Installation, replacement and repair
Basin pop-up stopper replacement
A faulty pop-up stopper will not stay open, will not hold water, or leaks under the basin where the waste passes through. Replacing the pop-up waste is a short job, and the main choice is between a click-clack stopper you press and a lever type worked by a rod behind the tap.
Typical price
$60–$120per job, standard pop-up wasteTypical job time
30–60 min
Estimate, confirm on WhatsApp
When to replace or repair
- The stopper stays down and the basin will not drain, or stays up and will not hold water.
- Pressing a click-clack stopper does nothing, or it springs straight back up.
- The lever behind the tap moves but the stopper does not.
- Water drips from the waste nut under the basin.
- Hair and gunk keep building up around the stopper and it is hard to remove for cleaning.
Common reasons
- A worn spring in the click-clack mechanism.
- A loose or corroded rod or strap linking the lever to the stopper on lever types.
- Hair and soap scum binding the stopper so it cannot move.
- A perished rubber seal on the stopper head, or a cracked washer under the basin.
- Corrosion on cheaper chrome-plated wastes.
Before you call
Safe things to try first
- Unscrew or lift out the stopper (many click-clack tops unscrew when open) and clear off hair and scum.
- On a lever type, check under the basin that the rod is still clipped to the strap and the pivot nut is finger-tight.
- Check whether your basin has an overflow hole. A basin with an overflow needs a slotted waste, and one without needs an unslotted waste.
- Take a photo of the stopper and of the waste under the basin to send with your enquiry.
Stop and call if
- Water leaks from the joint where the waste meets the basin, which means the waste needs resealing.
- The waste body is corroded and turns when you try to tighten the nut.
- The basin drains slowly even with the stopper removed, which points to a choke in the trap or pipe.
What we do
- 1Check the stopper type, whether the basin has an overflow, and the size of the existing waste.
- 2Disconnect the bottle trap, undo the backnut and remove the old pop-up waste.
- 3Clean the basin outlet and seat the new waste with the right washers or sealant, lining up the slot with the overflow.
- 4For a lever type, connect and adjust the rod so the stopper opens and closes fully.
- 5Refit the trap, fill the basin to test the seal, then drain it and check underneath for drips.
How much it costs
Most basin pop-up stopper replacement jobs in Singapore cost $60–$120 (per job, standard pop-up waste). This is an estimate; the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp or on site before work starts.
- Replace a click-clack pop-up waste$60–$120
- Replace a lever-type pop-up waste$80–$150
- Clean and adjust the existing stopper$50–$80
- Redo the full basin waste and trap connection$150–$280
HDB, condo and landed
HDB
Basin wastes and stoppers are fittings inside your flat, so they are yours to maintain, not the town council's. Most are standard parts, so bring the old one or a photo when buying.
Condo
Fittings inside the unit are yours. If the basin came with the unit, the brand and model may be in your handover documents, which helps when ordering a matching waste. Inform security before the visit.
Landed
Several bathrooms often means several different basins and wastes. Note each basin's brand and whether it has an overflow before ordering parts.
Basin pop-up stopper replacement: common questions
Click-clack or lever: which should I choose?
Click-clacks are simpler and have fewer parts to fail, but you reach into the water to press them. Lever types keep your hands dry and suit people with a weaker grip, but the rod and strap need adjusting now and then.
Can I replace just the stopper head?
Sometimes. If only the rubber seal or the top cap is worn, a matching head may fit. If the mechanism or the waste body is worn or leaking, the whole pop-up waste should be replaced.
What is the difference between a slotted and unslotted waste?
A slotted waste has openings on the side so water from the overflow hole can drain away. Basins with an overflow need one. Fitting an unslotted waste blocks the overflow, so the basin can spill if a tap is left running.
Do I need a licensed plumber to replace a basin stopper?
No. PUB lists installing a wash basin and its trap as work that does not need a Licensed Plumber, and the pop-up waste is part of the basin's drainage fittings.
How do I stop hair building up around the stopper?
Use a basin hair catcher, or lift out and rinse the stopper every week or two. That also keeps the click-clack spring moving freely.
Get a price for basin pop-up stopper replacement
Send a photo or short video, your home type and postal code. We reply with a price range and the earliest slot.
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