A lot of faucets now come with a pop-up drain, but it is possible that yours may not have one or your old one needs replacing and you’ll need to know how to install a bathroom faucet with pop up drain.
The feature of a pop-up drain means you never have to worry about losing a plug, and in some cases, it can make washing things out in your bathroom sink easier without wasting too much water.
If you are replacing an old drain or getting your first pop-up drain, note it is easy enough to install without having to pay out for a plumber to come and do it for you.
What is a pop-up drain?
These can also be referred to as a press-and-seal drain, they are easy to operate and install, they can either come as an easy mechanism where you press on the drain cover to pop up and close down, or they can come via a lift rod on the back of the faucet.
They stop water from flowing down the drain and act as a permanent no-hassle plug in your sink, that will make your life easier, wasting less water and stopping any major debris build-ups in your sink, helping to prevent annoying clogs and blockages.
How to Install a Bathroom Faucet with Pop Up Drain
If you are setting up a new faucet to fit the center of your sink you will have to learn how to install a bathroom faucet with pop up drain. These are not difficult and can easily be done.
Step 1– You will need to shut off the water supply valves to your faucet, this should be easy to find but can differ per sink, so if you cannot find these you may have to turn off the supply for the entire house.
Once these valves are closed you should also relieve any remaining pressure, draining any leftover water drain through the faucet.
Step 2– Disconnect your water supply line connection. Use an adjustable wrench to do so. Keep a bucket or container handy for any water spills you may get.
If water leaks consistently then the supply line is not completely off.
Step 2.5 (If you already have a pop-up drain)- If you already had a pop-up drain installed then you’ll need to disconnect it, use channel-lock pliers t unscrew the pivot rod from the back of the drainage pipe.
Unscrew the clevis screw and remove the rod. Once this is done you can remove the old pop-up drain
Step 3– Now we need to remove your old faucet. Simply unscrew the large mounting nuts and washers underneath your sink. These attach it to the sink. Once this is one, simply lift out the old faucet.
Clean the area where the old faucet was and remove any old plumbers putty or dirt.
Step 4- Now we install the new bathroom faucet. Test it first by placing the faucet supply lines through the sink basin holes.
If it has a gasket place it in the sink over the holes and insert the supply lines into the mounting holes and then the faucet onto the gasket.
If it doesn’t have a gasket you need to create a seal, to do this place some plumbers putty alone the lip of the base of the facet and insert the faucet supply lines through the basin holes, and press the faucet down into the sink, adding a little pressure. Remove any excess.
Step 5– Now you fasten your new faucet to the sink by installing your mounting washers and nuts to the underside of your sink.
Make sure the nuts are snug but don’t do them up too tightly. Now we want to connect your water supply lines, using the connection on the shut-off valves to the ends of the faucet.
Attach and again reapply the nuts, once more do not do them up too tightly.
Step 6– Time for the pop-up drain! Insert the pop-up drain into the sink’s drain hole. (Make sure to apply plumbers putty to the drain hole if you are replacing your drain.)
Attach the lift rod bracket (Clevis Strap) to the lift rod with the clevis screw, and attach your pivot rod to the back of the drain line, fit the nut, again don’t go too tightly.
Attach your pivot rod to the lift bracket next, go by the manufacturer’s instructions, and also use your own judgment. Test the lift rod to ensure you get enough lift from your pop-up drain.
If you arent satisfied, then adjust it accordingly until you get the amount of lift you are seeking.
Step 7– Turn on your water supply again and once over your sink set-up to make sure that everything is working well and that there are no leaks or drips.
Step 8– Enjoy!
Technical Information
How Does a Pop Up Drain Work?
Pivot Rod- When the pivot rod is tilted up or down as the lift rod is pushed or pulled, it will raise and lower the pop-up drain plug.
The assembly underneath the sink works at a right angle. As the pivot rod is pushed or pulled by the lift rod, it will push the plug up or pull it down.
Clevis Strap- This is the part of the mechanism that you can adjust so that you get the sought amount of lift from your pop-up drain.
It has holes in it that you can use to change the amount of lift you get from the pop-up.
Yes, But How Exactly Does It Work?
When you pull on the lift rod, it lifts the mechanism up. The pivot rod that is inserted into the Clevis strap is pushed down which pulls down the pop-up drain to close.
Alternatively, If you push the lift rod down, the Clevis strap pushes the pivot rod up and therefore opens the pop-up drain.
Remember
While a pop-up drain can give you a clear drain, easier cleaning, and a reduction in water waste, as well as providing the convenience of not having to wonder where your plug is, that you need to keep it clean.
These drains can still get dirty like others and should be kept tidy with sufficient maintenance.
Always check your assembly before deciding the job is done and keep your eye out for water leaks.
