What to Do When Your Sink Stopper Is Stuck

Unstick Sink Stopper From Below

The best way to release a sink stopper is by reaching below the sink and lifting the horizontal rod. You can do this visually, or you can even do this by feel.

1. Clear Below Sink

   Move items such as toilet paper and cleaning products from below the sink to make it easier to work.
   

2. Move Water Supply Lines

   Water supply lines, made of braided metal, can get tangled with the stopper mechanism. Either visually or by feel, make sure that the two lines on the left and right sides are freely draping and aren't caught up with the pop-up mechanism in the center.
   

3. Locate Horizontal Rod

   When the pop-up stopper is in closed position, the horizontal rod might be horizontal or angled slightly above horizontal.
   

   Tip

   If you are doing this by feel, first locate the section of the sink's drainpipe just below the sink basin. The horizontal rod is a smooth metal rod attached to the drainpipe. It extends outward toward the back of the sink.

4. Lower Horizontal Rod

   With your fingers, grasp the horizontal rod and firmly pull it downward. The stopper in the basin should release and water should drain out.
   

Fix Stuck Sink Stopper

Once you've released the sink stopper, you'll need to fix it. Otherwise, this will happen the next time. First, try working with your existing sink parts since it might be a case of poorly attached parts or parts that came apart over time. Replacement pop-up stopper parts are specific to the manufacturer and model, so be sure to purchase the correct set of parts.

1. Bend or Replace Horizontal Rod

   If the horizontal rod is in good shape but bent, bend it by hand until it is straight. Or you can replace the rod with a new one.
   

2. Attach Horizontal Rod to Lift Rod Strap

   Push the horizontal rod into one of the holes of the lift rod strap. Observe from above while moving the parts below to find the proper hole for the horizontal rod.
   

3. Attach Clip Correctly

   While inserting the horizontal rod, attach the clip that secures the horizontal rod to the lift strap. The clip needs to straddle the lift rod strap. The clip should not be on one side or the other of the lift rod strap.
   

4. Attach Lift Rod to Lift Strap

   In some cases, the lift rod may have detached from the lift rod strap. With some faucets, the two pieces snap together. With other models, a small bolt runs through a clip holding the two pieces together. Attach the pieces and tighten the bolt with pliers.