Unclog bathroom sink without chemicals

Step 6 Decouple stopper and lift rod

Unscrew the pivot nut that holds the horizontal (pivot) arm onto the popup assembly.

In my sink, the horizontal pivot arm can come out of that hole, is not attached. I just disengage the connection and rest the end in the hole for a bit.  The pivot nut stays on the horizontal arm so you don't lose it.

I found tips and vocabulary from the Natural Handyman website on bathroom sinks.