Drain Stopper Not Working
A drain stopper is a plug that is used in bathtubs or sinks to create a seal and prevent water from draining out. You probably have several in your home right now, and perhaps one of them isn’t functioning correctly. Common problems with stoppers range from wear and tear that leaves them not fitting the drain well to more complicated issues with more sophisticated stopper systems. So what do you do when a drain stopper is not working? Sometimes these problems can be solved with a quick fix or replacement part that will not require a visit from the plumber.
The first step to fixing a problem with your drain stopper is to determine what kind of stopper you are working with. There are four basic types of drain stoppers: rubber, threaded, pop-up, and plunger. Rubber stoppers are simply rubber plugs sized slightly larger than the drain to create a seal, often connected to a chain or handle to pull it out. Threaded stoppers are similar and also fully detachable, but differ from rubber stoppers in that they form a seal by screwing into the drain with metal threads. Pop-up style stoppers are most commonly found in sinks and function with a lever that raises or lowers the stopper in to place. Plunger style stoppers, usually found in bathtubs, are also activated by a lever, but work by activating a non-visible interior plunger to plug the drain. The type of stopper that you are using will be the main factor determining how to go about fixing your problem.
If you are using a rubber or threaded stopper that is no longer working because it has become worn down or cracked, the solution is as simple as purchasing a new stopper from your local hardware store. Basic stoppers like these are very cheap—just make sure to get one that is the correct size for your drain. Pop-up and plunger style stoppers, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. Because they are located in the interior of the drain, plunger stoppers can be difficult for the average do-it-yourself-er to handle. Generally, any problem with a plunger stopper is going to require a plumber to fix. Pop-up stoppers are slightly more manageable, but may still require professional help. Check out this page for a guide to fixing several common problems with pop-up style stoppers on your own. If you follow the steps there but are still having problems, you can use TalkLocal to get in touch with a local plumbing company. All you have to do is enter your name, contact info, and a description of your problem and TalkLocal will automatically have someone who can help call you in minutes.
