The Ultimate Guide to Pop Up Drain Spouts and Sink Stoppers

Pop up drain spouts and sink stoppers are a game-changer for any kitchen or bathroom.

They make it easy to clean your sink and drain, and can be a huge time-saver.

With a pop up drain spout, you can simply lift the spout to pour down large objects, and then let it spring back into place when you're done.

This design is especially useful for people who struggle with heavy or bulky items.

Installing a pop up drain spout is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with the right tools and a bit of patience.

First, turn off the water supply to the sink by locating the shut-off valves under the sink and turning them clockwise.

Next, disconnect the P-trap from the drain pipe by loosening the slip nuts that hold it in place.

To access the old drain spout, you'll need to remove the escutcheon ring that covers the drain hole. This ring is usually held in place by a screw or clip.

The new pop up drain spout should come with a mounting clip that attaches to the sink's mounting holes.

Place the mounting clip over the sink's mounting holes and screw it into place.

Expect to search the yard for the pop up after a thunderstorm, as it may pop up after heavy rainfall.

Freezing is a concern with this system, as it can cause the pop up to freeze shut. A neighbor of smijal's who has this system installed reported that it froze shut on him when buried by snow.

You can take steps to prevent this, such as placing a "U" shaped wedge to keep the pop up open, or covering the whole emitter with an old bucket.

Leaves can clog up the system, but this shouldn't be a problem if you don't have trees nearby. As mrjfleming noted, you can easily remove the pop ups and clean them out if they do get clogged.

Mount the pop ups a little high so the grass doesn't overgrow them in a few years. If you're unsure, try a few and see how you like them - they're not very expensive.

Here are some tips for maintaining your pop up drain spout:

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pop up drain spout continues to work effectively and efficiently.

For a pop-up drain spout, you'll want to choose a sink stopper that complements its functionality.

A good option is a lift-and-turn stopper, which is often included with the pop-up drain spout.

This type of stopper is typically made of a durable material and has a smooth operation, making it easy to use and clean.

Sink stoppers are available in different metal finishes for the visible drain ring and stopper to match your faucet hardware.

You can choose from a variety of metal finishes, such as chrome, brass, or stainless steel, to match your faucet hardware.

Professional plumbers often prefer metal assemblies because they are more durable, but they can be more expensive.

Plastic pop-up assemblies are generally acceptable for DIYers, though they can be slightly prone to breakage if you over-tighten the nuts during installation.

Metal assemblies can be more expensive, but they are also more durable and can last longer.

A metal assembly can be a good choice if you want a more premium look and feel for your sink.

Traditional sink stoppers use a lift rod, pivot rod, and internal ball to lift and lower the stopper. They're a bit more complicated to install compared to some other options.

Spring-loaded sink stoppers, on the other hand, are pretty easy to install and don't require any pivot parts. They're similar to the drain stoppers found in bathtubs.

To open and close a spring-loaded stopper, you simply push down on the stopper from inside the sink. This action locks the stopper in the closed position, and a subsequent push releases the stopper and allows the internal spring to push it back up to the open position.

The main disadvantage of spring-loaded stoppers is that they require you to reach through standing water to release the stopper and drain the sink.

The pop-up drain stopper has several key parts that work together to open and close the drain.

The clevis, also called a clevis strap or strap, connects the sink's pop-up drain to the lift rod that operates the drain.

The clevis screw is a crucial part that keeps the clevis tightened to the lift rod.

The lift rod is usually located right behind the faucet and is the part that opens and closes the pop-up drain.

The pivot rod, also called a ball or horizontal rod, transfers vertical motion to the drain stopper when the lift rod goes up or down.

Here are the primary parts of a pop-up drain assembly:

The spring clip attaches the pivot rod to the clevis, keeping everything securely in place.

If the stopper doesn't pop up when the lift rod is depressed, try this. You'll need a can of WD-40 lubricating spray and a pair of slip-joint pliers.

First, pinch the spring clip and move the pivot rod down one hole in the clevis. This might just do the trick.

If that didn't work, loosen the clevis screw with slip-joint pliers, pull the clevis down until the stopper pops up, and tighten the clevis screw again. This is a more involved fix, but it can be effective.

If you're working in a tight space, keep in mind that you'll be removing everything under your sink cabinet to make this easier.

To fix or install a pop-up drain spout, you'll need the right materials and an understanding of its parts.

The pop-up drain assembly requires a pop-up drain assembly, pipe joint compound, and plumber's putty.

The primary parts of a pop-up drain assembly include the clevis, clevis screw, lift rod, pivot rod, and spring clip.

The clevis connects the sink's pop-up drain to the lift rod that operates the drain.

The clevis screw keeps the clevis tightened to the lift rod, usually located at the top of the clevis.

The lift rod is the part that opens and closes the pop-up drain, often found right behind the faucet.

The pivot rod transfers vertical motion to the drain stopper when the lift rod goes up or down.

The spring clip attaches the pivot rod to the clevis, holding it in place.

Here are the main parts of a pop-up drain assembly: