A standard-sized bathroom sink typically requires a plug of around 1.5 inches. But before you pop out to the local hardware store to purchase one, know this—bathroom sink drains come in two standard sizes, 1.5 inches, and 1.625 inches.
There are also several types of bathroom sink drains—press and seal, pop-up, grid drain, lift and turn system.
Knowing which size drain you have and whether you need a plug or a stopper will prevent you from purchasing the incorrect size and part.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about plugs, stoppers, and sizes. We’ve also included tips on how to measure your drain correctly.
Why Sinks Have Plugs
Plumbers across the world will testify to finding the oddest things in drainage pipes. And if you’ve ever tried to clean something small, like an earring or a small toy part over a sink, and had it accidentally fall and disappear in swirls of water, you’ll know why.
Without a sink plug, you won’t be able to fill and keep water in the sink for when you need to handwash delicate clothing items or shave or do the dishes.
Yes, a sink plug is a necessity. And if you’re stuck with a broken, missing, or non-functioning one, you’ll probably be wondering what kind you need and what size it ought to be.
Sink Plug Or Stopper? Which Do You Need?
If you have a pop-up, lift and turn, or press and seal drain system, you need a stopper. If you have a drainage outlet with a strainer, you need a sink plug. For a grid drain, you can use a suction-style rubber stopper.
The pull-out rubber plug attached to a chain is the oldest bathroom drain style. If this is the plug type that you need information about, we’ve covered the details below.
What Is The Size Of Sink Plugs?
Most bathroom sink drains are either 1.5 inches or 1.625 inches in diameter.
If your home comes with an old, pre-installed bathroom sink, the chances are that you may require a 1.5 inch-sized plug.
More recent models can call for either a larger or smaller-sized plug. For instance, a full pedestal basin will have a drain hole ranging between 1.25 inches (standard) to 1.625 inches. A wall-mounted sink can have a drain hole as large as 1.8 inches. Your sink type determines what size plug you’ll need.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that you won’t find a one-size-fits-all drains kind of plug or stopper. That is not how plugs work, as sinks around the house vary in size. For example, a standard-sized kitchen sink typically requires a plug of around 1.75 inches. Similarly, your bathtubs and showers will need a different-sized plug too.
How Do You Measure For A Sink Plug?
The best way to find the perfect sized replacement, of course, is to take your old sink plug to the hardware store. Should that not be possible, you can measure the sink plug.
Always remember that sink plugs are bigger at the top and taper down. To get the correct size, measure the lower half of the sink plug.
Should you not have an old sink plug for reference, measure the drain hole. Most people will measure the circumference of the hole. However, this is not the ideal way to get the correct dimensions.
Instead, the more effective way to measure the drain hole is to use a measuring tape straight across, i.e., get the diameter of the hole.
Are Bath And Sink Plugs The Same Size?
No, the size of the sink plugs is different for a bath and the vanity. This is because the drainage outlet is a different size for each. Why? Because a bath needs to drain a greater volume of water than a sink.
So, when you are remodeling the bathroom, it is always wise to measure each drainage outlet for which you require a plug or stopper to avoid buying the same–sized plug for the bath and the sink.
You shouldn’t worry if your bathroom sink doesn’t accommodate a standard-sized plug. Different-sized plugs are readily available in the market, starting from as small as one inch to as large as 2.5 inches.
Before Buying
Consider the following before making a purchase:
Sink Plug Material
A bathroom sink plug constantly remains in touch with water, dirt, and other chemicals that may affect the functionality of the plug over time. Pay attention to the material of the plug and ensure that you only get the most suitable and durable one.
Rubber and plastic are the most common materials for sink plugs, though you might find variations with a metal top (usually stainless steel) and a rubber ring.
Sink Plug Design
The classic sink plug is perhaps an inch tall, whereas, in more recent designs, they’re a lot longer. Why? Because these sink plugs are a “universal” size. This means they’re wide enough at the top and taper as you reach the bottom to just about fit into any sink drain hole.
Purchasing one of these universal-size sink plugs sounds like a great idea, but it’s not. The more the sink plug protrudes over the drain hole, the greater the likelihood that it will be dislodged when you’re washing objects in a sink full of water.
Another aspect to consider is the pull-up chain. Rubber plugs need to have a metal ring to which you can attach a chain. Attaching a chain to your plug will make it easier to remove it from the drain.
Final Words
A bathroom sink plug is often the most overlooked part of a bathroom remodeling project. It might not seem like the most exciting object one would like to have a conversation about, but it does save you from a lot of water trouble.
It is imperative to install the right kind, with the appropriate dimensions, sturdy quality, and the one that perfectly fits into the drain hole and holds water in the sink whenever required.
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