sink
In my bathroom, the tip of the pivot rod which is connected to the stopper is broken. When the stopper goes down, it has no rod to hook to. Is it possible to re-use and re-adjust the existing pivot rod?
If not, should I get a new one? Which name should I use to describe the hardware that I need when I go to the hardware store?
Don't bother with all that, just remove the U shaped pipe (The Trap) which should be a pressure fitting that can be easily unscrewed without any tools. Most of the crap will be in that U part of the pipe, the rest you can get out by sticking something like a toilet brush or pipe cleaner up the exposed pipe.
BTW: Be sure to put a bucket under the pipe before you unscrew it, some nasty water will likely leak out.
As for that pivot nut, if you really want to remove it, it USUALLY is easy enough to unscrew with your bare fingers, but if it is rusted you can use a pair of channel lock pliers. If it is just spinning however, it may be all the way off the threads and you just need to pull it back. It is attached to a rod that pivots in the middle of the pipe. You might need to shake it a little to get it loose, it will also probably help to detach the rod that goes from the sink stopper pull to that nut since it will get in the way.
You can probably fill the crack with epoxy to stop the leak. It might not look great but it will do the job.
Make sure the area is clean and dry, and that you follow the directions on the packaging. If there is any chipping make sure to brush away any loose debris so that the epoxy will bond correctly.
As far as what type of epoxy to use, Home Depot carries a Marine Epoxy which they describe as:
Marine Epoxy is a permanent, waterproof adhesive. The 2-part formula is ideal for projects requiring high bonding strength on surfaces exposed to water immersion. The adhesive can be applied and will cure underwater. It can be used on glass, metal, wood and other common materials.
This sounds like it would work well for your application.
Best Answer
If you have actually snapped the rod but have enough length to spare you should be able to move it forwards, however are you sure this has happened?
The reason I ask is that I had similar symptoms, but all that had happened is that the rod had slipped back through the clevis strap so it no longer connected with the stopper. The clip holding it to the strap made it look like it was just broken, but I eventually figured it out.
Admittedly, on mine there is no hook holding the rod to the stopper, it simply pushes the stopper up, and gravity lets it fall again when you pull the plunger up.