Installing a new bathroom sink drain assembly, often including a pop-up drain plug, involves several key steps to ensure a watertight seal and proper function. Based on standard procedures for installing a pop-up drain stopper assembly, the process details connecting the drain parts and the mechanism for the plug itself.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installing a pop-up drain assembly typically follows a sequence to replace the old unit and set up the new stopper mechanism. Here are the steps involved, incorporating insights from common installation practices:
- Remove the Old Drain Assembly: Begin by disconnecting the plumbing underneath the sink and removing the existing drain parts from the sink basin. This usually involves unscrewing nuts and potentially cutting away old sealant.
- Prepare the New Pop-Up Drain Stopper: Familiarize yourself with the components of the new drain assembly. This includes the drain body that goes through the sink, gaskets, nuts, the clevis strap, pivot rod, and the pop-up stopper itself.
- Apply Pipe Joint Compound: Apply pipe joint compound (also known as pipe dope) to the threaded parts of the drain assembly below the sink. This helps create a tight, leak-proof seal on the threaded connections.
- Apply Plumber's Putty: Apply a ring of plumber's putty around the underside of the drain flange (the top part that sits in the sink basin opening). This malleable material will compress to form a seal between the flange and the sink surface when tightened.
- Connect the Drain Parts: Insert the drain flange with the putty into the sink drain opening from the top. From underneath, slide the rubber gasket and fiber washer onto the drain body and thread on the large retaining nut. Connect the pivot rod and clevis strap to the drain body, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Tighten the Drain Assembly: Hand-tighten the retaining nut underneath the sink first, ensuring the drain body is centered. Then, use a basin wrench or pliers to carefully tighten the nut further. Avoid overtightening, which can crack the sink. The putty should squeeze out slightly around the flange in the sink.
- Put the Drain Stopper Into Place: Insert the pop-up drain stopper into the drain opening from the top. The bottom of the stopper has a hole that connects to the pivot rod mechanism.
- Install the Pop-Up Lever: Connect the clevis strap to the pop-up lever rod that extends up from behind the sink faucet. Adjust the connection points on the clevis strap so that the drain stopper opens and closes correctly when the lever is pulled or pushed.
After completing these steps, run water into the sink and check for leaks at all connection points, particularly under the sink.
