Click-Clack Plug - How Does It Work?

Simply put, a click-clack plug is a plug for a sink or bathtub equipped with an automatic drain opening and closing system. It performs the same function as a rubber plug, which has been known for years. The mechanism of the click-clack plug is very simple - pressing the plug closes the drain, and pressing it again opens it.

This solution offers several advantages. As a result, it is increasingly available not only as a separate product but also as a standard feature supplied by manufacturers of sanitary ware. Moreover, the click-clack plug enhances the aesthetics of the interior, as it looks much better than a traditional rubber plug. It is easy to keep clean, and the drain can be blocked or unblocked at any time without the need to search for a plug on the edge of, or next to, the bathtub or sink.

A click-clack plug for a sink or bathtub is available in two variants - with an overflow or without one. The appropriate option depends on the type of fixture. A click-clack plug designed for a sink with an overflow is not suitable for installation in a sink without one, and vice versa. Therefore, this is the first aspect that should be checked when a replacement is required.

Sinks with an overflow are equipped with an opening through which excess water escapes, preventing it from spilling over the rim of the sink or bathtub. When deciding on which sink to choose, it is worth taking this feature into account, as it provides an effective safeguard in case the water is left running.

Click-clack plugs rarely break; however, problems may arise over time. The plug may fail to close properly, or it may become blocked, preventing normal use of the sink or bathtub. In such cases, replacement may be necessary. But how do you unscrew a click-clack plug? First, remove the external cap. Next, unscrew and remove the part attached to the drain. It is important to hold the trap (siphon) from below to prevent it from loosening or falling out. As the area beneath the plug is likely to be dirty, the replacement should be preceded by thorough cleaning.

After determining whether you need a click-clack plug with or without an overflow and purchasing the appropriate model, you can proceed with installation. Once the old plug has been removed and the area cleaned, the new plug can be fitted. Begin by unscrewing the two main parts of the new plug. Insert the upper section into the drain opening, ensuring that the seal fits snugly against the washbasin. Next, screw the lower section—the nut—on from underneath and check for tightness. To provide additional protection against leaks, sanitary silicone may be applied. Finally, ensure that the click-clack plug opens and closes correctly and that all components are securely tightened. Although repairing a click-clack plug is straightforward, regular cleaning will help avoid unnecessary work and expense.

Routine cleaning involves removing the plug and rinsing it under running water. However, sediment or limescale may accumulate on the plug or nut, making it more difficult to clean. In such cases, a soft brush will be helpful. A different approach is required if the click-clack plug becomes blocked. If it has previously worked flawlessly, the most likely cause is dirt. The simplest solution is to unscrew the plug and clean it thoroughly. However, if the problem has occurred since the beginning of use, it is likely that installation was carried out incorrectly.