Bathroom Basin, But I Don't Know The Name Of The Part.

[Bigbad]

I need to change the little knobby thingy that holds the plug chain to the bathroom basin.
How do I remove the old one, and would the new one just screw in? Do they come in different sizes.

I am hopeless at DIY, and even simple tasks take me hours, but I don’t think this is worth paying a plumber to do.

[Togo]

Dead easy Bigbad. You will find that the plug, chain and fitting you require are sold as one item. The fitting to your basin is a nut on a threaded rod. If you put your hand, behind where the chain is attached to the fitting, on the back of the basin you will feel the nut(usually square) Just untighten and remove the nut and the threaded rod will be free. replace in the same way. A warning some basin and bath plugs are different sizes and finishes with different chain lengths. Take it off and take it with you to get a replacement. Something like this in the link.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-plug-chrome-chain-12/77475

[Sipowicz]

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/basin-plug-chain-chrome?campaign=googlebase&gclid=CjwKEAjw3pTJBRChgZ3e7s_YhAkSJAASG9Vrahnkh1P48m-oY9X31w850vrzAf9ZpbyA9B8BWTob1BoCjTnw_wcB

[Flonska]

You will probably need to reach up underneath the basin at the back to the point behind the location of the retainer. It should be held in place by either a square or hexagonal nut. You will need to undo this (with a small adjustable spanner). Put the plug into the basin first to stop it falling down the plughole. Once you have all the bits you can obtain the replacement parts and re-assemble.

[Bigbad]

Thank you both.
I’ve just had a look, Togo, and I can see the nut fitting thingy you mentioned.
That was the easy part, whether I can actually do it is another matter!

[Flonska]

The part that holds the chain is known as the "stay"

[Bigbad]

And thank you Flonska. your answer wasn't there when I started typing before.

[Flonska]

If it simply that the chain has become detached from the stay or broken, you could leave the stay in place and replace/repair the chain.

Take a look at this, if this is the case . . .

[Togo]

Just turn the thing you called "little knobby thing" anti clockwise, whilst holding the nut at the back, and it should put you on your way.

[Flonska]

If you do as Togo suggests then be careful if holding the stay with pliers. They could slip and mark/chip the basin. If there is a hole in the stay put something through it to give you better leverage. (If the nut has been on the thread a long time it might take a bit of effort). If you use a piece of metal (e.g. screwdriver) to turn the stay - cover it with cloth - again to prevent damage to the basin.

[Togo]

I was also about to suggest Flonska that the thread may be corroded and the nut a little stiff particularly at the end of the thread. I was also going to suggest a little Vaseline or oil on the new thread to prevent corrosion, although new ones are liable to be plastic threads I suppose.

[Sipowicz]

Is it viable to leave the existing stay where it is and attach the new plug and chain to it?

[Flonska]

Excellent!! . . . perhaps between us we have given Bigbad the impetus he needs to fix it? Sometimes two people may be needed - one to hold the spanner/nut and the other to turn the stay (depending upon reach/flexibility etc. (also . . . if it goes pear-shaped you have someone else to blame).

[Flonska]

Sipowicz . . . sorry . . . don't know in this instance.

Bigbad did not provide any comment on the suggestion made at 14:06 on that aspect.

[Togo]

I would suspect that Bigbad has taken a dislike to a tarnished of otherwise cosmetically unpleasant fitting. They do wear over the years. Haha I am going for a walk before the procedure to split the triangular chain end link and then pinch it closed again is required. Over to you guys for that. See you all later.

[Bigbad]

Thanks again everybody.
It is the stay (see - I’m learning) that needs replacing.
I’ll get one ordered and have a go. Hoping the plug chain will already be attached because last time I replaced one of them it was a 3 hour job!
I’m a ‘she’ Flonska - Can’t you tell!

I’ve got to go now, but thanks again