How to Take the Plug Out of the Sink

Your sink drain requires cleaning to remove hair and other buildup before it causes a problem. This requires removing the plug from the sink. Your sink plug connects through a linkage to the end of the plug lever. Taking the plug out of the sink involves disassembling this linkage. Once you remove the plug, there is clear access to the sink drain. The sink drain does not have the cross hairs in the center like tub drains.

Things You'll Need

• Slip joint pliers

Instructions

1. Pull the plug lever straight up to lower the plug in the sink, as you would when filling the sink with water. The plug lever is the straight rod behind the faucet spout.

2. Open the sink cabinet doors and empty the items from the cabinet. You need some room to work behind the drain pipe of the sink. Get under the sink and find the plug linkage. There is a straight piece of linkage coming down from the faucet and another piece connecting from the faucet linkage to the sink drain pipe.

3. Turn the linkage securing nut on the sink drain pipe counterclockwise with a pair of slip joint pliers. Continue turning until the nut is free from the side of the drain pipe.

4. Grasp the linkage going into the drain pipe with your fingers. Pull the linkage out of the drain pipe. You might need to jiggle the linkage as you pull it out. The end of the linkage has a ball which the plug rides on to open and close.

5. Go to the top of the sink and pull the plug out of the sink with your fingers. If necessary, slide the blade of a utility knife under the plug to lift it out of the drain.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not necessary to separate the two linkage pieces just to get the plug out of the drain.

• When reassembling the plug, insert the ball end of the linkage into the drain before dropping the plug in the drain. Wiggle the linkage back and forth to engage the plug.

References

• Ask The Builder: Removing Clogs From a Bathroom Sink
• This Old House: How To Fix a Bath Sink Stopper