My Spring Operated Pop-up Basin Plug Wont Stay Shut

[Liz McCafferty]

Hi - I have a Spring Operated Pop-up Basin Plug (not the rod type) It moves up and down freely but it won't stay down so I can only use the washbasin with the water running. It's only about a year old. Can I adjust it in any way myself please?

 

[Ben-gee]

In my experience this is usually caused by the mechanism breaking- unfortunately there are a lot of poor quality versions of this style of waste.

You can replace the brass mechanism.

Unscrew the silver plug, this should come right off and reveal the brass mechanism below.

Unscrew the mechanism , will have flats to remove it with a spanner but sometimes this snaps the brass - in which case the remainder can be moved with a pair of grips/ mole wrench etc.

Take the mechanism to plumbers’ merchant and they’ll sell you the correct replacement. There are a couple of different designs and lengths to choose from.

If access below is easy (eg a vanity unit rather than a pedestal) it might be better to change the whole thing. But with tight access it’s much easier to just replace the brass pop up mechanism.

 

[Ben-gee]

If it’s only a year old you might consider getting back whoever supplied/fitted it.

I would value this if it was my job as I would know to cross that product off my list. But from your point of view I would replace it at no cost - poor quality materials are embarrassing all round.