Quick Answer:
If you recently fitted a pop-up sink stopper and hair now seems to collect constantly, the stopper or its linkage is probably trapping hair in small crevices. The fastest fix is to remove the stopper, clear the hair from the pivot and crevices, and reassemble carefully. If the problem keeps returning, consider a screen or a different stopper design.
Why This Happens
Pop-up stoppers have moving parts (the stopper head, pivot rod, and a pivot nut) that leave small gaps and recesses. Hair slides into those gaps and gets caught where water can’t flush it away. Tight fits or misaligned parts can make the stopper sit so hair is funneled into the same spot every time. If the issue began after other work in the bathroom, that can also disturb old deposits or change how water flows—see Hair clog after remodel for related causes.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Tools and prep
- Latex or nitrile gloves, flashlight, adjustable pliers
- Small flat screwdriver or pick, old toothbrush, paper towels
- Small bucket or bowl to catch any drips, store small parts
Remove pop-up and inspect linkage crevices
- Place the bucket under the sink to catch drips. Shine the flashlight under the sink to locate the pivot rod and retainer nut connected to the pop-up linkage.
- Loosen the pivot retainer nut a turn or two with pliers. You don’t need to fully unscrew everything—just enough to free the pivot rod.
- Lift the stopper out from the top of the sink. If it won’t lift, pull the pivot rod out more so the stopper clears the linkage.
- Inspect the stopper head, the cavity it sits in, and the pivot rod area for hair and gunk. Pay special attention to small crevices around the pivot and the underside of the stopper where hair wraps up.
Clean the parts
- Use a pick or toothbrush to remove hair and deposits. Wipe parts with paper towels or wash in warm, soapy water.
- Check the pivot rod bushing and pivot nut for wear or hardened deposits; clean or replace if needed.
- If hair remains lower in the drain, remove and inspect the P-trap—catch and clear any hair there, then reinstall the trap securely.
Reassemble, test, and prevent recurrence
- Return the stopper to its seat, reinsert the pivot rod, and tighten the retainer nut just until the stopper moves correctly—don’t overdo it.
- Operate the pop-up several times and run water to confirm hair no longer collects. Check under the sink for leaks.
- To reduce future buildup, consider a small drain screen or empty the stopper and wipe its crevices regularly. If clogs appear only in certain conditions, read Recurring clog only on hot water for clues.
What Not to Do
- Do not overtighten pop-up parts to fix it. Overtightening can misalign the mechanism or crack plastic parts, which makes the problem worse.
- Don’t force corroded parts—apply penetrating lubricant and let it soak, or call help if they won’t move.
- Avoid pouring strong chemical drain cleaners into a sink with exposed parts; they can damage seals and irritate skin or eyes.
When to Call a Professional
- If the linkage or stopper is broken, warped, or missing parts that you can’t safely replace.
- If cleaning doesn’t stop recurring hair buildup or if the drain backs up after you clear visible hair.
- If you find a leak you can’t reseal, or you’re uncomfortable removing the P-trap or working under the sink.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when reaching into drains or using tools.
- Keep a bucket under the trap to catch water; clear wet towels from the work area to avoid slips.
- If you use any cleaning chemicals, follow label instructions and ventilate the area. Prefer mechanical cleaning (brushes, picks) over harsh chemicals for this task.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Do I always need to remove the P-trap? Not always. Start by removing and cleaning the stopper and pivot area; only remove the P-trap if hair remains or water is slow below that point.
- Can I use a drain snake for hair? A small hand auger can help, but use it gently to avoid damaging the stopper mechanism or scratching the drain.
- How often should I clean the stopper? Every few weeks if multiple people use the sink daily, or more often if you notice slower drainage or visible hair buildup.