Quick Answer:
If hair keeps collecting around the stopper and the same spot clogs again after you pull strands out, remove the stopper, clear the trapped hair from the drain throat and linkage, and inspect the pivot or lift mechanism. Often hair wraps around the linkage below the stopper where you can’t see it, so simple surface pulling won’t fix it long term.
Why This Happens
- Hair accumulates where the stopper meets the drain and around the pivot or lift linkage below it.
- Every time you pull visible hair from the top, more hair that is wrapped lower in the throat or around the linkage remains and quickly reblocks the opening.
- Stoppers with pivot rods or plunger mechanisms have small gaps where hair can snag and pack tightly over time.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Preparation
- Gather gloves, towels, a bucket, a flashlight, pliers or an adjustable wrench, and a small brush or rag.
- Place towels around the sink to protect finishes and set a bucket under the P-trap if you plan to disconnect anything.
Remove the Stopper
- If you have a pop-up stopper: locate the pivot rod under the sink that connects to the stopper. Loosen the retaining nut and pull the rod out slightly to free the stopper, then lift the stopper out of the drain.
- If you have a push-pull or lift-and-turn stopper: unscrew or lift per the model instructions to remove it. Consult the stopper parts rather than forcing it.
Clear the Throat and Linkage
- Pull the stopper and clear hair from the drain throat and linkage.
- Use your gloved fingers, a small brush, or a cloth to remove hair wrapped around the stopper shaft and the drain throat. A flashlight helps you see the area clearly.
- If hair is down low around the pivot rod, remove the pivot rod or open the trap if needed to access and clear it.
Reassemble and Test
- Reinstall the stopper and reconnect any rods or nuts. Make sure the linkage moves freely and the stopper seals properly.
- Run water and operate the stopper several times to confirm the drain flows and the stopper opens and closes without resistance.
What Not to Do
- Do not push hair deeper with tools—remove the stopper and clean the throat.
- Don’t jam long rigid tools down the drain; that can compact hair further or damage the stopper parts.
- Avoid relying on repeated harsh chemical drain cleaners; they won’t remove wrapped hair around linkage and can harm finishes and pipes.
When to Call a Professional
- Water still drains slowly after you remove and clean the stopper and throat.
- You find corrosion, broken linkage, or the stopper won’t seat or lift properly.
- If the problem is related to other symptoms like backups in multiple fixtures or leaks when you reassemble components.
- If you notice issues similar to Stopper stuck in open position or the stopper functions intermittently, a plumber can diagnose worn parts or a deeper blockage.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves to avoid contact with dirty water and sharp edges.
- Turn off taps and have towels ready to catch drips when loosening nuts under the sink.
- If you disconnect the P-trap, empty it into a bucket and reseal connections by hand-tightening then snugging with a wrench—don’t overtighten plastic fittings.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does the same spot clog again so quickly? Hair is often wrapped lower in the throat or around linkage, so pulling only the top strands won’t clear the wrapped material.
- Can I fix this without tools? You can remove and clean many stoppers by hand, but basic tools make it easier to access the pivot rod and reassemble parts safely.
- Should I replace the stopper? Replace the stopper if the linkage is worn, the stopper won’t seal, or the mechanism repeatedly traps hair; this can prevent recurring clogs and is often inexpensive.
If the stopper behaves erratically or only works sometimes, check the linkage and clean the throat first; if it continues, consult a plumber for diagnosis of worn parts or deeper blockages related to Stopper works only sometimes.