How to replace a pop-up waste plug?

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

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Usedbloom

Hi @Elle44 you should be able to simply replace it with a new one like this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-pop-up-waste-mechanism_p0014718

You'll just need to unscrew the broken portion still in the sink (using a pair of needle-nose pliers might do it) and screw this new one on. You can also reuse the plug part with the rubber seal (in your photo) - again just unscrew and reattach 🙂

Elle44

Dear Usedbloom, thank you for your reply. It sounds very encouraging! I had a look at the link you provided and the measurements they give seem to be larger than the broken one of mine. Does that matter? Cheers Elle

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Elle44

Take the broken bit to bunnings and talk to plumbing staff and see if they have more parts avaliable some time the search function in bunnings site misses requested items,

Elle44

Good idea Jewellery rescue! Thanks for your suggestion. Cheers Elle

MitchellMc

Hi @Elle44,

The item @Usedbloom helpfully suggested might suit if we're lucky. As @Jewelleryrescue mentioned, it's best to take the two sections into your local store, and a helpful team member can help you match it up. An alternative way to get you out of a pickle would be to purchase the same pop-up waste and remove the mechanism from that. That might avoid a call to a plumber.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Usedbloom

They do come in different sizes so best to take the original in store and check out the range there to see if there’s one available.

Elle44

Hi all, thank you for your suggestions. I just wanted to check first to make sure that I have what you are suggesting. I’ve attached a pic but I haven’t been able to disconnect the bottom part — do I need to try harder or was their older types which had a different mechanism? Cheers Elle

MitchellMc

When you mentioned that it snapped off, was there a piece inside the base, or had the top just been pulled off @Elle44?

See that cylinder in the middle? That's likely the lower section of it. If you can grip that with needlenosed pliers, you should be able to turn it anti-clockwise and unscrew it.

Without knowing a brand, it's difficult to tell what parts disassemble, but typically, a screwed-in section must be removed.

Mitchell

redracer01

Hello @Elle44

I suggest bringing your broken parts to the store and comparing them to the Kinetic 32mm Chrome Pop-Up Waste Cover in combination with the Kinetic Pop-Up Waste Mechanism. These are generic replacement parts so it's critical that you compare your old parts to the new ones making sure that they are the same size and shape.

Red

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

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