a specialist.
If you want to be your own kitchen sink plumbing hero, make sure you work cautiously. Begin by saturating the area with WD40, cola, or lemon juice. Although cola or lemon juice may appear to be strange choices, they both remove rust and can be used in a pinch.
Allow five minutes for the liquid to saturate everything. Re-tighten the nut or screw if necessary. Apply extra liquid and wait a little longer if you can’t.
If the nut still won’t budge using pliers or a wrench, you’ll have to try another method. You might even have to cut through the metal and then chisel the residue away in this situation.
With a suitable blade and a rotary multi-tool, you can cut clean through the nut. Working gently reduces the risk of slicing the drain or nicking the pipe.
It’s difficult to get rusted screws out. Try twisting the thread-end with pliers to loosen them up. To avoid snapping the thread, work slowly and evenly.
How To Remove the Drain from the Sink
Twist the basket strainer after loosening the plate, nut, or fixture. Jiggle the fitting and strainer gate a little if it doesn’t move. This action aids in the removal of sealant residues. With a chisel or pliers, chip away at any resistant tiny fragments.
If it still won’t move, use a mallet to lightly pound the bottom. Take care not to clog the drain in the sink.
Continue to wriggle the sink drain until it loosens enough to be pushed out completely. Scrape away any plumber’s putty from around the sink drain opening using a plastic knife.
Note: To avoid scratching the stainless-steel surface, use plastic. Scratches allow dirt and moisture to collect, hastening the metal’s degradation.
Part one of the sink drain kitchen removal is now complete.
How To Select a New Sink Drain
Drains come in standard sizes, but it’s the connection between the drain and the sink that needs to be perfect. Take the portion you just removed to a hardware store and let them choose the appropriate drain for you.
Get a new gasket, a putty knife, plumber’s putty, or a non-water-based silicone while you’re there.
When Should You Use Silicone Rather Than Plumber’s Putty?
Silicone is required with some new sinks. If yours is of this type, the joint will be sealed with silicone or a gasket. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your sink and drain if you’re not sure.
You can get the parts without going to the store, but you must be cautious. To ensure that the goods arrive on time, order them approximately a week before you want to begin. Select a drain and nut system that is identical to yours. If you’re not sure what sink parts you’ll need, ask an expert at the store.
What Is The Best Way To Install A Kitchen Sink Drain?
The difficult part is removing the old basket strainer and strainer grate. It will be a simple procedure from here on out.
Remove about a ping pong ball’s worth of plumber’s putty from the container. It’s easier to scrape away extra putty after installing your sink drain if you use a bit too much than not enough.
Form a cylindrical shape using the plumber’s putty. Make it about the thickness of a pencil and long enough to completely surround the drain opening.
Add an extra length and roll the two together if you need a little more. Place the ring of the plumber’s putty around the sink opening, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Place the new drain and grate in place and firmly press it down. Continue until all of the excess putties have squished out of the sides.
Look over our sink comparison chart or read our helpful reviews from fiestagrill.net if you need to replace your kitchen sink totally.
