How do I replace a new drain plug when it has been detached from the stem / handle? I cannot see the ball nor anything to attach the new drain plug to to raise and lower the plug.

YOU MUST SHUT OFF WATER FIRST!! Because you need to replace the valve stem washer. Most likely OO washer size, black hard rubber washer is worn out.
Remove the excursion (handle) one or hot and cold. Phillip screw or allen nut back of handle.

You will see a brass valve stem the handle was attached to. Use a crescent wrench and unscrew the stem and pull to remove.

Ar the bottom of the stem you will see the black washer. Remove the screw holding the washer in and replace with new. Reverse steps to install.

Hope this helps, I never know. Mike

If its single handle you have a bad ball valve or seals they make kits to replace the ball assembly for single lever showers....... you will need to have the water off for an hour or so to fix this...... shut water off at street or inside the house then remove the handle to shower if acrylic you remove the cap in middle of handle then remove screw then handle comes off once you do that there is usually a crown nut ( chrome doam ) that holds the stem into the body of shower manifold...... take a chanel lock or vice grip put cloth around it to keep from scratching and turn in counter clockwise direction once you remove the crown then the assembly will come out you may have to gerk it by attaching vice grip to stem ( btw always put cloth over drain to prevent you from losing anything...now that its out you have to go to big box store and match up a new ball assembly with seals and spring ( be sure to note if it is moen or whatever but i always take assembly and go .... they sell two kits one a seal and spring replacement and two seal spring and new ball go home take the old seal and spring out feel around with your finger to be sure all is smooth and put new ball in ( these are keyed meaning there is a notch to match up ) make sure ball and collar seats before you put the crown back on and there ya go! good luck

Probably need to re-pack the stem with stem packing thread

use product and let it sit for a while and it should clean its self and release

If by push pull you mean there is a knob and rod that you use to raise and lower the plug. Look under the sink for a rod extending perpendicular to pipe it will be about 8" long and attach to a linking bar below he push pull rod. Typically there is a small retaining nut that seats around a ball seal on this rod that secures it to the tail piece dropping from sink. Unscrew the retaining nut, slide the rod out and then lift out the plug. You will notice a ring on lower end of the plug piece that you will need to insert the rod thru when reassembling. If you are referring to a fixed twist and drop plug Open it and there will be a set screw on a flat face in the stem portion under the cap. It's usually small straight slot screw but may also be a hex head slot Loosen that screw and the plug will lift off a center peg in the drain assembly.

http://www.faucetdirect.com/mediabase/specifications/476install_051710.pdf

Here is where to find the manual for your faucet. The only tools you should need are a pair of slip-joint pliars for the main ring and the hex key tool that came with the replacement parts. Remove the handle by loosening the hex screw on the underside. Make sure to turn off the water before you go any further and you will need to turn off both hot and cold.

Remove the dome-shaped cover either by hand or with some pliars.

Pull out the ball with the stem in it and underneath there will be two rubber washers with two springs underneath. Remove the washers and springs and put the new ones in. Put in the new stem (ball with stem) taking care to line up the slot in the side with the nub inside the base. Replace the round washer on top with the triangle hole in it and put the dome shaped cover back on.

Before turning the water on, use the back side of the hex-key tool to tighten the nylon ring that screws down into the dome shaped cover. Put the handle back on and try the faucet, if it moves too hard, loosen the nylon screw a bit, if too loose then tighten it. Once it "feels right" you can reattach the handle and turn the water back on.

I suggest turning on the water slowly and look for leaks. Not as difficult as it sounds.

Sounds like a problem with the spring pressure on the ball or the ball itself. Try removing the handle from the stem. Usually a phillips screw underneath a snap on button in the center of the handle. Remove the screw and wiggle the handle off the stem. There should be a threaded collar on the top of the faucet body which exerts pressure downwards on the ball retainer and the ball itself. Try tightening this collar up "clockwise" a little bit and see if that stiffens the stem up to the point that the handle will stay in position. If this fails install a new rebuild kit. (ball, seats, o rings, and springs). It's helpful to know the faucet manufacturer before you go to the hardware store. Also helpful to have the old parts in hand to match up to the new kit. Note that you may have leftover parts from the kit as they often cover more than one model. You may find exploded parts diagrams on the manufacturers website to assist in disassembly. For example:

http://www.deltafaucet.com/customersupport/troubleshoot/bath-single-handle.html

Be sure to turn both hot and cold water supplies off before disassembly. Also, throw a towel or rag in the bottom of the sink to block the drain opening to prevent losing small parts down the drain. Generally, all you need in the way of tools is a phillips screwdriver and a pair of chanellock pliers. Another rag can be handy for protecting shiny finishes from the teeth on the pliers. If by chance you still have proof and place of original purchase, most modern faucets carry a life time warranty and will be replaced by the manufacturer or at least provide replacement parts free of charge. Though, generally, I find it far easier to replace parts rather than the whole faucet.

you dont. they make it so you have to get a new one. my wife broke our in our car and went on e bay and got one for a good price. sorry went through the same thing

They will not interchange must replace

Is this a single handle faucet or a double handle? If it's a single handle, you have to turn the water off then remove the handle. The set screw for this should be under a little plastic plug under the handle near the base of the handle. After you remove the handle, remove the housing cap to expose the valve ball. Under the valve ball are 2 small circular washers and springs. Pull them out and replace them. If it is a cartridge style faucet like a Moen, then you remove the u shaped retaining ring and pull the cartridge out.

If it is a double handle faucet, remove the handle and using a pair of pliers or a crestent wrench remove the stem. You will find the washer at the base of the stem held on by a screw. It could also be a washerless stem and in that case you will need to replace the whole stem.

If you have anymore questions, just respond to the post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.