Fix a Broken Pop Up Drain (No Plumber)

Long story short. My kids were playing around in the guest bathroom sink and broke the pop-up drain aka pop-up sink stopper.

While there are several reasons this mechanism may not be working properly, in my case I was going to need a new assembly altogether.

Quick Note: If your broken pop up drain is stuck in the stopper or down position and you can’t get it out of the drain try this. Dry out your sink and the top of the stopper, then try using a suction cup or piece of duct tape to pull it up.

Here’s a diagram for the entire assembly for a pop-up drain. Before you buy any replacement parts or even my quick fix, check to make sure the pivot rod is still running through one of the holes on the clevis first.

That’s an issue I’ve had happen more than once in the past and it just needs to be reconnected in most cases.

pop up drain diagram — Diagram via plumbshop.ca

If that’s not it and you think you need a new assembly, here’s the quickest, easiest fix.

While the assembly itself isn’t particularly expensive, it’s the expertise of installation that you’ll pay for in the end.

Instead of buying a traditional assembly replacement and hiring a plumber to install it, get a Universal Bathroom Sink Stopper.

These little gadgets may also be called Universal Pop-Up Drain Stoppers or Core Bounce Pop-Up Drain Filters.

Table of Contents

How To Fix a Broken Pop Up Drain

The Universal Bathroom Sink Stopper

Hands down, the easiest and fastest fix for a broken pop-up drain in a sink is the Universal Bathroom Sink Stopper. You quite literally, pull the stopper out of the box and drop it in the hole. That’s it!

How Does It Work?

The stopper has a little caged core that sits down into the sink to catch hair, jewelry, etc. Around the core is a little silicone ring designed to give a water-tight seal around the drain. Most come with two different seal options. In my case, a larger seal was included in my package and the standard-size seal came already fitted around the core.

When you press the stopper into the hole, you instantly have a water-tight seal.

To stop the drain simply press down on the button in the center. To drain the sink, press down on the button in the center again. It will pop up and create a gap around the core for the water to drain, just like a traditional pop-up drain.

To clean out the core or to retrieve an item caught by the core simply lift the stopper out of the drain. Then unscrew the little button from the top. This will give you access to the core cage and the ability to easily clean it out. When you’re done, screw the button back on and place the stopper back into the drain.

How To Adjust the Drain Speed?

If your sink is not draining as fast as you’d like, unscrew the button at the center a bit. It will create a larger gap, thus allowing the water to drain faster.

How Much Do They Cost and Where to Buy?

Most Universal Bathroom Sink Stoppers are less than $10. You can purchase them at Walmart, Amazon, Lowes, and Home Depot.

Which One Did I Buy?

I purchased this Universal Bathroom Sink Stopper from Amazon. It’s from a brand called QYHNYJF. I’m very happy with it. It comes in a few different finishes and a double pack for the chrome finish.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in need of a quick fix for a broken pop up drain. Or, if you’re looking for a temporary fix until you’re able to replace your original pop-up drain assembly, I highly recommend this one. There’s no need to call a plumber or search for original OEM parts for your sink.

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