Best Pop-up Sink Drain Picks for Your Bathroom

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A sink drain is one of the essential home furnishings that you need to pay attention to when revamping your bathroom. It is often overlooked, but it ensures that your sink functions properly for daily use. Aside from that, it also serves as an accent to your bathroom, making it more stunning and relaxing to stay in. It is also available in a variety of styles to suit your needs and preferences. One of the smartest and most astonishing options for your home is a pop-up sink drain.

Find out in this article what this type of sink drain is all about and why it’s worth getting for your home. Let’s start.

What is a Pop-up Sink Drain and How Does It Work?

True to its name, a pop-up drain sink is a type of drain that lets you seal water in the sink by pressing down the top drain cover and then releasing it by popping up the cover. This is also why it is known as a press and seal sink drain.

Pop-up sink drains are the polar opposite of grid drains, which remain open and thus allow you to use the water continuously without overflowing the sink. At the same time, this drain resembles the lift-and-turn drain. Both can retain and drain water at any time except that the pop-up drain does not need a lever or knob (located on top of the drain itself) that you need to manually lift and turn down. Instead, the pop-up drain has a compression spring mechanism that allows the top cap to pop up and down upon pressing.

Additionally, a pop-up sink drain is appropriate for any type of sink. This includes vessel sinks, undermount sinks, drop-in sinks, and the like, as long as the drain fits the holes in these sinks.

Main Parts of a Pop-Up Sink Drain

Here are the main components that you need to familiarize yourself with when choosing and installing a pop-up sink drain:

• Drain cover: The topmost component and what you’ll need to press to open and seal the drain.
• Compression spring: This makes the drain cover pop thanks to its spring mechanism. Connected to the drain cover, it goes inside the flange and closes the drain when the cover is pushed down.
• Anti-clogging basket: This is optional and only available depending on the design of the pop-up sink drain. It filters any dirt and residue, preventing drain clogs.
• Flange: This directly attaches the drain to the sink. You’ll need to insert its slim, lower tube first inside the sink hole. With that, its wide, ring-like portion sits atop the sink hole.
• Tailpipe: The lower part of the drain. You’ll need to connect this pipe to the flange to allow the water to drain out. 
• Gaskets: Connects and tighten the parts of the drain together. 
• Washer: Connects the flange to the sink more securely. It is screwed on the lower portion of the flange just beneath the sink to lock it in place.
• Mounting nut: This locks the end of the flange to the opening of the pipeline more securely. Not all models come with one but having it further ensures a leak-free design.

Note: Some pop-up sink drain models include stoppers with holes on the ends, as well as lift rods (located on the back of the faucet). These rods are attached to the drain beneath the sink and, when lifted, cause the drain cover and stopper to pop up. As a result, the drain allows water to exit the water pipe. This article, however, will not focus on these drain variations, but rather on the press and seal ones.

Two Types of Pop-up Sink Drain

There are two main types of pop-up sink drain that you can choose from based on the sink that you have. This depends on whether your sink has another hole near the top of the basin. If yes, your sink has what is known as the “overflow”, a hole that prevents the water from overflowing from the sink. When the primary drain hole is blocked or clogged, this feature comes in handy too. This hole also allows air to enter the drain pipe, allowing it to flush out water more quickly when the sink is full.

On the other hand, if the sink lacks such a hole, the only way for water to drain is through the primary hole in the center. With that, if you are holding water in the basin, it should be closely monitored to avoid overflowing.

Needless to say, the type of pop-up sink drain you need is one that is specifically designed for your sink.

Without Overflow

This type of pop-up sink drain looks like a typical drain (except for the drain cover) since its flange has no hole or opening on its side. The water from the sink just passes through this pipe when the drain cover pops up.

With Overflow

Pop-up sink drain with overflow is only for overflow sink. The only difference between them and no-overflow sink drains is that one side of their flange (the tube portion of it) has an opening. This opening allows water from the basin to pass through and exit through the drain pipe.

Both overflow and non-overflow pop-up sink drains are available in a variety of designs, which you will see in the next section of this article.

10 Best Pop-up Sink Drain Picks for Your Bathroom

1. ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Polished Chrome Without Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Getting a polished chrome pop-up sink drain like this one from ALLWIN is a good idea to match the contemporary and elegant look of your bathroom. Made in brass, it has a superior finish and is resistant to rust and staining. Aside from that, this sink drain is heavy-duty and is designed to last for years. It also has a flow rate of 1.19 gallons per minute so you can guarantee that it’ll drain properly.

2. Yodel Faucet Brushed Nickel Without Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Yodel is another brand that you can count on for high-quality sink drains, and this product is a great example of that. It is crafted in solid brass that is durable and reliable to use. You can install it all by yourself and is also designed to fit US standard-sized sinks. What’s more, this sink has a built-in hair catcher that makes it a breeze to use and clean.

3. ESFORT Oil-Rubbed Bronze Without Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Sink drains that are made of brass come not only in polished chrome and brushed nickel finishes but also in dark-colored ones, such that of this one from ESFORT. It is made up of black-colored parts with bronze color accents. Such a luxurious look can match marble, stainless, and tempered glass sinks. The dark tone can also match the neutral color of your bathroom, making it look extra classy. Plus, this pop-up drain sink is corrosion-resistant and leak-proof.

Read more: How To Tighten A Sink Drain

4. Bächlein Vessel Sink Matte Black Without Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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This pop-up sink drain from the German brand Bächlein is another viable pick for a comfier and more stylish bathroom. It has a robust design and an anti-clogging basket that ensures fuss-free use and clean-up. Moreover, this product fits commercial standard sinks regardless of their color and design. It is easy to set up and can be your next DIY project as well.

5. Bestill Vessel Sink Without Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Looking for a pop-up sink drain to serve as a gold accent to your bathroom? This one from Bestill might just be what you need. Layered in brushed gold, it can effortlessly match and suit a white or black and gold color scheme in the room. Also, it is durable and easy to install even without professional help. Just make sure to read the manual and follow the instructions properly.

6. Ultimate Unicorn Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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If your bathroom has an overflow sink, you’ll need a pop-up drain that is specially designed for it, like this one from Ultimate Unicorn. It has a thick pipe and an easy-to-push cap for your daily washing. No need to worry about clogs too because there is a removable basket that collects hair, jewelry, and other residues. Furthermore, the combination of brushed nickel surfaces and the golden-colored parts makes it a stunning yet simple fixture in your bathroom.

7. KES Matte Black Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Whether you’ve assembled a pop-up sink drain before or not, you must get one that is simple to install and fits the dimensions of your sink. This one from KES, for instance, is an excellent option for various reasons. Its parts are made of brass and stainless steel that are both strong and low-maintenance. It also has a built-in, gold-colored strainer that is equipped with a mesh-like cover for a better filtering process. Not only that, but this sink drain also looks subtle and sleek with its matte black finish that complements any home decoration.

Read more: How To Seal Sink Drain

8. Regalmix Vessel Sink Matte Black Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Buying a new pop-up sink drain for your overflow vessel sink? Get a product that is durable enough, like this Regalmix Sink Drain, to outlast your previous one. Having a stainless steel construction, it can withstand daily use and may last for years. Such design is safe from cracking, staining, and rusting as well.

It also has a filter basket that works without disrupting the water flow. Just pull up the top cap then twist or unscrew the basket to remove it for cleaning. Of course, this drain is also ideal for any kind of sink as long as it comes in US-approved standard size.

9. Purelux Brushed Nickel Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain

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Now’s the time to say goodbye to leaks and clogs with the help of this overflow pop-up sink drain from Purelux. It has a smart design that ensures quick drainage and is also made of sturdy materials. An example of this is the drain’s strong brass body, adjustable rubber gasket, and washer. Its coating is composed of four layers too, so you can guarantee that it won’t easily crack or peel over time.

10. Hibbent Push and Seal Polished Chrome Overflow Pop-up Sink Drain Set

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You’ll have a much better experience using your vanity sink with this user-friendly pop-up sink drain from Hibbent. Available in two pieces, this set is ideal if you’re renovating your bathrooms. This drain is also polished chrome and is tight sealing with its rubber gaskets. Its black color also suits any vintage and contemporary style of sink and looks exquisite in any interior design that you’re incorporating into your space.

Things to Consider When Buying a Pop-up Sink Drain

Aside from the type of sink, there are other things that you need to keep in mind when choosing the best pop-up sink drain for your bathroom. These factors will help you determine which of the product from our list is for you.

Size of Sink

The first thing you should consider is the size or measurement of the sink that you intend to use it with. Remember that most US standardized sinks have a drain hole of at least an inch and a half in diameter, but some also have 1.25 inches and 1.625 inches, so you’ll need a drain that fits these sizes. Check the measurements of both the sink and the drain for accuracy, or consult the manufacturer’s manual too.

Durability and Sustainability of Materials

As with getting a piece of new home furniture or product, it is essential to ensure that the pop-up sink drain you get is durable and has a long lifespan as possible.

Luckily, most of the pop-up sink drains available in the market today are made of metal and alloy materials that are both strong and resistant to corrosion. Despite that, they are a little heavy so installing them requires assembly tools and can be a bit tedious. They can be expensive too but are definitely cost-effective in the long run.

Of course, plastic sink drains are available as well. They are not as strong as metals and alloys, but they are lighter, less expensive, and easier to customize or trim as needed. Even so, they are not environmentally friendly because, if not recycled, they end up in landfills and take years (or decades) to degrade.

Appearance

Bathroom sinks and other home essentials such as faucets, toilets, and bathtubs are all a great way to enhance the calming atmosphere that you want to emphasize in your home. With that, you would want to make sure that they are easy on the eyes and suits the interior design of your home.

All the pop-up sink drains we featured above are suitable for vintage-style sinks to contemporary ones so choosing one is really a matter of personal preference. However, if you want your bathroom to look more sparkling and neater, stainless steel pop-up drains are a great choice. Their shiny and polished coating is ideal for modern and contemporary homes, giving them a sophisticated and sleek look.

Meanwhile, if you want to retain and highlight the elegance of your traditional home, sink drains made of brass should be your top choice. They come in many warm colors that complement the classy and intricate furnishings in your home.

Additional Features and Accessories

Don’t forget to also consider the extra features and accessories in the sink drain package. Not all sink drains come with a clogging basket, for example, so those that offer one are ideal choices.

Pop-up drains that are available with accessories such as extra gaskets, washers, and assembly tools are a practical option, too. This will make the installation easier and saves you time, effort, and money from buying these things separately.

Ease of Installation and Clean-Up

Nothing makes a pop-up drain installation a piece of cake more than those that do not require assembly tools. You can assemble them by just using your hand, strength, and willpower, of course.

Even so, not all pop-up drains are the same, so if you don’t have prior knowledge of installing a sink drain, it is best to pick one that is easy to assemble. Don’t worry if you’re still not quite confident with installing one because we’ll teach you how to do it in simple ways in the next section.

How to Install a Pop-up Sink Drain in Your Bathroom

Do-It-Yourself Installation

Thankfully, installing a pop-up drain is not rocket science and can be done in easy steps:

1. Start by detaching the tailpipe from the rest of the pop-up drain assembly. Remove all the gaskets and washers on this portion to do so. Set the flange and the seals aside for the meantime. You can do the whole process with gloves on or not. 
2. Wrap a strip of Teflon tape to the upper opening of the tailpipe to tightly connect it to the end of the flange later on.
3. Once the two are connected, keep all the gaskets and washers removed from the drain except for the gasket that goes under the wide mouth of the flange.
4. Place this gasket under the flange mouth and then apply a plumber putty on it. The putty is a clay-like adhesive that will act as an extra sealing material. Make sure to use just enough amount of putty to prevent the excess from making a mess in the sink.
5. Then, drop the flange inside the sink hole. Press the mouth of the flange a little firmer to the sink to make sure the putty seals fully. Wipe any excess putty that pops out from the gasket with a cleaning cloth.
6. Under the sink, cover the end of the sink hole and around the flange tube with the silicone adhesive. Then, insert the gasket into the flange.
7. Using the wrench, screw on the washer below the gasket.
8. If the package comes with a mounting nut, install it to the tailpipe. After that, just connect the tailpipe to the sink’s main pipe.
9. Test the drain after the main pipe is connected and you’re done!

The Bottomline

A pop-up sink drain is indeed an innovative addition to your bathroom with its intuitive design. It comes in many styles, materials, and sizes that make every use a little more refreshing and easier. Be the smart homeowner like you are and pick one from our features above!

Searching for more inspo for your total bathroom makeover? Check out these bathroom ideas to make every stay in it more invigorating!