Vent, Valve & Volt
Bathroom sink stopper won't hold water

You can fix this

Likely cause: debris in a push-to-close stopper

A push-to-close stopper has its closing mechanism inside the stopper itself. Clean it and seat it fully, and replace the mechanism if it has stopped clicking.

Why this happens

Bob Vila describes this type as a stopper with an internal spring mechanism and no lift rod or pivot rod under the sink. Pfister's fix for a push pop-up that will not close is to take the stopper out and check for debris that keeps it from closing. Kohler has a video on replacing and adjusting the clicker mechanism in its drains, for a drain that no longer clicks, leaks, or no longer holds water.

How to fix it

  1. Open the stopper and try lifting it straight up. Bob Vila says this type should slide out without tools. On Pfister's push drains the cap unscrews instead: grip it and twist counterclockwise.
  2. If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently back and forth while you pull. Bob Vila warns not to wrench it out, because too much force can damage the sink.
  3. Clear hair and debris from the stopper and from the drain opening. Scrub the stopper with a soft brush and a mild cleaner or vinegar, as Bob Vila suggests.
  4. Put the stopper back and tighten it fully, as Pfister instructs, then press it down to close.
  5. Fill the sink and watch the water level.
  6. If it will not click shut, or it still will not hold water, contact the drain's maker about a replacement mechanism. Pfister asks owners to call its support line at that point.

When to stop. If the stopper is clean, clicks shut and the sink still empties, the leak may be at the drain flange. A plumber can reseal or replace the drain.

If this does not fix it, tell the plumber

  • It is a push-to-close stopper with no lift rod.
  • Whether it still clicks open and shut.
  • Whether cleaning and tightening it changed anything.
  • The brand of the drain or faucet, if you know it.

Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Bob Vila: How to fix a bathroom sink stopper
  2. Pfister: My pop up drain is not draining water (includes does not hold water and leaking under sink)
  3. Kohler: Bathroom sink pop-up drains clicker mechanism replacement (video)

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