How to Remove Sink Drain in the Easiest Ways Possible

What You Need to Prepare

Here are some of the materials and tools that you will need. Remember that all of these things still depend on how your sink drain connects to the sink.

Take Note: You have to remember that the plumber’s putty, which is the same as the modeling clay, provides a waterproof seal between the drain and the sink.

Different Types of Sink Strainers

Various sink drains use different ways to attach them to the sink securely. Also, they may require different tools that can vary depending on the strategy you have to use. These are the most standard sink drain to sink attachments:

How to Remove the Sink Drain

Here is the step-by-step guide on removing and setting up of the sink drain or strainer:

Get Rid of the Drain Pipe Tailpiece

You have to get a pipe wrench for this step. That way, you will loosen the slip nut up which holds the drain tailpiece and the sink drain. You have to twist it counterclockwise. Once already loose, you can unscrew it and take away the tailpiece pipe from the drain.

Remove the Sink Drain Locknut

You can utilize a specialized locknut or pipe wrench to unscrew the defective sink drain. You have to turn it counterclockwise. Then, keep the strainer from twisting.

You can insert a specialized basket strainer wrench or needle nose pliers into the opening of the drain. Also, you have to unscrew it and get the nylon washer and the tailpiece.

Clean the Drain and the Sink

You may obtain an abrasive pad and putty knife to get rid of the hardened putty from around the drain opening in the sink. Next, you need to put dishwashing liquid to the damp sponge to take away the excess putty or grime around the drain opening.

If you want to reuse the strainer, you need to clean it carefully. For new drains, you have to wipe off the drain using a paper towel or soft cloth.

Put the Plumber’s Putty to the Sink

After you clean and dry the drain and the sink, you need to get a golf ball-sized putty. Then, form it with your hands for a few minutes to soften and warm the plumber’s putty.

Once ready, you can use a back and forth movement using your hands to form it like a rope. Make sure that it is half an inch in diameter or it is long enough to cover the sink’s opening.

Apply the plumber’s putty around the opening of the sink. Then, secure it in place. Place the drain in the hole of the sink and put it firmly. That way, the putty won’t ooze out of the opening.

Position the lock nut to the Drain

You have to get rid of the excess plumber’s putty under the hole of the strainer and the sink. Then, glide the rubber washer onto the drain from below the sink. Then, you need to put the friction washer.

Line the locknut onto the drain using a clockwise motion. Be careful not to crisscross the lines. Then, tighten the nut as you can against the friction gasket and washer.

Then, place either the needle nose pliers and basket strainer under the drain opening to keep it from twisting. Also, you can use the pipe or locknut wrench to compress the locknut against the sink.

Warm the locknut up. However, you do not need to tighten it over. It could either strip the threads or break the lock nut.

Reconnect the Drain Pipe Tailpiece

You have to slip the nut on the tailpiece drain pipe. Then, fasten it below the sink strainer with a nylon washer. Then, secure the tailpiece nut with a pipe wrench. Do not overtighten it.

Get Rid of the Remaining Plumber’s Putty from the Sink

You have to remove the excess plumber’s putty from around the opening of the strainer. Then, put the tailpiece to the sink drain. You may check out any leaks.

Conclusion

You may have expected that taking away the sink drain and putting a new one is one of the challenging repairs you have to do. However, this is just a myth. You have to take note that removing the sink strainer and installing it is easy.

It will only take a few minutes of your time and a little of your effort. All you have to do is to follow the ways indicated above, and you are all set!