How To Replace a Pedestal Sink Pop-Up Assembly

Pedestal sinks will often stop draining because they get clogged with debris, such as soap scum and hair. Sometimes, the reason your sink isn’t emptying is because of a faulty pop-up drain. Luckily, you can fix your sink stopper with the right tools and a little know-how. In our guide, we’ll explain how to replace a pedestal sink pop-up assembly. We’ve also included a video above that features This Old House’s plumbing and heating contractor, Richard Trethewey, demonstrating the step-by-step process of fixing the pop-up drain.

Understanding the Pop-Up Assembly

The reason it’s called a pop-up drain is because the stopper goes up and down, popping up from the flange. These are the visible parts of your drain, but there are a few internal components that allow the drain to function properly. Understanding how these parts work together will help you as you start this project. Here is a quick list of the pop-up assembly parts: 

• Lift rod: The knob or lever you pull to operate the stopper.
• Linkage: The mechanism that connects the lift rod to the stopper.
• Stopper: The visible part that moves up and down to seal or open the drain.
• Tailpiece: The vertical pipe that extends down from the sink drain.

Tools and Materials Needed to Replace a Sink Pop-Up

Collecting all the items you need before you start the project will help you work through the process faster and without interruption. Below is what’s required:

• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Flashlight
• New pop-up assembly
• Pliers
• Plumber’s putty
• Screwdriver (if needed for removing the old assembly)
• Towel or rag

Preparing for the Sink Pop-Up Replacement

There are a few steps you have to take before you swap out the pop-up assembly. Here’s how you can prep for this replacement:

1. Clear out the area under the sink so that you have enough space to work. 
2. Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water that may spill during the process.
3. Remove all items from the sink basin and wipe it clean.
4. Gather all your tools and materials within easy reach.

Removing the Old Pop-Up Assembly

Now that you’ve prepared your workspace, you can remove the old unit. As Trethewey suggests, the easiest way to change the pop-up assembly is by detaching the entire sink from the wall. Here’s how: 

1. Shut off the water supply to the sink by closing the hot and cold water valves.
2. Disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the faucet using an adjustable wrench. Keep the valve steady so that the connection inside the wall remains attached.
3. Remove the toggle bolts securing the sink bowl to the wall.
4. Disconnect the drainpipe behind the pedestal using a wrench.
5. Pull the pedestal from the wall and lift off the sink.
6. Remove and set aside the P-trap from the sink for later reuse.
7. Loosen the nut holding the tailpiece to the sink using pliers or a wrench.
8. Push the old pop-up assembly up through the drain hole and remove it from the top of the sink. If you find it difficult to remove, you can use a pair of pliers to lift it up and out.

Installing the New Pop-Up Assembly

Out with the old and in with the new. Below are the steps to install the new pop-up assembly: 

1. Roll some plumber’s putty between your hands to shape it, as Trethewey says, like a hot dog. 
2. Apply the plumber’s putty around the underside of the new pop-up assembly’s flange.
3. Insert the new pop-up assembly through the sink’s drain hole from above.
4. From underneath the sink, thread the tailpiece onto the pop-up assembly.
5. Tighten the nut on the underside of the sink to secure the assembly in place. This will give you a watertight connection.
6. Remove any excess putty that may have squeezed out around the flange inside the sink.
7. Reattach the P-trap to the tailpiece.

Keep in mind that as you’re tightening the nut on the sink’s underside, you’ll want to position the opening for the pop-up rod toward the back of the sink to properly connect with the linkage. This will allow the stopper to work properly.

Reassembling the Sink

Installing the new pop-up drain was a lot of work, but now it’s time to put everything back together by doing the following:

1. Lift the sink and pedestal back against the wall.
2. Reattach the toggle bolts to secure the sink to the wall.
3. Reconnect the drainpipe behind the pedestal.
4. Reattach the hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet.
5. Open the water supply valves and check for any leaks.
6. Test the new pop-up assembly by filling the sink with water and then releasing it.

Make sure all the connections are tight; otherwise, you could have a leak on your hands.

Troubleshooting Common Issues Replacing a Sink Pop-Up

Even though you may have followed the instructions above and in the video, you could still run into some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Leaks around the flange: Tighten the nut under the sink or apply more plumber’s putty.
• Slow drainage: Check for any debris caught in the new assembly and clean if necessary.
• Stopper not sealing properly: Adjust the linkage for the correct alignment.

If you’ve done everything you can to fix the problem and it’s still giving you trouble, contact a professional plumber for assistance.

Maintaining Your New Pop-Up Assembly

Keeping your pop-up drain in good shape will help it last for many years. Here are some tips: 

• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the finish or components.
• Clean the stopper and drain regularly to prevent the buildup of soap scum and debris.
• Periodically check for leaks and tighten connections if you find that they’re loose.

Enhancing Your Bathroom’s Functionality Beyond the Sink Pop-Up

Swapping out your pedestal sink’s pop-up assembly is one way to make sure your bathroom functions properly, but there are more improvements you can make. Below are a few ideas:  

• Faucet replacement: Although it seems like a small detail, your bathroom faucet affects the room’s decor and water flow. Upgrade your old faucet by finding a design that complements your sink and provides modern features, such as water-saving aerators.
• Lighting upgrades: By installing better lighting, you can transform your bathroom’s ambiance. LED fixtures offer energy efficiency and come in several colors to match any style.
• Storage solutions: Keep your bathroom organized by adding shelves or a small cabinet. Find floating shelves or units that match the look of your pedestal sink.

Sustainable Tips for Bathroom Upgrades

Many home improvement projects today focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. You can apply this practice to your own bathroom upgrade, too. We’ve included a few tips on how to do so below:

• Eco-friendly materials: Pick out materials with a lower environmental impact, such as bamboo or reclaimed wood. Not only will you be practicing sustainability, but they’ll give your bathroom a unique look.
• Energy-saving lighting: LED bulbs last longer and consume less energy. In addition to opting for LED bulbs, you can install motion sensors or timers to continue reducing your energy consumption.
• Water-efficient fixtures: Find fixtures that conserve water. Low-flow faucets and showerheads can help you reduce how much water you use without compromising performance.

Tools: