Kitchen Sink Drain
Installing a kitchen sink drain can be daunting, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be a breeze. Installing your own kitchen sink drain is easy; we’ll show you how in this blog post. So whether you are replacing an old drain or installing a new one, we have you covered. Let’s get started!
Before you begin, determine which kit will work with your sink.
A drain assembly kit is an easy way to keep your drain clean. By preventing clogs and backups, you’ll also prolong the life of your drainpipes. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to avoid a call to the plumber? If you’re looking to install a drain assembly kit, here’s what you need to know:
- To choose a kit that will fit your sink, look for drain assembly kits at local hardware stores, department stores, and online.
- Before you pick out your new basket strainer, measure the drain hole to ensure it will fit. If you already have a basket strainer that fits, use it as a model to know what size to buy.
- Remember to select a tailpiece that will fit properly onto your drainpipes. Also, opt for one made from brass lasting much longer and resists corrosion better than other metals.
Once you’ve assembled your kit, simply insert the basket strainer into the drain hole and tighten it according to the instructions.
Check the Drain Outlet Height
Kitchen sink drains come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are easy to install, and some are difficult. Kitchen sink drain height is an important consideration when choosing a new kitchen sink. Here are a few things to keep in mind when checking the height of your kitchen sink drain:
- The height of the trap arm on the old sink. This part of the sink goes from the drain to the P-trap.
- The height of the P-trap itself. This is the U-shaped portion of the drain that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
- The height of the tailpiece. This drain part goes from the P-trap to the garbage disposal or other connecting point.
Disconnect the drain pipe.
Although it might be challenging, you can execute this process without much difficulty with some time and the proper equipment. Here’s a guide on what needs to be done:
- Start by turning off the water supply to your sink. To do this, turn the valves under the sink off.
- Next, use pliers or a wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the P-trap. Depending on your sink, there may be one or two nuts.
- Once the P-trap is removed, you should be able to see the drainpipe connecting the sink to the wall. There may also be a strainer attached to the drainpipe. If so, use a wrench to remove it.
- Now it’s time to disconnect the drainpipe from the sink itself. There will be a slip nut holding it in place – use a wrench to loosen this nut and then carefully remove the drainpipe from the sink.
- With the drainpipe removed, you should now be able to access the kitchen sink drain from underneath. You can use this opening to clean out any debris accumulated over time.
- Once you’re finished cleaning out the kitchen sink drain, you can reattach the drainpipe by reversing the steps above. Be sure to hand-tighten all of the nuts before turning on the water supply again.
And that’s all there is to it! By following these simple steps, you will be able to quickly and easily disconnect and remove your kitchen sink drainpipe.
Create a rope using the plumber’s putty.
Plumber’s putty is an easy way to form a rope for tight seals on kitchen sink drains. This putty creates a watertight seal, making it ideal for use in kitchen sink drains.
- One way to form a rope with a piece of plumber’s putty is to take a small amount of putty and form it into a long, thin rope. This rope can then be wrapped around the P-trap and used to connect it to the sink drain.
- Another way to form a rope with a plumber’s putty is to take a small amount of putty and flatten it out into a thin sheet. This sheet can then be wrapped around the P-trap and used to connect it to the tailpiece.
Put the putty under the lip of the basket.
Applying putty to the kitchen sink drain is a relatively easy process that can help to create a watertight seal. Here are the basic steps:
- To apply the plumber’s putty, flip the basket strainer upside down and press it onto the lip with your fingers.
- Apply the putty around the entire basket strainer, pressing it into place firmly.
- For an optimal outcome, ensure the putty is spread evenly without any holes or air bubbles.
Gently push the drain plug into your sink.
Kitchen sink drains can be a pain to install, but with a little help from a plumber’s putty, it can be a quick and easy process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Press the basket strainer into the drain hole at the bottom of the sink. The plumber’s putty will expand and fill the space between the basket strainer and drain hole, creating a watertight seal.
- Twist the basket strainer to lock it into place. The plumber’s putty will continue to expand, filling gaps and ensuring a watertight seal.
Get rid of the extra putty.
To ensure your kitchen sink drain is properly sealed, follow these steps:
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess putty.
- Check that the seal is unbroken and there is no extra putty at the bottom of the basket.
- Repeat these steps as needed to maintain a proper seal. The kitchen sink drain is an important part of your kitchen, and it is essential to ensure it is properly sealed to prevent leaks.
Fit the rubber washer and friction ring onto its underside.
First, take the black rubber washer and slide it over the bottom of the basket strainer. After that, add the thinner white friction ring to press against the existing rubber washer.
- Place one hand on each object, holding them securely in place.
- Add the rubber washer to create a secure seal, and then put on the friction ring before screwing on the nut.
- You can also use Teflon tape to create an even stronger seal.
Screw the nut onto the basket strainer.
To effectively secure the nut, note which direction the threads are going on the nut and the basket strainer. Ensure they’re lined up before screwing the two together clockwise by turning it to the right as tightly as possible.
- Use your hands to screw the nut as tight as possible.
- If you’re having trouble getting the nut tight enough with just your hands, try using a pair of adjustable pliers.
- Ensure that the teeth of the pliers are lined up with the threads on the nut before turning it clockwise to tighten.
- Avoid over-tightening the nut;
Excess plumber’s putty can be removed.
Gently pull the plumber’s putty off that is stuck between the basket strainer and drain hole using only your fingers. You want to ensure all the excess putties are gone so it looks clean, consistent, and, most importantly- sealed tight without any water leaks.[11]
- Always expect some putty residue when using a wrench to tighten a nut.
Connect a brass tailpiece to the bottom of your basket strainer.
A drain basket strainer is a crucial part of the kitchen sink, and attaching a brass tailpiece is an essential step in the installation. Here’s how to do it:
- To install your brass tailpiece, begin by aligning its threads with the threads on the underside of your basket strainer.
- Hand-tighten the screw on the tailpiece.
- If the tailpiece is too loose, use a wrench to tighten it.
- Be sure to check for leaks before using the kitchen sink.
Place a rubber compression gasket inside the drain pipe.
Kitchen sink drains typically have a rubber compression gasket that helps to create a watertight seal. If this gasket is not in place, water can leak out of the drain and cause damage to the surrounding area.
To install the gasket, simply place it inside the drain pipe and secure it with screws.
After you put the gasket in its rightful spot, screw on the drain cover and make it snug. A tight seal will stop water from dripping out.
Placing a rubber compression gasket inside the kitchen sink drain can help prevent water damage and keep your kitchen looking its best.
Screw the top of the drainpipe into the bottom of the brass tailpiece.
After disconnecting the drainpipe, you will notice it is situated just below the brass tailpiece of the sink drain. Move the drainpipe until it nudges up against the bottom of the brass tailpiece and aligns with its edges.
- Never forcefully or jerkily move the drainpipe, as you might break it.
Attach the connector ring to the drainpipe and tighten it.
The threaded plastic ring on the drainpipe should be fitted to align with the threads at the bottom of the tailpiece. Fit it by sliding up the drainpipe and screwing it onto the brass tailpiece when aligned.
Tighten the connector with a wrench.
Locate an adjustable wrench and fit it over the connector you screwed onto the brass tailpiece. Give the wrench a turn to tighten the connector so that the drainpipe is securely connected to both sides of the tailpiece.
- If you over-tighten the connector, you could crack the plastic.
Turn the water on to test the drain.
To ensure the water flows through the basket strainer and into the drain pipes, test the drain by turning on the water. Then, check beneath the sink to see if any leaks are present or if the drain requires further repairs.