Broken sink push-plug.

nickcc

keletkezes wrote: »

@ nickcc: I'm not sure I should be 'thanking' that comment ;P

Unfortunately I speak from experience, asked my Wife to mt the trap and ended up with a mouthful of gunge, serves me right.

skyeblue

when you say "unscrew", what do you mean. We have problems with our push down, push up plug and I want to remove it, to see what's in there, but no matter how much I turn it (anti-clockwise) nothing happens, it does not get any further away from its hole.

Grahamab007

I had this problem with a brand new house. These things are always sticking. I found using a small suction cup works well. It works if the sink is full of water. It enables you to try and pull it up but also gives you grip to be able to turn it anti clockwise to unscrew. I haven't found a way to stop it happening though. I've put washing up liquid around the rubber seal and the metal base but it only lasts a few weeks at best

fordfocus-chav-car

I have to deal with these everyday, get one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Halogen-Bulb-Removal-Tool-Green/dp/B0027J282A

Repairman77

Had this happen today, but manage to fix it. The cause of the problem is usually a distorted rubber washer. I think mine was caused by using Viakal cleaner on the taps and waste unit the other day. The edge of the rubber washer was all crinkled.

Occasionally this can happen with a new washer and it's usually due to the sink and washer becoming totally dry; before filling the bowl and pushing the plug down shut, run a little squirt of water into the bowl.

I managed to remove it by putting a very small amount of water and some washing up liquid in the bottom of the bowl and pushing down on the metal cover several times to get it to the rubber washer, even though there was very little movement left (about 1mm). It eventually popped up.

Others have tried pulling it up with a sucker on the top which could work but mine was jammed pretty hard.

The local plumbers merchant had a rack of these washers (they are not all the same, and the word Standard doesn't come into it) so unscrew the top and take it with you to get the right fit. They're not expensive, just a couple of quid.

It would probably be wise to check the washer every couple of months or so to see if it is getting worn or crinkled. Change it ASAP if it is.

Just a tip, if you are using any cleaning solutions or foam on the sink waste unscrew the top and remove the rubber first as some chemicals will try and destroy the rubber washer.

Mike.