Choose the Best Sink Stopper from the Start

Choosing the right sink stopper may not seem like a big decision, but this small piece of hardware can have a big impact on your sinks functionality. The wrong choice can lead to leaks, backups and other headaches down the road.

Pop-Up Sink Stoppers

Pop-up stoppers are very common and allow you to easily control water flow with a lift handle connected to the stopper. When the handle is lowered, the connected stopper seals over the drain to prevent water from escaping and debris from entering the pipes. Lift the handle and the stopper raises to allow full water flow.

Many pop-up sink stoppers feature an integrated overflow outlet. If you accidentally leave the water running, this overflow drain prevents spillovers once the sink basin fills to capacity.

Benefits of Pop-Up Stoppers

• Easy push/pull operation
• Often includes overflow outlet
• Compatible with most sinks
• Replaceable components

Considerations for Pop-Up Stoppers

• Can loosen/wear out over time
• Lift rods may require adjustment
• More parts can mean more repairs

Lift-and-Turn Sink Stoppers

As the name suggests, lift-and-turn stoppers operate by lifting and rotating a knob or handle mounted in the center of the stopper. Turning the knob one way seals the drain while turning it the other way opens it to allow water flow.

These stoppers tend to be manual rather than spring-loaded, so there is no overflow outlet present.

Benefits of Lift-and-Turn Stoppers

• Simple mechanism with few parts
• Easy to operate and adjust
• Durable build

Considerations for Lift-and-Turn Stoppers

• No overflow outlet
• Not as common as pop-ups
• Depth must match sink basin

Push-and-Pull Sink Stoppers

The push-and-pull variety may resemble a pop-up stopper but is operated directly by pushing down or pulling up rather than a connected lift rod. Many include flanges extending outward from the stopper perimeter to improve the seal against the sink opening.

Like pop-ups, some push-pull stoppers feature overflow outlets while others do not.

Benefits of Push-and-Pull Stoppers

• No lift rod means less to repair
• Direct operation from the stopper itself
• Sealing flanges block debris

Considerations for Push-and-Pull Stoppers

• Seals may still loosen over time
• No overflow with some models
• Push/pull location affects access

Other Specialty Sink Stopper Types

While less common than the primary options above, you may encounter these other sink stopper varieties:

Chain Stoppers

Utilize a pull chain rather than lift rod to control an attached stopper. Found in older sinks.

Flipper Stoppers

A rectangular "flipper door" mounts over the opening. Flip it down when the sink is full to allow water flow.

Silicone Stoppers

Flexible silicone construction creates a tight custom seal and is easy to sanitize.

Magnetic Stoppers

A magnet seals a disk to the sink bottom. Remove the disk to expose the drain.

Choosing Durable Build Materials

The stopper mechanism and seal are subject to near constant underwater contact and wear. Choosing durable materials avoids corrosion and premature part failures.

Stainless Steel

• Resists corrosion and rust
• Holder and parts remain sturdy
• More expensive than other metals

Rubber

• Forms watertight sink seal
• Softens and wears over time
• Easy to replace rubber components

Brass, plastic and silicone stoppers are also common depending on price point and performance needs.

Ensure Proper Sink Compatibility

With an array of sinks across households, stopper types and sizes can vary widely. Measure your sink drain and tailpiece before shopping to get an accurately matching stopper.

Key Measurements

• Drain hole diameter
• Tailpiece length and diameter
• Basin depth (for overflow needs)

Also check if your sink already has a built-in overflow outlet. This allows you to choose a stopper style that suits your existing configuration.

Opt for Easy Maintenance

Any sink stopper will need occasional cleaning and replacement of worn gaskets and seals. Choose options that simplify maintenance while offering longevity.

Cleaning Tips

• Remove stoppers and clean monthly
• Use baking soda and vinegar solution
• Try a drain catcher to stop hair clogs

Replacing Parts

• Many stoppers have replaceable gaskets
• Entire assemblies can also be swapped out
• Adjust lift rods if needed

Compare Stopper Costs and Warranties

Prices range widely for sink stoppers depending on materials used and overall quality. Consider cost alongside expected longevity when deciding.

Budget-Friendly

• Plastic stoppers under $15
• Basic mechanisms
• Prone to faster wear

Mid-Range

• $15-$40 common
• Chrome plated brass
• Rubber gaskets

Premium

• All stainless steel $60+
• Thicker rubber seals
• Longest warranties

Review warranties closely to understand what degradation or damage is covered by the manufacturer over time.

Our Recommended Stoppers

Ready to choose your new sink stopper? Any of these highly rated options offer quality construction and long-term reliability:

Best Pop-Up: Kohler Lift-and-Turn Bath Drain

Durable polished chrome and brass that removes for easy cleaning.

Best Lift-and-Turn: American Standard Lift and Turn

All metal design and epoxy seal prevents leaks.

Best Under $20: Everflow Supplies Sink Drain

Chrome plated brass stopper and stainless steel chain.

Do a little planning up front when selecting a new sink stopper rather than settling for what comes standard with a sink. Construction, ease of operation and maintenance needs should all factor into your decision making. With the right choice, you can avoid water backup headaches and keep your sinks running smoothly for years before needing to think about stoppers again!