Fixing A Popup Stopper And Tub Strainer

If your bathtub or sink won't hold water anymore, chances are you need to fix your popup stopper or the tub strainer.

Fixing a pop-up drain stopper in the sink and tub is not a hard job to do. You waste so much water when this piece doesn't work correctly because by the time you let the tub fill and then get clean clothes to put on, the water is half gone. This wastage runs up your water bill because you have to use extra water. Sinks can be just as bad. When parts begin to wear out, the stopper will not get a tight seal, which causes the sink or tub to leak. You are going to need the following tools: a flashlight, lubricating spray, and slip joint pliers.

Now look under the sink at the pop-up mechanism. Take your flashlight and check under the clevis strap. Now push and pull on it so you will know how a pop up stopper works.

We are going to adjust the pivot rod first. This is that narrow rod that fits into the clevis strap and is held in place by a spring clip. First, pinch the spring clip and remove the pivot rod. Now you need to move it up or down on the clevis strap to a different hole. Attach the pivot rod on the clevis strap. If it still won't make a complete seal, take it back off and try another hole. It should seal this time for sure.

Now we will adjust the lift rod. Locate the clevis screw. It is usually hidden behind the clevis strand. Take a flashlight and look all around for it. You might have to lie down with your head under the sink to find it. Once you do, turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screw and then push up on the rod and turn it clockwise to tighten it. If the screw is too hard to turn, spray it with lubricant and use slip joint pliers to loosen the screw. You may have to repeat this a few times to get it right.

Fixing a tub with a pop up stopper is easy. If your pop up stopper in the bathtub is not sealing the tub or if your bathtub is stopping up, the first thing you need to do is flip the lever at the overflow to the up position. Then remove the strainer so you can take the stopper out. For some strainers you should take a pair of needle nose pliers and turn the strainer counterclockwise to remove. Then clean all the hair and dirt from the strainer. If it is still clogged, remove the overflow plate with a flat tip screwdriver and stuff a rag into the hole to get more suction. Put some petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger cup and place it directly over the drain. Add water if needed, and then plug rapidly ten to twenty times. Let the water recede and put the unit back together.

Fixing this piece yourself can save you the cost of a home repair call by a service technician. Clean up afterward, put your tools away, and enjoy your restored stopper usage.

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