How To

How to Remove a Sink Drain

By Michael Straessle, eHow Editor

Drain cut away

Rate: (9 Ratings)

Removal of a sink drain is one project that the do-it-yourself homeowner can lay claim to. One precaution is offered: use care to not damage the sink around the drain area.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Water pump pliers
Small bucket

Removal

Step 1

Locate the P-trap connection at the end of the tailpiece pipe that is directly below the drain on the under side of the sink. Place the small bucket under the P-trap to catch any water that may spill out.
Step 2

If you can loosen this nut by hand do so. If not, carefully loosen the nut with the water pump pliers.
Step 3

Locate the end of the P-trap that feeds into the wall drain (or floor drain) extension and loosen it. Remove the P-trap allowing the water to spill into the bucket.
Step 4

With the P-trap out of the way, remove the clip that holds the pop-up stopper to the rod it is connected to. Loosen the nut of the horizontal rod mechanism which operates the pop-up stopper and pull the pieces out.
Step 5

Remove the nut directly under the sink at the drain carefully with the water pump pliers until it is free enough to pull the top of the drain out.