How to Take Bathroom Sink Drain Out

Are you tired of standing in a pool of water while brushing your teeth or washing your face? The problem may lie in your clogged bathroom sink drain.

How to take bathroom sink drain out might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s a task that can be accomplished by almost anyone. This process can be necessary for various reasons, whether you’re dealing with a clog that can’t be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, replacing an old or leaky drain, or upgrading your sink’s hardware as part of a renovation. Before you begin, it’s important to understand the components involved and the steps you must follow to ensure a smooth removal.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, helping you prepare for the task at hand with confidence and ease.

What Will You Need?

To successfully remove your bathroom sink drain, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench
• Screwdriver (either flathead or Phillips)
• Putty knife
• A bucket or container to catch water and debris
• A towel or rag for cleaning up spills
• Silicone sealant (if replacing the drain)

It’s important to ensure you have all these items on hand before starting the removal process. This will save you from pausing and running out of missing tools or materials, potentially causing frustration or further damage to your sink.

10 Easy Steps on How to Take Bathroom Sink Drain Out

Step 1. Turn Off the Water Supply 

Before starting any work on your sink, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply to prevent any accidental water flow.

Locate the valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off both the hot and cold water supply. If you can’t find the valves or are not working, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 2. Remove Everything from Under the Sink 

Clear out any items you have stored under the sink to provide yourself with ample space to work. This step is essential for ensuring you have clear access to the plumbing.

Removing these items also prevents them from getting wet or damaged during the drain removal process. Once everything is removed, place a bucket or container under the pipe to catch any residual water that may spill out when you start disconnecting the drain.

Step 3. Disconnect the P-Trap 

The P-trap is the curved section of the pipe located under the sink. It’s responsible for trapping debris and preventing sewer gases from entering your home. Use the adjustable pliers or pipe wrench to loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the P-trap. Once loosened, you can remove the P-trap by hand.

Be prepared for water and debris to spill out, so keep your bucket or container in place to catch any mess. If the P-trap is very old or damaged, consider replacing it to ensure a proper seal when reinstalling.

Step 4. Loosen the Locknut and Remove the Tailpiece

The next step involves removing the tailpiece, which is the vertical pipe section that runs from the bottom of the sink to the P-trap. To do this, you need to locate the locknut that secures the tailpiece to the bottom of the sink drain. This is usually found directly underneath the sink, attached to the drain.

Using your adjustable pliers or pipe wrench, grip the locknut firmly and turn it counterclockwise. If the locknut is very tight or hasn’t been moved in a long time, it may require some effort to loosen. Apply a controlled amount of force to avoid damaging the locknut or the surrounding plumbing.

Once the locknut is loose, you can unscrew it by hand. When you remove the tailpiece, a small amount of water will drip out, so keep your bucket or container in place to catch any spills. If the tailpiece is stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth while pulling it downwards to remove it from the drain assembly.

Step 5. Remove the Sink Drain Flange

With the tailpiece and P-trap removed, your next task is to take out the sink drain flange from the top side of the sink. The flange is the upper part of the drain assembly visible inside the sink bowl. It’s typically secured with a plumber’s putty underneath and possibly a mounting nut underneath the sink.

To remove the flange, you’ll need to first loosen and remove the mounting nut that holds it in place from under the sink.

This might require the use of adjustable pliers or pipe wrenches. Once the mounting nut is removed, the flange should be more movable. From the top side of the sink, gently wiggle the flange to break the seal of the plumber’s putty. You might need to use a putty knife to carefully cut through the putty under the edge of the flange.

Once the seal is broken, lift the flange out of the sink’s drain hole. There might still be some residue of plumber’s putty around the drain hole or on the flange itself that will need to be cleaned up.

Use a towel or rag to remove any remaining putty and debris to prepare for the installation of a new drain or to simply clean the area.

Step 6. Clean the Sink Drain Opening

After removing the sink drain flange, take a moment to thoroughly clean the sink drain opening.

Over time, deposits of soap, grime, and plumber’s putty can accumulate around the drain opening, making it difficult to install a new drain assembly properly. Use a putty knife to scrape away any stubborn remnants of the plumber’s putty.

Then, with a damp cloth or a bit of mild cleaning solution, wipe down the area to ensure it’s free of debris and residues. This step not only ensures a clean surface for the new installation but can also help prevent leaks by providing a smooth, clean surface for sealing.

Step 7. Check for Leaks and Damage

Before proceeding to install a new drain assembly, it’s essential to inspect the sink and the exposed plumbing for any signs of leaks or damage. Look closely at the pipes, especially where connections are made, for any cracks, corrosion, or wear that could indicate a problem.

If you discover any damage, now is the time to replace those parts to prevent future leaks. This proactive step can save you time and money by avoiding water damage or the need for more significant repairs later on.

Additionally, ensure that all connection points are clean and debris-free to guarantee a tight and secure fit when reassembling your sink’s plumbing.

Step 8. Install the New Sink Drain Assembly

With the old drain assembly removed and the area thoroughly cleaned, you are now ready to install the new sink drain.

Begin by taking the new sink drain flange and applying a generous bead of the plumber’s putty around the underside of its lip. This will ensure a watertight seal between the flange and the sink’s surface.

Carefully position the flange in the sink’s drain hole and press it down firmly to spread the putty evenly.

Attach the new tailpiece to the bottom of the flange from underneath the sink. Secure it by tightening the mounting nut by hand, then using adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to ensure it is snug.

Avoid over-tightening, which may damage the assembly. Make sure the tailpiece aligns correctly with the outlet to the P-trap.

Reattach the P-trap to the tailpiece and the wall drain, adjusting as necessary to ensure a straight and secure connection. Use the slip nuts to hand-tighten each connection before giving them a final quarter turn with pliers. Be cautious not to over-tighten to prevent cracking.

Step 9. Test for Leaks

Once you have reassembled all parts of the sink drain, it’s crucial to test your work for any leaks before considering the job finished. Begin by slowly opening the faucet to allow water to run through the new assembly.

Watch closely at each connection point — the base of the faucet, the drain flange, the tailpiece, and where the P-trap meets the wall drain. Allow the water to run for several minutes, giving it ample time to reveal any leaks. If you spot a drip, tighten the relevant component slightly more.

However, if leaks persist, disassemble the leaking section, check for misalignment or damage, and reassemble it. Applying more plumber’s putty or Teflon tape may be necessary to ensure a watertight seal. This final step is vital to ensure that your new sink drain operates efficiently and remains leak-free.

Step 10. Final Cleanup and Inspection

After confirming that your newly installed sink drain assembly is leak-free, the final step involves cleaning up your work area and conducting a last inspection. Remove any tools and materials from under the sink and dispose of old parts and putty appropriately.

With a clean cloth, wipe off any fingerprints, watermarks, or putty residue from the sink, the drain, and the surrounding area to leave behind a clean, professional appearance.

Finally, give the entire sink and drain one last review to ensure everything is secure and functioning as expected. This not only marks the completion of a successful DIY plumbing project but also reinstates your sink’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Following these steps and using the right tools and materials can make replacing your sink drain assembly straightforward and satisfying.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Preparation is Key: Place a bucket or a small basin under the sink before starting. This will catch any water or debris that might fall out during the process. Also, have some old towels or rags on hand to clean up spills and to lay tools on so they are easily accessible.

2. Apply Heat: If the nut or connections are too tight and difficult to loosen, applying a small amount of heat with a hairdryer or a heat gun can expand the metal slightly, making it easier to unscrew. Be cautious not to overheat the area or damage any plastic parts.
3. Lubrication Can Help: Applying a penetrating oil can make a significant difference for nuts and threads that are difficult to move. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes to help loosen any corrosion or buildup that is causing the components to stick.
4. Protect the Finish: When using tools like pliers or wrenches on the decorative parts of the drain, protect the finish by wrapping the tool’s jaws with tape (electrical or masking) or by using a cloth as a barrier. This helps prevent scratches and preserves the aesthetic appeal of your sink fixtures.
5. Double-Check for Items That Might Obstruct Removal: Sometimes, items stored under the sink, such as cleaning bottles or storage containers, can unintentionally obstruct the removal process. Ensuring you have enough room to maneuver your tools and hands can prevent unnecessary frustration and possible damage to the sink or plumbing.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can easily tackle any sink drain removal project.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using Excessive Force: When removing the drain or disassembling parts, apply sufficient but gentle pressure. Excessive force can lead to broken pipes, damaged fixtures, or striped fittings, which could complicate removal or require expensive repairs.
2. Don’t Skip Wearing Protective Gear: Ignoring safety gear like gloves and goggles is a common oversight. Sharp edges on metal parts or the possibility of debris falling into your eyes can lead to injuries. Always prioritize your safety by wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
3. Avoid Losing Components: Small components such as washers, nuts, and screws are easy to lose but essential for reassembly. Make sure to keep a small container or a magnetic tray close by to store these pieces securely during the process.
4. Don’t Ignore the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each sink and drain assembly may have unique features or require specific steps for removal. Overlooking the manufacturer’s guidelines can result in incorrect disassembly or damage. Always consult the manual or online resources for guidance specific to your model.
5. Avoid Forgetting to Shut Off the Water Supply: This may seem obvious, but turning off the water supply before beginning work can lead to a messy and potentially hazardous situation. Always ensure the water is turned off at the main valve or the local shutoff valves under the sink before starting any plumbing work.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save time and prevent any unnecessary difficulties during your sink drain removal project.

How to Remove the Bathroom Sink Stopper?

Removing the bathroom sink stopper is a simple task that can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s how:

1. Clear the Area: Before beginning, make sure there are no items or clutter around the sink that could get in your way.
2. Locate the Pivot Rod: Underneath the sink, find the pivot rod connecting to the drain pipe’s back.
3. Unhook the Pivot Rod: Using pliers or your hands, unscrew the pivot rod from the drain pipe counterclockwise.
4. Remove the Stopper: With the pivot rod disconnected, you can now easily remove it from the sink by pulling it out.
5. Clean the Stopper and Drain: Once removed, clean the stopper and the drain area thoroughly to remove any buildup or debris.
6. Reassemble: To reattach the stopper, reverse the steps above, insert it back into the drain pipe, and secure it with the pivot rod.

Removing a bathroom sink stopper may seem daunting at first, but following these steps, you can easily remove and clean the stopper to keep your sink functioning properly. 

What are the Causes of a Clogged Bathroom Sink Drain?

A clogged bathroom sink drain is a common plumbing issue that can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hair: Hair is one of the leading culprits for clogging bathroom sinks. As we wash our hair, strands can easily get caught in the drain and accumulate over time, causing blockages.
• Soap and Toothpaste Buildup: Soap scum, toothpaste residue, and other hygiene products can stick to the walls of the drain pipe, reducing water flow and eventually leading to clogs.
• Foreign Objects: Small items such as jewelry, hair clips, or even small toys can accidentally fall into the sink and get lodged in the drain trap, causing blockages.
• Grease and Oils: If you frequently wash greasy or oily dishes in the sink, these substances can solidify and build up in the drain over time, creating a blockage.
• Hard Water Minerals: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate in the pipes and restrict water flow. This is a common issue for older homes with galvanized steel pipes.

By understanding the common causes of a clogged bathroom sink drain, you can take preventive measures to keep your pipes clear and avoid any potential plumbing issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to take bathroom sink drain out may seem like a daunting task, but by following the tips and steps outlined above, you can easily tackle the project with confidence.

Remember to take your time, protect the finish of your sink fixtures, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a smooth removal process.

Additionally, knowing how to remove the bathroom sink stopper and understanding the causes of clogged drains can help you maintain a functional and efficient plumbing system in your bathroom.

As always, if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any steps, it is best to consult a professional plumber for assistance. Happy DIY-ing!