How to replace a pop-up waste plug?

[Elle44]

hello all. the popup plug in my bathroom vanity just snapped off something and wont work (ie stay down). Can I replace it, or will I need to get a plumber?  I’m hoping not the latter as I think it will be impossible to get anyone until next year!  I’ve included a pic but I don;t know if that helps!  Cheers Elle

[Elle44]

Many thanks Mitchell.  I think you’re right, but I can’t move it.  I’ll visit Bunnings with my bits and see what they say.  Have a great NYE.  Elle

[Elle44]

Thanks @redracer01 I shall take the lot to Bunnings and see what they say.  Thanks for your suggestions.  All the best for NYE.  Elle

[Jason]

How did you go finding a replacement @Elle44?

Please let us know if we can assist further.

Jason

[JDE]

Elle44

We have the same plugs in our 5 year old house. Initially I replaced them. You will have to get the middle bit out. Ie the vertical piece it will leave a y in the bottom with a threaded centre to screw the new one into. Personally we have given up and are now replacing them with normal plugs, also available at Bunnings. A lot easier and better water flow. We got the fancy ones with the chrome centres. JDE

[EricL]

Hi @JDE 

Let me tag @Elle44 to make them aware of your suggestion. I'm hoping that the parts they have are compatible with the ones at the store. 

Eric

[Elle44]

Hi all , thanks for the new suggestions.  Yes @JDE you're right.  Although it didn’t occur to me to change the whole thing.  I ended up getting the plumber (he had to go to Bunnings 2x to get the right part — so presumably they do have them but they’re not the usual!).  Next time I’ll get him to change it entirely, be better to have the ones that can be easily replaced.  Thanks again everyone, saved me a lot of trouble! Elle

[HD_Home]

Hi Mitchell

I’ve done the same thing as Elle and tried the needle nose pliers to remove the threaded part, but unfortunately not enough is left to be able to grab hold of it. Any other suggestions? Made a real mess of it! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @HD_Home,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I can't see a great way for you to get that out. 

You could try super gluing something to it, but I'm not sure how much tension you could generate before the glue would fail. I suppose it would be worth a shot.

At this point, it seems much easier for you to just replace the pop-up waste altogether.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Noyade and @JDE to see if they have any ideas.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @HD_Home 

As the stalk has snapped off, it's very unlikely you're going to get the remaining part out as the spring will be on the under side. Then as previous posts have commented, there is the issue of finding a replacement if available at all. My advice would be to get a registered plumber as legally they are the only personal permitted to perform the work. 

Regards Nailbag