How the job runs
- 1Clear the cabinetempty the vanity so we can see the trap and supply lines
- 2Pull the stopperremove the pivot rod and lift out the pop-up to clean it
- 3Clean or replace the trapswap chrome traps that have rusted thin for new ones
- 4Reseal the flangenew putty or gasket where the drain meets the bowl
- 5Check supplieslook at the shut-offs and braided lines while we are under there
01Small drain, many parts
A bathroom sink drain has a flange, a pop-up stopper, a tailpiece, a pivot rod running sideways into the tailpiece, a trap and an arm into the wall. Every joint is a place for a slow drip that soaks the bottom of the vanity long before anyone sees a puddle.
When we clear a slow vanity drain we also check each of those joints.
| Common leak spot | Slip nut at the trap or a cracked tailpiece |
|---|---|
| Pop-up trouble | Loose pivot nut or a bent rod |
| Cabinet floor swollen? | Water has been leaking for a while |
02Chrome that has had enough
Older brass and chrome traps corrode from the inside and eventually crack when touched. We replace them with new brass or PVC to suit the look of the room.
03Updating the stopper
If the pop-up has been fiddly for years, a push-to-close drain assembly removes the rod entirely and is easier to clean.
04Vessel sinks
Vessel and wall-mounted sinks need specific drain heights. Tell us the sink model before the vanity goes in.