Check what's holding the stopper
- Look underneath for a horizontal rod entering the drain pipe. These steps cover a lift-rod pop-up stopper held by that rod.
- Release the linkage clip, undo the retaining nut and withdraw the rod before lifting the stopper.
- Put the existing stopper and hardware back, then test its movement, water-holding seal and connections underneath.
If your plug lifts a little but won't come free, the connection underneath deserves a look. We'd check that connection first because the ball rod holds the stopper inside the drain and must come out before you can remove it. Pulling from above skips the part that's retaining it.
Review the installation instructions that came with your drain before undoing anything. Designs vary, and this method applies to the arrangement with a faucet lift rod, linkage below the basin and a retaining rod entering the drain. If yours has a different arrangement, follow its own removal instructions.
Find the two connections underneath
Follow the faucet's lift rod down beneath the basin. It connects to linkage that transfers its movement to the ball lever or ball rod assembly at the drain. Look for the horizontal rod entering the side of the drain pipe, with a nut securing that connection.
The strip extending the lift handle down to the pivot rod is called a clevis strip or clevis strap. A spring clip connects that strip to the pivot rod. Those names refer to the parts you'll disconnect underneath, while the stopper itself comes out through the basin.
Locate both fastening points before proceeding. The clip connects the linkage to the rod, and the retaining nut holds the rod at the drain. Removing the nut releases the drain connection; the spring clip needs its own release to separate the linkage.
Take a photo of the connected parts so you've got a reference for reassembly. For a Kohler drain, the rod-removal guidance (opens in a new tab) can help you identify the ball rod and its nut before working on them.
Protect the cabinet and save the small parts
Clear stored items from around the sink and beneath the basin, then wipe around the drain opening. Put a small bucket or towel underneath the drain connection before loosening it. Residual water can remain in the pipe, so give it somewhere to land without wetting the cabinet.
Leave that protection in place through removal and reassembly, and keep the space beneath the basin clear while reconnecting the hardware. Water containment matters during installation too, even though you're putting the same parts back.
Gather the tools before starting so you don't have to look for them with the assembly partly disconnected. Have an adjustable wrench or pliers available for the retaining nut. Put on disposable gloves to protect your hands from grime on the stopper and hardware.
Set a small cup nearby for the parts you remove. You'll need the small hardware again to reinstall this stopper, so keep it together as you work. Take particular care with the retaining nut so it doesn't fall down the drain.
Release the clip and withdraw the rod
Work at the connections below the basin before trying to extract the stopper from above. If you operate the faucet's lift rod and the stopper feels stuck, don't force the lift rod. Release the retaining hardware underneath instead.
- Where a spring clip joins the clevis strip to the pivot rod, squeeze the clip's ends and remove it. Separate the linkage from the rod and place the clip in your parts cup.
- Try loosening the rod's retaining nut with your fingers first. If it won't loosen by hand, use pliers or a wrench to unthread it, until the nut no longer secures the rod at the drain.
- Carefully pull the pivot or ball rod out of the side of the drain. Its inner end should be clear of the stopper before you move back above the basin.
The useful checkpoint here is the rod's position. A loosened nut is only part of the release: the rod itself has to leave the drain because it's the part holding the stopper inside.
Lift gently once the hardware is released
Grip the stopper from above and lift it straight upward, slowly and carefully. With the retaining rod withdrawn, the stopper can come out through the drain opening. Keep the movement controlled as it leaves the basin.
If it resists, check underneath that the pivot rod and clevis strap are completely disconnected. Buildup around the seal can also resist removal after the hardware is released. Try a slight, gentle twist while lifting, or a little side-to-side movement.
Reconnect the existing stopper
Use your photo and saved hardware to rebuild the existing assembly in reverse order. Put the stopper into the basin opening first, then reconnect the parts underneath. That order gives the pivot rod a stopper to connect to when it goes back into the drain.
- Insert the existing stopper into the drain opening from above. Leave it in place for the pivot rod to reconnect underneath.
- Reinsert the pivot rod and connect it to the stopper, then tighten the retaining nut until the connection feels secure. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the gasket or restrict stopper movement.
- Reattach the clevis strap to the pivot rod with the saved spring clip. The linkage should once again connect the faucet's lift rod to the rod at the drain.
Move the faucet lift rod several times and watch the stopper open and close. Check its travel before adding water so you can see whether the reconnected mechanism moves the stopper fully. The water check comes next to test how it seals.
Test the seal and look underneath for leaks
Close the stopper and add a small amount of water to the basin. Watch whether it holds that water, then open the stopper and confirm the water flows away smoothly. This tests both positions under the conditions you'll use them.
Run water through the reassembled drain and look underneath for leaks at the connections. Check below the basin even when the stopper moves correctly above it. Movement, holding water and keeping the underneath connections dry are separate things to observe.
If travel is incomplete, the stopper won't seal or water leaks underneath, stop the test and keep the bucket or towel in place. Recheck that the clip, pivot rod and retaining nut are connected, with the nut secure without over-tightening. If the problem continues, call a plumber for further adjustment or repair.
After successful reassembly, check the drain connections occasionally for signs of moisture.
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