How to Adjust a Bathroom Sink Pop-up Drain (4 Scenarios!)

We’ve never met a bathroom sink pop-up drain that hasn’t stopped working at some time or another. Eventually, they all get out of whack. And they won’t stay open or closed.

Here are the most common situations — and easy solutions — that require adjustment of the traditional pop-up mechanism that most homes still have.

What is a Pop-up Drain Stopper?

A pop-up drain stopper is an assembly of parts in your bathroom sink that allows you to open or close the stopper on your sink drain.

By lifting the rod located behind a bathroom sink faucet, the mechanism closes the stopper (the piece that goes into your drain and seals it). By pushing down on the rod, the assembly opens or pops up the stopper. This allows water to drain.

Bathroom sink pop-up drain stopper assembly of parts
This is a typical bathroom sink pop-up drain stopper. The assembly (of parts) work together to allow water to flow down your sink drain and to prevent water from flowing down your sink drain.

The Parts of a Pop-Up Drain Stopper

To fix a pop-up stopper, it’s important to first understand its parts. While the repair or adjustment is relatively easy, the names of the parts can be confusing. Here are the primary parts of a pop-up drain assembly commonly found with the bathroom sink.

  • Clevis (also called a clevis strap or strap) – connects the sink’s pop-up drain to the lift rod that operates the drain
  • Clevis Screw – the screw (at the top of the clevis) that keeps the clevis tightened to the lift rod
  • Lift Rod – the part that opens and closes the pop-up drain (it’s usually located right behind the faucet)
  • Pivot Rod (also called a ball or horizontal rod) – transfers vertical motion to the drain stopper when the lift rod goes up or down
  • Spring Clip – attaches the pivot rod to the clevis
Diagram of bathroom sink pop-up drain assembly
These are the basic parts of a bathroom sink pop-up drain stopper assembly. For a more detailed diagram, see the illustration below.

Adjusting a Bathroom Sink Pop-up Drain

To get started, you’ll want to have handy a can of WD-40 lubricating spray, a pair of slip-joint pliers, a pair of groove-joint pliers, and a flashlight.

Next, you need to inspect the mechanism to make sure it’s not broken. The metal pieces can bend, which is perfectly fine. But if it’s broken, you’ll need to replace the entire assembly. To make this easier, remove everything under your sink cabinet and keep in mind that you’ll be working in a tight space.

If you determine that the stopper is not broken, you can make some adjustments, so it fits better on the drain. Here are the four scenarios you might need to deal with.

A side cutout view of a bathroom sink pop-up drain stopper assembly in more detail
Here is another view of the pop-up stopper assembly which shows the pivot ball located at the retaining nut.

1. The Stopper Doesn’t Pop Up

If the stopper doesn’t pop up when the lift rod is depressed, try these two options in order.

  • Pinch the spring clip and move the pivot rod down one hole in the clevis.
  • If that didn’t work, then loosen the clevis screw with slip-joint pliers, pull the clevis down until the stopper pops up, and tighten the clevis screw again.

2. The Stopper Doesn’t Hold Water

If the stopper won’t hold water even when closed, follow these steps:

  • Remove the stopper by lifting it straight up or by turning and lifting it.
  • If it won’t release, remove the retaining nut with groove-joint pliers, pull out the pivot rod, and pull up the stopper.
  • Clean the stopper seal or, if worn, buy and install a replacement.

3. The Stopper Won’t Stay Open or Closed

  • Use the groove-joint pliers to tighten the retaining nut until the stopper remains open or closed.

4. Water Leaks from the Pivot Ball

Follow these steps if you see that water is leaking from the pivot ball located behind the retaining nut.

  • Remove the retaining nut with your groove-joint pliers. Pull out the pivot rod, gasket, and washer if there is one.
  • Buy a replacement gasket and washer at your local hardware store or plumbing supply center. Reassemble the pivot assembly.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the good news is that fixing any number of problems with your pop-up drain is easily adjustable. The bad news is that you’ll be working in a tight space. But we know you’re up to the task. Even if not, we’re always here to help.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help adjusting, repairing, or replacing a bathroom sink pop-up drain assembly. 

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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