Share
Hi all,
My sink's pop up plug mechanism has stopped working and I tried to lubricate it, did absolutely nothing.
So I have been searching the internet to find a replacement, couldn't find anything like mine. They are all too long and won't fit my sink waste...
I hope someone here is able to help me. Thanks in advance. The brand of my sink is Caroma, had no luck on their website either.
I have attached a photo of the tiny plug:
Hello @EmmaWu
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your pop-up plug mechanism.
If you are keen to do a D.I.Y. restoration of your pop-up mechanism, I suggest getting a small plastic container and filling it with cleaning vinegar. The mechanism must be fully submerged and left in the vinegar for at least 24 hours. I recommend trying to press it and see if the spring release works and the pop-up piston comes out.
However, if the spring release does not work, I propose dismantling the pop-up mechanism by removing the locking screw at the side of the piston. It's important to keep your finger on the piston so that it does not fly off when you remove the locking screw at the side. Using both hands carefully allow the piston assembly to rise and come apart.
Once you see all the parts make sure to take a photo so that you'll remember how to put it back together. Using an old toothbrush and the cleaning vinegar try to remove as much of the mould and calcium deposits that has attached itself to the interior body of the mechanism. Use steel wool for the more stubborn deposits that won't come off.
Once you've given it a thorough clean re-assemble the pop-up mechanism and spray it with WD-40 150g Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant. Make sure to test the piston function to make sure that it will still lock itself in place. But in case of catastrophic failure and the piston can no longer be re-built, I propose changing your old pop-up set with a new plug and waste.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @DonnaHewitt100. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about pop-up sink mechanisms.
From my experience, if it's not a simple swap to an equivalent mechanism, then it's often best to replace the whole plug and waste. We keep a replacement mechanism for the Kinetic wastes we sell, but not for other brands. If we could positively identify the brand of your waste, then that would open up the possibility of contacting the supplier to see if they offer spare parts. Please note that just because a sink is labelled a certain brand doesn't mean the waste is also that brand. Unfortunately, the waste themselves would seldom have a branding on them. If this were a sink or waste you purchased through us, I would be more than happy to follow up with the supplier to see if spare parts are available.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
