Are Pop Up Sink Plugs Standard Size? An In-Depth Home Improvement Guide

Hey there! As an expert in home renovation with over 10 years of experience, I‘m often asked if pop up sink plugs come in standard sizes. The short answer is no – there are quite a few variables that determine the right size and type of popup drain for your sink. But not to worry, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to know about measuring, choosing and installing the perfect popup plug.

How Do You Measure a Pop Up Sink Plug?

Accurately measuring your popup is the first step to finding the right size. Here‘s how to do it in three easy steps:

1. Measure the Diameter

Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure across the widest part of the circular drain plug.
Take the measurement in a straight line from one side to the other.
Make sure to note down the length in inches or centimeters.

2. Measure the Circumference

For this you‘ll need a soft flexible measuring tape.
With the plug fully extended upwards, carefully run the tape around the entire outer perimeter of the plug.
This will give you the total circumference.

3. Measure Overall Length

Finally, use a regular measuring tape to measure from the base of the plug to the very top of the handle assembly.
Be sure to include the length of the linkage arm in your measurement.
For popup drain stoppers, also measure from the base of the stopper to the top of the lift rod.

Once you have all three dimensions accurately measured, you‘ll know the precise size of your popup drain components. Having these handy will make it much easier to find a replacement or upgrade.

Do All Pop Up Drains Share a Standard Size?

While it would be convenient, you unfortunately can‘t rely on there being one universal pop up drain size. Here are three factors that determine the required size:

Type of Sink

Vessel, pedestal and decorative sinks like those made of stone often need specially sized drain assemblies.
The drain openings tend to be shaped and sized differently from standard sinks.

Dimensions of the Sink

For a typical sink between 16-19 inches wide, a standard drain size of 1 1⁄4” or 1 1⁄2“ is common.
Larger and smaller sink basins may need an proportionately sized drain assembly.

Shape of the Drain Opening

While many sinks have a standard round drain cavity, some may be square, rectangular or another shape.
The drain has to match the shape precisely to avoid leaks.

So in summary – the overall size, depth and shape of your sink will determine the dimensions needed for the popup drain.

Can a Normal Plug Replace Pop Up Drains?

If you‘re looking to simplify things and remove the popup function, a regular drain stopper can be swapped in with a few easy DIY steps:

Disconnect and remove the popup assembly – Unscrew or firmly pull up the plug from inside the sink drain cavity. Remove any attached rods or levers.
Clean excess putty/caulk – Use a putty knife to scrape away old plumber’s putty or caulk around the drain hole. Get it as clean as possible.
Insert new plug – Place the new regular (non-popup) stopper into the drain hole, aligning it centrally.
Seal the edges – Put plumber‘s putty or silicone sealant around the edges to seal the gap between plug and sink.
Secure plug – Once the sealant has set, check that the plug fits snugly and is watertight.

The great thing about this method is that you can always choose to re-install a popup drain later on if needed! Just keep the original popup assembly handy.

Pop Up vs Click Clack Waste – What‘s the Difference?

Here‘s a quick overview of how these two types of sink drain systems differ:

Pop Up Waste

Found mostly in bathroom sink drains
A plug attached to a metal rod pops up when lifted, opening the drain.

Click Clack Waste

More common in modern sink drains
A small lever is pushed or “clicked” to open the drain mechanically.
Often includes a built-in stopper to seal off the sink.

So in summary, the click clack operates on a mechanical lever system versus the manual lift-rod on a popup. But both achieve the same purpose of draining the sink.

Replacing a Pop Up Waste with Click Clack

If your popup assembly needs replacing, a click clack is a convenient option. Here are some tips to make the switch:

Carefully measure the new click clack piece to ensure it aligns with your existing drain pipe. Mismatched sizes can leak!
The drain pipe diameter may need to be adjusted with adaptors to properly fit the click clack.
Test that the click clack design and style suits your sink before purchasing.
Basic plumbing skills are useful – or better yet, have a pro handy to install the new click clack.

Follow these guidelines and you can modernize any sink with an easy-use click clack in no time!

Choosing a Pop Up Plug Size for Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks come in all shapes and sizes, so the drain plug needs to be just right too.

For a standard kitchen sink, you‘ll want a plug roughly 1-1/4” to 1-1/2” in diameter. Take measurements first to confirm:

Use a ruler and measure across the drain hole in your kitchen sink basin.
Compare the hole diameter to available plug sizes and choose accordingly.
If the plug is a bit smaller than the hole, get a rubber gasket to seal it in place.

You‘ll also want to factor in:

The right drain strainer or assembly for kitchen use
Matching sizes of all components for correct fit

With the right popup plug size suited to your kitchen sink, you‘ll prevent leaks and clogs in no time.

Are All Types of Sink Stoppers the Same?

There are actually several common varieties of sink stoppers, each with their own pros and cons:

Plunger Stoppers

A short arm connects a rubber stopper to the drain
Simple operation by inserting and removing stopper
Suited for shallower bathroom sinks

Pop Up Stoppers

Stopper connects to a metal lift rod
Pulling the rod up seals the drain
Found in bathroom & kitchen sinks

Lift and Turn Stoppers

A knob/lever on the sink is turned to seal drain
No lift rods needed
Gain popularity in modern sinks

Other variations like antique design stoppers or antibacterial stoppers are also available. So plenty of options depending on your needs!

Do Bathroom & Kitchen Sinks Have the Same Drain Size?

There’s no universal standard, but typical sizes are:

Bathroom Sinks

Average width of 16-22 inches
Require 1-1/4” drain fittings

Kitchen Sinks

Tend to be larger and deeper
1-1/2” drains are more common
Commercial sizes may be as large as 3”

Keep in mind vessels, stone and custom sinks come in all shapes and drain sizes too. So always measure first before picking components.

Are All Drain Plugs and Stoppers Universal?

Unfortunately drain plugs are not one-size-fits-all. Here are some factors that affect sizing and fit:

Shape – Round, square and rectangular plugs are common
Diameter – Plug diameter ranges from 1 inch to over 3 inches
Basin material – Metal or plastic drain basins have different needs
Use – Bathroom, kitchen, wet bar, laundry room

My tip – examine the drain carefully and bring measurements before shopping for plugs. A precision fit prevents leaks!

What are Standard Sink Fitting Sizes?

When installing a new sink, you’ll need drain fittings, faucets, supply lines and more. Here are some common sizes:

Drain Assembly

1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, or 2” drain outlet size
Match to sink drain hole size

Water Supply Lines

3/8”, 1/2", or 3/4” for hot and cold water
Choose chrome, braided, or flexible material

Faucets

4” faucet holes are standard
8” widespread faucets for larger sinks

Sink Dimensions

Range from compact 13” x 15” sinks
Up to large commercial 60” sinks

Knowing standard sizes will make installing new sinks much smoother. Just remember to double check measurements!

Step-By-Step Pop Up Plug Replacement

Over time, bathroom popup plugs can wear out or leak. Replacing them is an easy DIY job:

Turn off the water supply below the sink.
Disconnect and remove the lift rod, clevis, and stopper. Loosen nuts to detach drain plug.
Use a pipe brush to thoroughly scrub the drain opening.
Insert new drain plug into the opening and tighten washers and nuts to secure.
Attach lift rod, pivot rod, clevis and stopper. Reconnect to drain plug.
Confirm assembly is stable and turn water back on.
Test the popup seal by lifting the rod up and down.

Take it slow and ensure each piece is solidly in place – leaks can quickly lead to water damage if the assembly comes loose!

How Do You Change Out a Push Button Sink Plug?

Push button pop-up drains involve a few extra steps for removal:

Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves below the sink.
Have a small bucket ready underneath to catch water.
Detach the overflow tube by unscrewing the nut. Set aside.
Unscrew the knobs/nuts holding the push button assembly.
Remove washers and lift out the old drain plug.
Align the new drain plug into the hole and press down firmly.
Reinstall washers, nuts and knobs tightly.
Reattach the overflow tube under the sink.
Turn water supply back on and test for leaks!

Taking your time avoids stripping nuts or losing small pieces. Patience pays off with a properly functioning drain!

I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of popup sink plug sizes, types and installation. Feel free to reach out with any other home improvement questions!