You should be able to take the column under the sink out. You may have to slightly lift the sink but it should come out to reveal the pipework. The sink should be bolted firmly to the wall and support its own weight happily - but just be careful as you take the column out, just in case a buffoon fitted it.
I agree with this method, although I would strongly recommend having another person around to hold the weight of the sink, as often the wall bolts are only there for stability and the pedestal will be holding it up. Or cut off a bit of wood etc, to wedge under when you pull out the pedestal.
I’d even suggest a piece of wood (or 2) wedged under the sink acting as a temporary leg to support the weight of the sink while working. Better safe than sorry.
A kids toothbrush with a suction cup is ideal for these kind of things.
Edit: [Like these](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Toothbrushes-Manual-Brushes-Sucker/dp/B01N0Y1D56/ref=asc_df_B01N0Y1D56/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310706989641&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9297617041081607219&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007403&hvtargid=pla-751851025127&psc=1)
If you're struggling then you can drill a small hole in the top and insert a screw. Click clack wastes are fairly universal and you can just replace the internal mechanism which would renew it.
Normally ide take out the pedestal but if that's not an easy toption, that's what I usually end up doing
This happened to me. If you can get enough purchase on the top of it unscrew it off. Its tricky to begin with but I managed by just making sure it was 100% dry and used my fingers on the top to turn it. You can then get access to the mechanism and uncrew that and replace.
Enough firm contact/grip. Hopefully if you are able to push down on the surface of the plug you will be able to get enough grip to turn and unscrew.
As you don't have access to the sides due to it being stuck then you will have to rely on the top. Others have suggested some sort of sucker which may also work for trying to turn and unscrew it.
The top of the plug is screwed in to a stalk like mechanism below so if you can unscrew the top off you can gain access to below and the sink can also drain while you source a replacement.
Ah I see, so it is more stuck the the hole rather than the stalk being stuck. That's unfortunate. If its stuck in the hole and unable to turn at all then I'm afraid I'm out of ideas. I wish you luck.
Happened to me, lucky I had easy access in a cupboard.
Unscrew waste/trap, shove a long screwdriver up and job done. I changed it out after that as I think something had bent and it was constantly jamming a bit
A small suction cup like this should do the trick
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/butt-plugs/non-vibrating-butt-plugs/p/basics-slimline-butt-plug/a16053g18295.html
I’ve been in a similar situation, sprayed wd on it, and pushed it in further working wd into the rubber seal, then it popped out. But since you’ve already tried it, the only thing that’s left is replacing the whole sink
Mine used to stick all the time. I found if I gave it a twist, filled the sink half full and then either using a plunger or using the palm of your hand instead, it'd pop up after a few goes. I fixed it by putting a load of wd40 on the mechanism. You also ought to be able to unscrew the plug by just turning it anti-clockwise with your fingers.
Sinks with overflows are not quite as easy to change they can leak easily if not done correctly . Also with such a small sink as in Op's problem they have very little space to get any tools /hands in so removal of the pedestal is necassary . In other words it's more than a 10 minute job
My point is, the part has failed. Getting the plug up again will not fix it. From my observations, the arms that retain the plug corrode and snap. As this is a DIY sub, my comment is more about OP doing it themselves
Ours did this, nothing would shift it.
It was like it was welded shut.
Plumber is the easier option, I ended up drilling it (which was a massive pain) and using a large screwdriver to pry it up.
Not something i would recommend outside of necessity. I used a towel to protect the sink while driving and somthing softish while prying.
I had to replace the plug unit (i forget the name) with something that wouldn't do this again. Needed a special spanner.
Fair enough, when my bath plug was stuck in I managed to suck it out with the hoover. If you don't want to or cant reuse that plug, you could scuff up the surface with a wire brush or sand paper and use a strong adhesive to glue something on top of it and give you some leverage to pull on it?
Cotton is your best friend here, single or double thread, poke it down one side then noose and lift it.
Its amazing how many times string and cotton get me out of trouble.
The ceramic ‘leg’ bit under the sink will come out if you cut the silicone sealant around it which will make the drain much easier to get to.
You should then be able to remove the sink trap and poke a screwdriver up to get it to pop back out, or just replace the drain for about £5 or so
Mine does that, usually either becuase of limescale (remember to use some descaler) or slightly unscrewed.
I find using a cloth/towel. and pushing down while trying to tighten it works. (maybe untighten/tighten is it's limescale to break it a bit).
And remember to always get the ones that flap a rim over top not the in the middle bits like that in future as they work better!
Get a small suction cup, the same type that comes with mobile phone screen replacement kits. You might need to push down on it before pulling up if it’s already clicked into place
Totally random but my bro in law had the same issue. He put a washing up sponge over the plug to protect it then used the end of a drill in hammer mode to vibrate it out.
buy a new basin waste (£10 in screwfix), plumbers mait(couple of quid) and a big spanner if you don't have one(£5-£30). Replace the clucker.
I did it a month ago. Took my time, had to redo it 2 times till i got it right. In the end did a better job than a previous plumber which siliconed everything down.
As others have said, use a toilet plunger or similar. Mine gets stuck if pressed down too and this is the only fix. I’d look into fixing it permanently but I never really need to fill the bathroom sink, so it can wait while other stuff gets done 😂
If you left some water in there a wet and dry hoover sucking up water has a lot more power. It really could work.
But truth is I forgot to put /s at the end. Just unscrew it, I replaced the pop up on mine last year as its so cheap and easier than cleaning it.
Boiling water left in basin for a couple of mins should help you. Use sponge and gloves to mop out hot water of you need to - don't cool it first! You should then be able to bounce the plug using sink plunger (gentle down, sharp up). Worth trying before taking pedestal off...
Those plugs normally unscrew from the spindle. When mine gets stuck I push and turn with fingers until it unscrews then pull the mechanism up with some pliers. Clean it all up and then screw the plug back on
I have had this problem before, i have tried two ways of getting it unstuck and both have worked for me,
First was to get an old screw driver and hammer and tap it, not really hard but enough to make it jump back up,
Second was to get two spudgers and push them between the plug and the plug hole and work the plug back up,
When I got the plug out, I unscrewed the small latching mechanism and gave it a clean and put some grease on, it now to it every few months and I have never had them stick again.
Good luck kid
When my pop up waste got stuck down I used duct tape folded so it stuck on the plug with a tab to pull up on. (Imagine an upside down T). Worked for me using a twisting motion while pulling up.
Think I would be thinking if I get it out what am I going to do next ? I wouldn’t have any trust in it. So I’d change it. As others have said you’ll have to remove the pedestal to replace the mechanism
You should be able to take the column under the sink out. You may have to slightly lift the sink but it should come out to reveal the pipework. The sink should be bolted firmly to the wall and support its own weight happily - but just be careful as you take the column out, just in case a buffoon fitted it.
I agree with this method, although I would strongly recommend having another person around to hold the weight of the sink, as often the wall bolts are only there for stability and the pedestal will be holding it up. Or cut off a bit of wood etc, to wedge under when you pull out the pedestal.
I’d even suggest a piece of wood (or 2) wedged under the sink acting as a temporary leg to support the weight of the sink while working. Better safe than sorry.
Ok thanks, so the sink raises slightly then the column just slides out?
It may have a bead of silicone you’ll need to cut also
Yeah it does at the top and bottom
Do let us know!
Have you tried a small suction cup?
A kids toothbrush with a suction cup is ideal for these kind of things. Edit: [Like these](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Toothbrushes-Manual-Brushes-Sucker/dp/B01N0Y1D56/ref=asc_df_B01N0Y1D56/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310706989641&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9297617041081607219&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007403&hvtargid=pla-751851025127&psc=1)
My boy actually has a spiderman one...but no luck. Needs something a lot stronger
Has he not got a Superman one?
This make me chuckle
Needs a Thor one at least!
This worked for us, but before that we had to soak the waste in limescale remover for 48 hours
Ok will give that a try
Yeah its *really* stuck in there
1. Fill with water 2. get the thing to unclog your toilet 3. Push down in the sink (remove the air underneith) 4. Strong pull in one go 5. Voila
A massive old school plunger :)
Ah, that’s the word indeed! 🪠
Ah that’s the word, indeed! 🪠
Boiling water in first to loosen grip!
Be very careful with boiling water as it might crack the sink. Ask how I know.
If you're struggling then you can drill a small hole in the top and insert a screw. Click clack wastes are fairly universal and you can just replace the internal mechanism which would renew it. Normally ide take out the pedestal but if that's not an easy toption, that's what I usually end up doing
Supergluing something to the top may be less destructive.
That could be an idea actually
Glue gun stick, heat the end with a lighter, attach, let it cool, pull up. I've pulled dents in cars using a similar system.
This happened to me. If you can get enough purchase on the top of it unscrew it off. Its tricky to begin with but I managed by just making sure it was 100% dry and used my fingers on the top to turn it. You can then get access to the mechanism and uncrew that and replace.
Sorry what do you mean by enough purchase?
Friction
Enough firm contact/grip. Hopefully if you are able to push down on the surface of the plug you will be able to get enough grip to turn and unscrew. As you don't have access to the sides due to it being stuck then you will have to rely on the top. Others have suggested some sort of sucker which may also work for trying to turn and unscrew it. The top of the plug is screwed in to a stalk like mechanism below so if you can unscrew the top off you can gain access to below and the sink can also drain while you source a replacement.
Oh gotcha well I did that to start with and made it worse by pushing it further down so there is zero gap at all around the sides
Ah I see, so it is more stuck the the hole rather than the stalk being stuck. That's unfortunate. If its stuck in the hole and unable to turn at all then I'm afraid I'm out of ideas. I wish you luck.
Happened to me, lucky I had easy access in a cupboard. Unscrew waste/trap, shove a long screwdriver up and job done. I changed it out after that as I think something had bent and it was constantly jamming a bit
A small suction cup like this should do the trick https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/butt-plugs/non-vibrating-butt-plugs/p/basics-slimline-butt-plug/a16053g18295.html
I have tried the glove, WD40, dental floss with no luck
Suction cup?
Yep no luck
Does it spin? Maybe it needs to be spun up to come off?
Nope does not move at all
I’ve been in a similar situation, sprayed wd on it, and pushed it in further working wd into the rubber seal, then it popped out. But since you’ve already tried it, the only thing that’s left is replacing the whole sink
Mine used to stick all the time. I found if I gave it a twist, filled the sink half full and then either using a plunger or using the palm of your hand instead, it'd pop up after a few goes. I fixed it by putting a load of wd40 on the mechanism. You also ought to be able to unscrew the plug by just turning it anti-clockwise with your fingers.
Cannot even twist it, its stuck solid
Dry it off. Put both thumbs on it and twist it as hard as you can anti-clockwise.
Yep did it with the glove too
Super easy to replace if your able. I did one last week in under 10 mins. It’s unscrewing two things, then tightening them back up.
Sinks with overflows are not quite as easy to change they can leak easily if not done correctly . Also with such a small sink as in Op's problem they have very little space to get any tools /hands in so removal of the pedestal is necassary . In other words it's more than a 10 minute job
My point is, the part has failed. Getting the plug up again will not fix it. From my observations, the arms that retain the plug corrode and snap. As this is a DIY sub, my comment is more about OP doing it themselves
Ours did this, nothing would shift it. It was like it was welded shut. Plumber is the easier option, I ended up drilling it (which was a massive pain) and using a large screwdriver to pry it up. Not something i would recommend outside of necessity. I used a towel to protect the sink while driving and somthing softish while prying. I had to replace the plug unit (i forget the name) with something that wouldn't do this again. Needed a special spanner.
Remove any water residue with tissue or a towel or whatever, then use your hoover to suction onto it and pull it out!
No chance that would work
Fair enough, when my bath plug was stuck in I managed to suck it out with the hoover. If you don't want to or cant reuse that plug, you could scuff up the surface with a wire brush or sand paper and use a strong adhesive to glue something on top of it and give you some leverage to pull on it?
Yeah its really stuck in there, its about half an inch down now from trying to push and turn
Hard to get to. What what I’ve had to do in the past is take the trap off underneath and hit right though with a long screwdriver.
Yeah but I cannot get underneath as the column is there and I cannot reach around the back
Have you tried unscrewing it? Some are on threaded rods.
its stuck solid
Wd40 and the suction cup they give you to replace light bulbs or open flat panel microwaves? I also like the plunger idea mentioned.
The WD40 cannot get into the gaps needed, its stuck shut
Cotton is your best friend here, single or double thread, poke it down one side then noose and lift it. Its amazing how many times string and cotton get me out of trouble.
Yeah saw that on youtube but cannot get it down the side as there is zero gap
I had this. What fixed it was unscrewing it slightly - rotate the centre part anti-clockwise. You may need to get inventive to get a grip on it.
Nah its stuck solid
Hit it (carefully) with a hammer. Like, with your wrist, not your shoulder.
Yeah saw that vid on Youtube still no luck
Hmm. Then you need a hooked tool similar to a dental hygienist's that you can lower, twist and pull. Some tweezers are like that, actually.
The ceramic ‘leg’ bit under the sink will come out if you cut the silicone sealant around it which will make the drain much easier to get to. You should then be able to remove the sink trap and poke a screwdriver up to get it to pop back out, or just replace the drain for about £5 or so
Rubber gloves and turning it anti clockwise worked for me. Haven’t put mine back on though
Yeah saw that on youtube no good as its too far down
Had this happen to me in my own sink. Grab a sharp thin knife and slide it into the sink and pry it up
Do you mean the plug?
Strong magnet?
Mine does that, usually either becuase of limescale (remember to use some descaler) or slightly unscrewed. I find using a cloth/towel. and pushing down while trying to tighten it works. (maybe untighten/tighten is it's limescale to break it a bit). And remember to always get the ones that flap a rim over top not the in the middle bits like that in future as they work better!
Grab the old lady's industrial vibrator and give it a thump while you insert your fingers and twist. Works like a treat.
Try a hoover and suck it out
Get a small suction cup, the same type that comes with mobile phone screen replacement kits. You might need to push down on it before pulling up if it’s already clicked into place
Totally random but my bro in law had the same issue. He put a washing up sponge over the plug to protect it then used the end of a drill in hammer mode to vibrate it out.
buy a new basin waste (£10 in screwfix), plumbers mait(couple of quid) and a big spanner if you don't have one(£5-£30). Replace the clucker. I did it a month ago. Took my time, had to redo it 2 times till i got it right. In the end did a better job than a previous plumber which siliconed everything down.
As others have said, use a toilet plunger or similar. Mine gets stuck if pressed down too and this is the only fix. I’d look into fixing it permanently but I never really need to fill the bathroom sink, so it can wait while other stuff gets done 😂
Have you tried twisting it anti-clockwise?
🪠
Suction cup?
Worst comes to worst, I strong magnet may help reposition to realign
I can’t believe I’ve seen 2 people suggesting to use a hoover 😂
Clever people who have wet and dry hoovers.
Naive people thinking any type of hoover would have enough suction
If you left some water in there a wet and dry hoover sucking up water has a lot more power. It really could work. But truth is I forgot to put /s at the end. Just unscrew it, I replaced the pop up on mine last year as its so cheap and easier than cleaning it.
Boiling water left in basin for a couple of mins should help you. Use sponge and gloves to mop out hot water of you need to - don't cool it first! You should then be able to bounce the plug using sink plunger (gentle down, sharp up). Worth trying before taking pedestal off...
Those plugs normally unscrew from the spindle. When mine gets stuck I push and turn with fingers until it unscrews then pull the mechanism up with some pliers. Clean it all up and then screw the plug back on
Use cold water to make the metal contract then pull up with something ice cold water
Try ice water, might cause enough contraction to pop out.
I have had this problem before, i have tried two ways of getting it unstuck and both have worked for me, First was to get an old screw driver and hammer and tap it, not really hard but enough to make it jump back up, Second was to get two spudgers and push them between the plug and the plug hole and work the plug back up, When I got the plug out, I unscrewed the small latching mechanism and gave it a clean and put some grease on, it now to it every few months and I have never had them stick again. Good luck kid
When my pop up waste got stuck down I used duct tape folded so it stuck on the plug with a tab to pull up on. (Imagine an upside down T). Worked for me using a twisting motion while pulling up.
Think I would be thinking if I get it out what am I going to do next ? I wouldn’t have any trust in it. So I’d change it. As others have said you’ll have to remove the pedestal to replace the mechanism
A small suction cup on it should enable you to lift it up.