We just bought a pedestal sink. When we put the assembly under it together, the ball connected to the pivot rod sprung a leak. Does anyone know how to fix this problem. We've tried everything we could think of, but I'm sure there has to be other solutions. We have tightened the retaining joint as much as possible. It's nice and snug, but the darn thing won't stop. Any suggestions would help. We can't afford a plumber.

The ball should be sandwiched between two shaped washers that seal the ball to the tailpiece.

When we bought it, it didn't come with any washers. If we buy washers, how do we know which ones to buy? So, what you're saying is we just need those shaped washers on both sides and it will stop leaking?

Isn't the ball loose? On my sink,one washer fits over the ball and goes into the tailpiece. The other washer fits into the nut that tightens the lifter to the tailpiece. Go to HD or Lowe's and look at examples.

It's not loose per se. It fits inside the retaining nut, but it's loose enough to move around a little. It's still leaking around the plastic ball. We're thinking it's a manufacturer's defect. The only time it doesn't leak is when the pivot rod is perfectly horizontal. Otherwise, when you move the rod up or down, it leaks.