Replacing a broken plunger-plug-thingy - please advise!

[Devora]

Even by my standards - and I pride myself on starting MN's most tedious threads - this is dull, but I could do with some advice. Our top bathroom has one of those sinks with an irritating plunger plug thing, which is broken. In fact, there is nothing left of the plug mechanism. So not only can we not use a plug, but I don't like people using that sink because it has a completely open plug hole - nothing to stop toothbrushes dropping in etc.

Can this be replaced? Could a DIY idiot like me do it? Or is there a simpler solution? (I'm not actually bothered about replacing the plunger plug thing - would be quite happy just to do something to put some sort of drainage guard in there.)

Do you know where the sink came from? We had the same problem with a bathstore sink. I called them and they replaced it for free.

I'm afraid I don't - it was put in by the previous owners. So at least 15 years old. It's a very ugly sink [strictly relevant emoticon].

Lakeland do a shower drain cover thingy in soft plastic. It's supposed to catch hair. You could use that perhaps? Sticks with suction, can be unstuck & cleaned. Not sure what its called but starts with D.

A dossil! Thanks, Artistic, I've just looked it up and ordered!

If you want to try your hand at DIY plumbing, a new basin waste including plug is a few pounds.

Don't get a pop-up waste, they leak.

The overflow might have a flexible hose, or may be cast into a ceramic basin (which needs a slotted waste).

Great! Glad to be of help.

How much would it cost me to get someone to do that for me, PigletJohn? (Just reading your post made me start hyperventilating with DIY anxiety )

it seems to cost £50 to get out of the van

you need to ask around friends and neighbours for a recommended local plumber. Do not rely on yellow pages or online websites, where the recommendations may have been written by the business owner.

Thanks PJ