Quick Answer:
If you lift the pop-up and the drain stays closed while the bowl fills, the pivot rod, lift rod linkage, or the stopper itself is likely jammed or out of alignment. First stop the incoming water and lift the rod and look for resistance; then remove the stopper to check for jams. If a simple clearing or adjustment doesn’t free it, call a pro to avoid breaking the assembly or causing an overflow.
Why This Happens
Pop-up drains use a small pivot rod and a lift rod linkage to raise and lower the stopper. Common causes for a drain that won’t open include:
- Debris, hair, or gunky mineral buildup holding the stopper in the closed position.
- The pivot rod or clip is broken, bent, or disconnected so the linkage doesn’t pull the stopper up.
- The stopper is misaligned or stuck against the drain seat.
- Corrosion or hardened deposits preventing movement of metal parts.
Related problems you might see include Sink stopper not sealing or Stopper spins freely, which point to the same linkage and stopper issues from different directions.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Stop the water flow
Turn off the faucet and, if needed, shut the supply valves under the sink. If the bowl is already filling, scoop out water with a cup or use a small container to remove enough so you can work without overflow risk.
Step 2 — Lift the rod and check for resistance
Lift and lower the lift rod a few times while watching the linkage under the sink. If you feel stiff resistance or the rod moves but the stopper doesn’t, note where the resistance is — at the lift rod, at the pivot, or at the stopper.
Step 3 — Inspect under the sink
Look under the sink where the horizontal pivot rod meets the tailpiece. Check for a loose or broken clip, a bent rod, or corrosion. Sometimes simply realigning the clip or tightening the retaining nut restores motion.
Step 4 — Remove the stopper to check for jams
Most pop-up stoppers lift out after you unscrew or unclip the pivot assembly. With the stopper removed you can:
- Clear hair and debris from the stopper and drain seat.
- Run a flashlight down the drain to spot an obstruction.
- Test the linkage manually to see whether the stopper moves freely when pulled by hand.
Step 5 — Reassemble and test carefully
Put the stopper back, reconnect the pivot rod and clip, and test slowly. Keep a bucket or towels under the work area and don’t allow the bowl to refill before you confirm the drain opens properly.
What Not to Do
- Do not let the bowl overflow while testing a stuck-closed pop-up.
- Do not forcefully bend or snap metal rods—this can break the assembly and make repairs harder.
- Avoid pouring harsh chemical drain cleaners into a partially blocked pop-up; they can damage finishes and plumbing and are unlikely to reach the pivot area.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if:
- You find a broken pivot rod, stripped threads, or a missing clip and don’t have replacement parts or tools.
- The stopper is jammed in place and won’t lift even after you remove debris.
- There’s persistent leakage after reassembly or corrosion so severe parts must be replaced.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working under the sink.
- Keep towels or a shallow container handy to catch water when disconnecting the pivot rod.
- If you used chemical cleaners previously, ventilate the area and avoid mixing chemicals.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why won’t my stopper come out? — It may be held by the pivot rod clip; loosen the retaining nut and unclip before pulling the stopper out.
- Can I fix a broken pivot rod myself? — Small parts are inexpensive and can be replaced, but if the tailpiece or surrounding plumbing is damaged, call a pro.
- How do I prevent this from happening again? — Clean hair and debris from the stopper regularly and check the linkage occasionally for loose clips or corrosion.