Found Washer Next to Sink tap

[fadsarmy]

Hello everyone. I was hoping someone could be kind enough to help me with a minor issue. A few months ago, I found a torn washer next to the tap but had no idea where it came from. A few months later, the pop up waste rod has become very stiff to operate but is still functional. I now suspect the washer has come off from the rod but I don't ever remember seeing it on and looking at the ones in shops, I don't see any with a washer. I have no idea where the washer goes so any advice would be appreciated.

http://i.*********/46Nczcx.jpg

 

[JCplumb]

Sometimes you get one of those washers on the rod that operates the plug, they don't really do much so don't worry about it breaking off.
As for the stiffness, a similar washer could be trapped in the hole where the rod goes through the back of the tap. If you look underneath the sink, the rod goes into a threaded part underneath the sink, it is where it joins onto the next rod that then attaches to the horizontal rod that goes into the back of the sink waste.
Hold that threaded part, you may need pliers or similar to hold it although it is probably only hand tight - and unscrew the rod above the sink and pull it out. Check for a misplaced washer on that rod or in the hole and remove it. Then re-assemble and it should be like new.

 

[fadsarmy]

That's great to hear. I'll give it a go later on. Many thanks.