You can fix this
Likely cause: the lift rod linkage needs adjusting
The stopper is not dropping far enough to seal. A small adjustment where the lift rod meets the strap under the sink usually fixes it.
Why this happens
Moen says a pop-up drain that will not close properly comes down to a broken pivot rod or the adjustment between the pivot rod and the lift rod. Delta explains that the seal is made by the weight of the water pushing the rubber seal under the stopper against the flange, so a stopper that cannot drop all the way never seals. Delta also points out that if any part of the pivot rod or strap bumps the underside of the counter or sink, the stopper cannot drop far enough.
How to fix it
- Clear out the cabinet so you can see the linkage. This Old House notes the water supply does not have to be off for stopper work, and nothing here opens the drain.
- Work the lift rod and watch underneath. If the strap or the pivot rod hits the counter or the sink, that is your problem. Delta says you may be able to turn the stopper slightly so the rod no longer bumps anything.
- Find the screw that clamps the strap to the lift rod. Pfister notes this thumb screw can work loose. Loosen it, set the strap so the stopper sits fully closed when the lift rod is pulled up, and tighten it again.
- If the stopper still does not seat, squeeze the spring clip, slide the pivot rod out of the strap and move it to a different hole. Pfister says a higher hole may help the stopper close more tightly. Mark the hole you started from, as Pfister and Bob Vila suggest, so you can go back.
- Put the clip back on, pull the lift rod up and fill the sink. Lowe's says to keep adjusting until you get a good seal.
- Push the lift rod down and check that the sink still drains well. Bob Vila notes the pivot rod may need another adjustment if the water drains slowly.
- Makers set this up a little differently. Moen and Kohler both point you to the installation instructions for your faucet or drain for the exact setting.
When to stop. If the stopper now drops fully and the sink still empties, the linkage is not the cause. Check the stopper seal and the drain flange next, or call a plumber.
If this does not fix it, tell the plumber
- The stopper does not drop all the way when the lift rod is pulled up.
- Which adjustments you tried: the strap screw, a different hole in the strap, or both.
- Whether anything under the sink was blocking the rod or strap.
- The faucet brand and model, if you know it.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
- Moen: Pop-up drain assembly not closing or opening properly
- Delta: Why doesn't my pop-up sink stopper stop the water from draining?
- Pfister: My pop up drain is not draining water (includes does not hold water and leaking under sink)
- Lowe's: How to remove a sink drain stopper
- Bob Vila: How to fix a bathroom sink stopper
- Kohler: Adjusting pop-up drains
- This Old House: How to fix a bath sink stopper
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