Pop up waste repair in Exeter
Professional pop up waste repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Pop-up waste repaired or replaced - no more water leaking away, plug stuck open or closed, or fiddly mechanism that doesn't work. Smooth operation and proper seal restored.
When Your Basin Won't Hold Water
You fill the basin for a shave or to wash your face. Turn away for 30 seconds. Turn back and it's half empty.
Or the opposite - plug won't pop up, water won't drain, you're trying to fish it out with your fingers.
Or it's seized completely and won't move at all.
Pop-up wastes are convenient when they work. Intensely annoying when they don't.
💡 Pro tip: Most pop-up waste failures are caused by hair wrapped around the mechanism. Regular cleaning prevents this, but most people never think to do it.
Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won't seal | Perished rubber seal | Replace seal or whole waste |
| Won't pop up/down | Corroded linkage | Clean and lubricate or replace |
| Stuck open | Broken spring/mechanism | Replace waste |
| Leaking from underneath | Worn seal on trap connection | New washer or reseal |
What I'll Do
🔧 Diagnosis & Fix
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check the mechanism | Work out what's actually failed |
| Attempt repair | Clean, new seal, or fix linkage |
| Replace if needed | Fit new waste if beyond repair |
| Test thoroughly | Fill basin, check seal and operation |
📦 Result
- Basin holds water properly
- Pop-up operates smoothly
- No leaks from underneath
- Proper seal restored
Typical Pricing
| Job | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple repair/cleaning | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Complete waste replacement | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Replacement + difficult access | 45-60 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Replacement waste extra if needed (usually £10-25 depending on type).
Get It Sorted If...
✅ Basin won't hold water - leaks away slowly
✅ Plug stuck open or closed
✅ Mechanism seized - won't operate
✅ Leaking underneath sink
Why Choose Us for Pop up waste repair in Exeter?
Seals properly again
Smooth operation
Stops water leaking away
Replacement if beyond repair
What to Expect
Step 1: Diagnose The Problem
I'll check what's failed - seal, linkage, mechanism, or something else. Sometimes it just needs cleaning.
Step 2: Repair Or Replace
Try to repair if possible (new seal, clean and lubricate). If it's knackered, fit a new waste.
Step 3: Test Thoroughly
Fill the basin, check it seals, operates smoothly, and nothing leaks underneath.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're tackling it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Screwdriver
- Bucket
- Old towels
- Replacement parts if needed
Simple cleaning/repair
- Remove the lever arm at the back
- Pull the pop-up mechanism out from above
- Clean all the hair and gunk off
- Check the rubber seal - replace if perished
- Lubricate the linkage with silicone spray
- Reassemble and test
Complete replacement
- Disconnect the trap underneath (bucket ready)
- Unscrew the locking nut holding the waste in place
- Remove old waste from above
- Clean the basin hole thoroughly
- Fit new waste with plumber's putty or silicone
- Tighten locknut from underneath (not too tight)
- Reconnect trap
- Test for leaks and operation
Choosing a replacement
- "Click-clack" type: Push once to close, push again to open (no lever)
- "Pop-up" type: Lever behind taps operates it
- Must match your basin hole size (usually 32mm)
- Slotted for overflow or unslotted
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Overtightening the locknut (cracks the basin)
- Forgetting plumber's putty/silicone (leaks)
- Wrong size waste for the basin
- Not checking for leaks before use
💡 Pro trick: When fitting a new waste, hand-tighten the locknut then just a quarter turn with pliers. Any tighter risks cracking ceramic basins.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Click-clack vs pop-up: Click-clack wastes (no lever, just push the plug) are much more reliable than traditional pop-up mechanisms. Worth considering if replacing.
Basin type matters: Some designer basins have specific waste requirements. If you've got an unusual basin, let me know when you book so I can source the right part.
While I'm there: If your pop-up waste is failing, check your taps aren't dripping or stiff too. I can sort those at the same time - more efficient than separate visits.
Limescale areas: If you're in a hard water area, limescale builds up on the mechanism. Regular descaling with vinegar helps, but eventually everything needs replacing.
Slotted vs unslotted: If your basin has an overflow hole, you need a slotted waste (allows overflow water to drain). Most basins have overflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a pop-up waste?
It's the plug mechanism in your basin that you operate by pushing down or pulling up the lever behind the taps. When it works, it's convenient. When it doesn't, it's infuriating.
What goes wrong with pop-up wastes?
The seal perishes so water leaks away. The linkage gets corroded or breaks. Hair gets wrapped around the mechanism. Or the spring mechanism fails and it won't stay up or down.
Can you repair it or does it need replacing?
Depends what's failed. Sometimes a new seal or cleaning is enough. If the mechanism's broken or badly corroded, replacement is better than trying to bodge it.
Do I need to match the existing one?
If replacing, the new waste needs to be compatible with your basin. Most are standard, but some designer basins need specific types. I can advise and source the right one.
How long does repairing or replacing take?
Repair is usually 20-30 minutes. Complete replacement is 30-45 minutes including disconnecting the trap, fitting new waste, and reconnecting everything.
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