How to Remove the Plunger in a Bathroom Sink

Remove the plunger in your bathroom sink for repairs.

The bathroom sink plunger, or stopper, raises and lowers to let you keep water trapped in the sink or allow it to drain out. This is done by pushing or pulling the handle at the rear of the sink. Underneath the sink, the handle is connected to a lift rod. The lift rod, in turn, runs into the pipe underneath the sink where the plunger is connected and does the lifting. Removing the plunger in a bathroom sink is necessary sometimes to unclog the drain or retrieve lost objects.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers

Instructions

1. Press down on the plunger handle at the rear of the sink. This will lift up the stopper in the sink. Place a bit of plastic or wood (to keep from harming the finish) underneath the stopper to prop it open.

2. Follow the plunger rod from the sink to where it meets the vertical lift lever underneath the sink. Where these two connect is a small spring clip. Squeeze the ends of the clip together and pull the rod and spring off the lift lever.

3. Unscrew the coupling where the lift lever runs into the straight tailpiece pipe just underneath the drain. Use the pliers if needed.

4. Pull the lift lever out of the tail piece.

5. Lift the plunger up and out of the sink.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a cap over the outlet in the tailpiece if you're removing the plunger permanently. Otherwise water could spill everywhere when you use the sink.

References

• Hammerzone: Connecting the Sink Plumbing
• This Old House: How to Fix a Bath Sink Stopper