Leaky Moen Pop-Up Drain? Let’s Fix It For Good!

The Moen pop-up drain is a pretty nifty tool that can be used to stop water from being drained in a sink. Unlike the traditional sink drain stopper, the Moen pop-up drain is easy and quick to use.

All you have to do is push it to open or shut. The Moen pop-up drain is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is available in a unique finish and it’s relatively easy to install.

However, there is one common issue with the Moen pop-up drain and that is it’s vulnerable to leaks. Today, I’m going to discuss what causes leaking in a Moen pop-up drain and the ideal solutions to fixing this issue.

What Causes Leaking in a Moen Pop-up Drain?

1. Improper Installation

The biggest reason why Moen pop-up drains leak is due to poor installation. If you notice a leak immediately after installation, then you may have made a mistake along the way.

You’ll need to inspect the entire setup. Start with the Lift Rod. Sometimes, if the thumb screw beneath it isn’t securely screwed, there may be leaks.

Check other components such as the waste plug and Pivot Rod. Moen has a troubleshooting guide on their website that can help you figure out where you went wrong during installation.

Another aspect of the incorrect installation that may lead to this problem is when the clear washer below is misaligned. Remove and re-align it properly and check if the Moen pop-up drain is still leaking.

If you’re new to plumbing, I would advise you to hire an expert to install the Moen pop-up drain for you. This way, you can avoid incorrect installation which often leads to leaks.

2. Damaged Materials and Connections

The Moen pop-up drain comprises many components. During installation or as time goes by, some of these parts can get damaged. When a part of the drain assembly is damaged, leaks are inevitable.

When dealing with damaged materials, you have to figure out which particular component is affected. After identifying it, you have to repair or replace it.

A common part of the pop-up drain that is susceptible to damage is the drain flange. In case you notice that this is the source of the leak, you can seal it with some plumber’s putty when the sink is dry. That should get rid of your problems.

3. Worn-out Seals

When installing the Moen pop-up drain, you’ll notice that there are plenty of seals. These seals are vulnerable to wear and tear as time goes by. Therefore, as they wear out, you will notice leaks on various parts of your assembly.

In the case of worn-out seals, the best solution is to identify and replace them.

4. Debris

I know you’re probably wondering, what does debris have to do with leaks on your Moen pop-up drain assembly?

Well, the thing is if there is debris on your pop-up drain, it will clog the system. Therefore, when water is clogged, it will have to find an outlet and that’s what leads to leaks.

To clean up debris, you must disassemble the setup. Clean various components and put them back together. It’s not an easy job but it will deal with the annoying leaks.

Making a habit of cleaning the Moen pop-up drain can prevent leaks in the future.

How Do You Diagnose Moen Pop-Up Drain Leaks?

The annoying part of fixing Moen pop-up drain leaks is diagnosing the source of the leak. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can spend hours figuring out where the water is leaking from.

To avoid sentencing yourself to such frustrations, here are a couple of tips that you can use to diagnose leaks on a Moen pop-up drain;

• Carefully observe the Moen pop-up drain while water is flowing. Make sure there is sufficient light so that you can get maximum visibility.

• Look for cracks, damage, or any sign of wear on the Moen pop-up drain.

• Perform as many tests as possible to figure out where the leak is originating from. Every time you are starting the test, clean the drain with a dry cloth.

• If you’re not able to identify the source of the leak, perform a dye test. Pour a dye into the water in your sink bowl. Because it’s colored, it will be much easier to spot where it’s leaking at.

Should you be unable to diagnose the leak in your Moen pop-up drain using these tips, then the best solution is to seek professional help.

A licensed plumber will use their experience and vast knowledge to identify the source of the leak.

What Materials Will You Need to Fix a Leaking Moen Pop-Up Drain?

Apart from the standard tools such as screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench, there are two main things you will need to fix a leaking Moen pop-up drain. First, you’ll need a plumber’s putty.

Many homeowners often make the mistake of using caulking. But it’s not strong enough to create a watertight seal in a pop-up drain.

The best solution is a plumber’s putty. And if you can’t find some, look for silicone sealant. It’s equally as effective.

The other thing that you’ll need when fixing a leaking Moen pop-up drain is replacement parts. This includes seals or lift rods.

When performing a diagnosis on your pop-up drain, you may notice cracks or damage on certain parts. These need to be replaced if you want your pop-up drain to stop leaking.

The best place to buy these replacement parts is from Moen. That’s the only way you can be assured of compatibility.

How Do You Prevent Moen Pop-up Drain from Leaking?

There’re a couple of tips that come in very handy in preventing Moen pop-up drains from leaking, which include;

• Be very gentle when using the pop-up drain. Using too much force to open or close the drain can damage various components which leads to leaks. If there are kids within the premises, ensure they don’t play around with this tool.

• Ensure that the Moen pop-up drain is installed correctly. As we have seen earlier, poor installation is a leading cause of leaks. If you don’t know how to install it, don’t hesitate to hire an expert plumber.

• Frequently check and tighten the connections. As water flows through a pop-up drain, some connections become loose. However, if you tighten them regularly, you’ll never have to deal with leaks.

• Be mindful of the water pressure. Too much water pressure from the faucet can strain your Moen pop-up drain thus leading to leaks. If your water pressure is high, invest in a regulator.

• Don’t just send anything to your Moen pop-up drain. Remember when I told you how debris can cause a Moen pop-up drain to leak?

If you throw things that can clog your drain, you’ll eventually fix leaks. It’s also good practice to clean the drain and sink regularly.

Are There Other Moen Pop-up Drain Problems You Should Be Aware Of?

Even though leaking is the most common issue with Moen pop-up drains, there are a bunch of other problems you need to take note of.

For instance, many homeowners have complained that the stopper sometimes gets stuck. This can be caused by corrosion or dirt buildup.

With time, this stopper can also become loose. This is common if you have kids who like playing with the Moen pop-up drain.

The other problem is that the Moen pop-up drain is also highly susceptible to clogging. You need to be mindful of the things that you send to your drain.