How to Clean a Pop-Up Drain Assembly

How Pop-Up Drains Work

The pop-up drain assembly in your bathroom sink consists of a stopper, a pivot rod, a clevis strap, and a lift rod connected to the faucet. When you pull the lift rod up, it raises the stopper to seal the drain; pushing it down opens the drain. Over time, hair, soap scum, and toothpaste accumulate on the stopper and pivot rod mechanism, causing the drain to slow down and the stopper to operate poorly.

Removing and Cleaning the Stopper

Reach under the sink and locate the horizontal pivot rod that enters the back of the drain body. Unscrew the retaining nut on the pivot rod (hand-tight, no tools needed), and pull the pivot rod out. The stopper will now lift straight out of the drain. Clean the stopper thoroughly with an old toothbrush and soapy water, removing all hair and buildup from the bottom of the stopper and the rubber seal.

Cleaning the Drain Body

With the stopper removed, use a flashlight to look down into the drain body. Use a plastic drain cleaning tool or bent wire to pull out any hair and debris caught inside. Flush the drain with hot water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Also clean the pivot rod and the hole in the drain body where the pivot rod enters — buildup here can prevent the stopper from seating properly.

Reassembly Tips

Reinsert the stopper into the drain with the hole at the bottom of the stopper facing the pivot rod opening. Slide the pivot rod back through the drain body and through the hole in the stopper. Hand-tighten the retaining nut — do not over-tighten as this can crack the nut or make the stopper difficult to operate. Test the lift rod to make sure the stopper opens and closes fully. If the stopper does not seal, adjust the clevis strap position on the lift rod.