How to Replace a Bathroom Sink Pop Up Drain Rod and Pivot Ball Kit

Step 1: Confirm this is the right repair

1. Lift and lower the sink's lift rod and watch what happens at the stopper.
2. Look under the sink and check whether the horizontal pivot rod is bent, disconnected, badly corroded, or dripping where it enters the drain body.
3. Check whether the clevis strap and spring clip are missing, loose, or no longer holding adjustment.
4. If the stopper itself is intact and the drain body is not cracked, this kit is a good match for the repair.

If it works: You've confirmed the problem is in the pop-up linkage or pivot ball assembly, not a broken sink or faucet issue.

If it doesn’t: If the drain body is cracked, the stopper does not match the drain, or the leak is coming from the drain flange or trap joints, fix those parts instead of replacing only the rod and pivot ball kit.

Step 2: Set up the area and remove the old linkage

1. Clear out items stored under the sink so you can work comfortably.
2. Place a towel and bucket under the drain assembly.
3. Unscrew or unclip the lift rod from the clevis strap under the sink.
4. Remove the spring clip that holds the pivot rod to the clevis strap, then slide the pivot rod free.
5. Loosen the pivot retaining nut at the back of the drain body and pull out the old pivot rod and ball.
6. Lift the stopper out from above the sink.

Step 3: Clean the drain opening and pivot port

1. Wipe sludge and hair from the stopper opening at the top of the drain.
2. Use a small brush to clean the pivot opening and threads where the retaining nut seats.
3. Rinse or wipe away loose debris so the new pivot ball can seat cleanly.
4. Inspect the stopper hole inside the drain body and make sure nothing is blocking the pivot rod from engaging the stopper.

Step 4: Install the new stopper and pivot ball kit

1. Drop the new stopper into the drain from above, with its hole or slot oriented toward the back where the pivot rod enters.
2. Slide the new pivot rod and ball into the drain body so the rod passes through the stopper hole.
3. Thread the retaining nut on by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then snug it gently with pliers.
4. Do not overtighten the nut; it should hold the pivot ball while still allowing the rod to move.
5. Reconnect the pivot rod to the clevis strap with the spring clip.
6. Reconnect the lift rod to the clevis strap and set the stopper height so it seals when down and opens enough when lifted.

Step 5: Adjust the linkage for smooth opening and closing

1. Operate the lift rod several times while watching the stopper and the linkage under the sink.
2. Move the pivot rod to a different hole in the clevis strap if the stopper does not close fully or does not lift high enough.
3. Tighten the lift rod connection once the stopper travel looks right.
4. Check that the pivot rod is level enough to move freely and is not rubbing hard against the drain body or cabinet wall.

If it doesn’t: If the action still feels sloppy, recheck the stopper orientation and fine-tune the clevis strap position one hole at a time.

Step 6: Test for leaks and make sure the repair holds

1. Close the stopper and fill the sink with a few inches of water.
2. Watch under the sink around the pivot retaining nut while the basin is full.
3. Release the stopper and let the sink drain completely while checking again for drips at the pivot area.
4. Use the lift rod several more times during normal draining to confirm the linkage stays connected and the stopper keeps its adjustment.

If it works: The sink holds water when closed, drains when opened, and stays dry around the pivot connection during real use.

If it doesn’t: If you see a small drip at the pivot nut, snug it slightly and retest. If the stopper still will not seal or the leak continues, the drain body or stopper style may not match the kit.