Installing a kitchen sink drain is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and instructions. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install kitchen sink drain, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Contents
Before You Begin
There are many options for kitchen drain traps. Bundled kits can be purchased that include different parts for specific situations. Some will work with single-basin sinks, while others will work with double-basin ones.
Others may also have features for sinks that include a garbage disposal. There are both PVC and chromed copper plastic drain trap kits. Most people use plastic parts to drain their kitchen sinks. They are usually hidden from view.
Kitchen drains are typically 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They are not the 1 1/4 inch pipes that you will find in bathroom sinks. Sometimes, you might find a 2-inch outlet for your kitchen drain. If this is the case, adapter fittings can convert a 1 1/2 drain kit into a 2-inch outlet pipe.
While drain trap kits often include flexible, corrugated tubing to make sink installation easier, professional plumbers don’t usually use them. The rough corrugations can catch grease and food particles, causing clogs. It is better to use smooth pipes to ensure drain water flows freely.
- Tip
You may need to alter the drain outlet of your wall if you are replacing a standard sink with a deep-basin one. This is often necessary for extra-deep farmhouse-style apron-style sinks. If you’re not a skilled DIYer, moving a drain outlet can be a complicated task.
What You’ll Need
- Equipment / Tools
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Hacksaw or cutter for PVC tubing
- Channel-type pliers
- Materials
- Kitchen drain trap kit
- For each basin, new sink drain, and strainer assembly
Inserting the Basket Strainer
1. Make sure you choose a new drain assembly kit compatible with your sink. The drain assembly kit includes a basket strainer and locking slip nut, rubber washer, friction rings, friction ring, brass tailpiece, and a brass connector to connect the drain to the drainpipes. You will need all the parts to install a kitchen sink. Also, ensure that the drain fits in the countertop hole at your sink. [1]
- To ensure that the basket strainer fits, measure the sink’s drain hole.
- Use an existing basket sink strainer from your sink to help you purchase the right one.
- You should ensure that the sink drain tailpiece fits into your drainpipes. A brass tailpiece will last longer.
- Sink drain assembly kits can be purchased at your local hardware shop, in department stores, and online.
2. If there is one, disconnect the drainpipe from the mains and take out the filter. Turn the drainpipe’s metal fittings with a pair of pliers, and then remove the drainpipe from the sink tailpiece. Next, use a basket wrench to loosen the basket strainer’s underside nut. The filter will be pulled out of the sinkhole. [2]
Before you attach a kitchen sink drain to a sink with drainpipes, disconnect the drainpipes.
When separating the pipes, be careful not to damage them with the pliers.
3. Make a rope using a bit of the plumber’s glue. To warm the plumber’s glue and make it more malleable, take a little bit of it from the container. Next, roll the putty into an approximately 4-5 inch (10-13 cm) length using your palms. [3]
- By wrapping it around a basket strainer, you can gauge how long the rope should be.
- Make the rope of putty in exact size.
- Plumber’s putty can be purchased at hardware stores, department stores, and online.
4. The putty should be applied to the underside lip of the basket. Turn the basket strainer upside-down and apply the plumber’s glue to the underside of the sink. Place the putty all around the basket strainer and press it down. [4]
- Please do not press the putty so hard that it is too thin and hangs above the basket’s lip.
- You can cut off excess rope and join the ends of the putty.
5. Place the basket in the drain hole at the bottom of the sink. Place the basket strainer on the sink opening hole. The plumber’s glue will expand between the drain hole and the basket strainer lip to create a watertight seal. [5]
- To create an even seal, push down.
- The putty will dry, and it will form a washer. Don’t press too hard so that it doesn’t come out of the basket strainer’s sides.
6. Use a towel to remove any excess plumber’s putty from the bottom of the sink. The plumber’s glue will have expanded, and some may still be in the basket. Wipe the excess putty with a clean cloth to ensure a consistent seal. [6]
- If you have a pre-installed basin, open the cabinet doors to access the space below the sink.
- It is okay to have a bit extra putty, but too much can cause problems with the seal.
7. Attach the rubber washer, friction ring, and rubber washer to the basket’s underside. Place the black rubber washer on the basket strainer. Slide the white, thinner friction ring on top of the basket strainer, pressing down against the rubber washer. [7]
- Place the pieces with one hand.
- To create an extra layer of watertight seal, place the rubber washer first. Then add the friction ring to protect it from the nut.
8. The nut should be screwed onto the basket strainer. The nut looks like a giant metal ring. Drain line the threads with the basket strainer’s bottom. To screw it on, turn the nut counterclockwise or to the right. Keep turning the nut until it is as tight as possible. [8]
- Turn the nut with your hands as best you can.
9. To tighten the nut, use needle-nose pliers with a basket wrench. To hold the basket in place, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the slots on the filter’s bottom. To seal the basket as tightly as possible, place a basket wrench on the nut.
It would help to tighten the bolt with a wrench to ensure that the basket strainer is sealed correctly and water doesn’t escape from the drain. [9]
Basket wrenches can be found in home improvement stores, department stores, and online.
- Tip: Use an adjustable wrench with jaws wide enough to cover the nut if you don’t own a basket wrench.
10. Take out any plumber’s glue from the sink. You can use your fingers to remove the plumber’s glue that has been trapped between the drain hole and the basket strainer. The drain will look clean and uniform, and watertight if the putty is gone. [10]
You will always have a little putty leftover from tightening the slip nuts with the wrench.
If you have a problem with cleaning the kitchen sink drain, we also provide some useful tips.
Connecting The Drainpipes
1. Attach a brass tailpiece at the bottom of your basket strainer. Line up the threads of the basket strainer with the brass tailpiece. Attach the tailpiece with your hands as tight as possible. [11]
Brass tailpieces can be found in hardware and home improvement shops.
2. Install a rubber compression gasket in the drain pipe. Rubber compression gaskets are small flexible gaskets that seal the drain pipe. Place a compression gasket in the drain lines of your sink. It should fit perfectly. [12]
- Rubber gaskets are available in many sizes. You should choose one that is the right size for your drain pipe.
- Rubber compression gaskets can be purchased at hardware stores, home improvement, and online stores.
3. Hold the top end of the drainpipe against your brass tailpiece. The brass tailpiece will hold the drainpipe you have disconnected. The drainpipe should be moved so that it touches the brass tailpiece. [13]
You could damage the drainpipe if you force it or jerk it.
4. Attach the connector ring to the drainpipe to the brass tailpiece. The tailpiece is fitted with a small plastic ring that fits the drainpipe. The drainpipe can be slipped up, and the threads will align with the threads on the brass tailpiece. Attach the connector to the brass tailpiece. [14]
5. Use a wrench to tighten the connector. Use an adjustable wrench to fit the connector onto the brass tailpiece. To seal the drainpipe, tighten the wrench until it is secured to the tailpiece. [15]
You should not tighten the connector too much, or it could crack.
6. To test the drain, turn on the sink. Turn on the water to test the drain. Check beneath it to ensure that water isn’t leaking from the drain. [16]
Tip: Water may leak from the basket strainer if one of the loose connections. Turn off the sink and tighten the brass tailpiece and the connector. Then, test the water again.
If you want to set up the cabinet, this guide is for you: How To Install Kitchen Cabinets?
FAQs
Are you looking for plumbers putty?
Plumber’s putty isn’t recommended for sink drains. This is especially true if the rubber gasket comes with it. Silicone caulk is recommended for areas where the manufacturer doesn’t supply a gasket, and the flanges are not made of metal. Make sure you read the instructions for your drain assembly.
Is silicone a better choice than plumbers putty?
Can I use silicone instead of the plumber’s putty? Silicone has many more uses than plumbers putty and offers advanced benefits. You can also substitute silicone for plumber’s putty in most cases.
What is the best way to seal a kitchen sink’s drain?
Plumber’s putty, a clay-like substance, is the best choice to seal sink drains. However, silicone caulk is also available.
What can I do with plumbers putty to fix a plastic drain?
It is better not to. Because plumber’s putty could damage the chrome plating on the plastic drain, plumber’s putty should not be used on plastic.
Video
Conclusion
Peelsnyc hopes this article helps you gain insight and knowledge on kitchen sink drains. It is a straightforward process that requires only essential hand tools and simple instructions. Therefore, you will be able to install kitchen sink drains with ease. Best of luck with your project!
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below, and we will be happy to assist you.
