10 Easy Steps to Install a Sink Strainer

How to Install a Sink Strainer
$title$

There are few things more frustrating than a clogged sink. Food particles, hair, and other debris can quickly build up in the drain, causing water to back up and making it difficult to use the sink. One of the best ways to prevent clogs is to install a sink strainer. A sink strainer is a small, mesh device that fits over the drain and catches debris before it can enter the pipes. Sink strainers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your sink perfectly. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so there is no reason not to have one in your kitchen or bathroom.

Installing a sink strainer is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. First, remove the old strainer, if there is one. Then, clean the drain opening with a damp cloth. Next, insert the new strainer into the drain opening and press down firmly until it is in place. Finally, run water through the sink to make sure that the strainer is properly installed and that there are no leaks.

Sink strainers are an effective way to prevent clogs and keep your drains flowing freely. They are easy to install and maintain, and they can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. If you do not have a sink strainer, I highly recommend that you install one today. It is a simple and inexpensive way to protect your plumbing and keep your sink working properly.

Preparation for Sink Strainer Installation

Before you begin installing a sink strainer, it’s essential to ensure proper preparation to ensure a successful and functional installation. Follow these steps:

Tools and Materials

Gather the necessary tools and materials for the installation, including:

Sink strainer
Adjustable wrench
Plumbers’ putty (optional)
Silicone sealant (optional)
Rags or towels

Safety Precautions

Turn off the water supply to the sink.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or splashing water.
Use caution when handling tools.

Inspect the Sink

Examine the sink hole where the strainer will be installed. It should be clean, free of debris, and have a diameter slightly larger than the strainer.
If using plumbers’ putty or silicone sealant, clean the rim of the sink hole thoroughly with a damp cloth or alcohol to remove any dirt or grease.

Preparation Procedures

Remove any existing strainer: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the old strainer. If it’s stuck, gently tap it with a hammer or vice grips to break it loose.
Lubricate the flange: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or silicone lubricant to the flange of the new strainer. This will help it slide into the sink hole more easily and create a better seal.
Apply sealant (optional): If desired, apply a bead of plumbers’ putty or silicone sealant around the rim of the sink hole. This will provide an additional layer of waterproofing and prevent water leakage.
Insert the strainer: Carefully position the strainer over the sink hole and press it down until it fits snugly. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the retaining nut from below the sink until it’s hand-tight. Avoid overtightening.

Selecting the Appropriate Sink Strainer

Choosing the right sink strainer is crucial for maintaining a clean and functional kitchen sink. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a strainer:

Material

Stainless Steel: Durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Can be matte or polished.
Plastic: Affordable and comes in various colors and designs. Can be prone to scratches and discoloration.
Brass: Solid and aesthetically pleasing. Requires regular cleaning to prevent tarnishing.
Silicone: Flexible and fits snugly over the drain. Easy to remove and clean, but can tear if mishandled.

Shape and Size

Match the strainer’s shape and size to your sink’s drain. It should fit securely without obstructing water flow.

Sink Drain Shape	Strainer Shape
Round	Round
Square	Square
Rectangular	Rectangular
Triangular	Triangular

Holes and Perforations

The holes or perforations on the strainer allow water to pass through while catching debris. Choose a strainer with holes appropriate for the type of sink you have.

Small holes: Prevent food scraps and large debris from clogging the drain.
Larger holes: Allow easier drainage of water from the sink.

Additional Features

Some strainers offer additional features, such as:

Basket Strainers: Removable basket for easy disposal of debris.
Stoppers: Allow you to plug the drain to fill the sink with water.
Handles: Make it easier to remove the strainer for cleaning.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before embarking on the installation process, it is crucial to assemble the necessary tools. This will ensure that the task is completed efficiently and without any setbacks.

1. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is an indispensable tool for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. Its versatility allows it to accommodate various sizes of fasteners, making it suitable for various plumbing tasks.

2. Plumber’s Putty or Plumber’s Tape

Plumber’s putty or plumber’s tape is used to seal the connection between the strainer and the sink. Plumber’s putty is a pliable material that can be molded to fill gaps and create a watertight seal. Plumber’s tape, on the other hand, is a self-adhesive tape that provides a quick and easy sealing solution.

3. Screwdriver (Optional)

A screwdriver may be required depending on the type of sink strainer being installed. Some strainers may have screws that need to be tightened or loosened during the installation process. It is recommended to have both a flathead and Phillips head screwdriver available, as different strainers may require different screw types.

Tool	Purpose
Adjustable Wrench	Tightening and loosening nuts and bolts
Plumber’s Putty or Tape	Sealing the connection between the strainer and the sink
Screwdriver (Optional)	Tightening or loosening screws (depending on strainer type)

Removing the Existing Strainer (if applicable)

If your sink already has a strainer, you’ll need to remove it before installing the new one. Start by turning off the water supply to the sink. Once the water is off, use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds the strainer in place. Once the nut is loose, you should be able to pull the strainer out of the drain.

Tools You’ll Need

To remove the existing strainer, you will need the following tools:

Tool	Description
Pliers	Used to loosen the nut that holds the strainer in place

Steps

To remove the existing strainer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the sink.
2. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nut that holds the strainer in place.
3. Once the nut is loose, pull the strainer out of the drain.

Cleaning the Sink Drain

Before installing a sink strainer, it’s crucial to clean the sink drain to ensure proper drainage and prevent clogs. Here are the steps involved in cleaning a sink drain:

**Gather Necessary Tools:**
– Plunger
– Drain cleaner
– Baking soda
– Vinegar

**Plunge the Drain:**
– Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull rapidly to create suction and dislodge any clogs.

**Use Drain Cleaner:**
– Pour a commercial drain cleaner into the drain and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Be cautious when using chemical drain cleaners, as they can be corrosive.

**Create a Natural Cleaning Solution:**
– Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
– Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

**Remove Hair and Debris:**
– Use a drain snake or a pair of pliers to remove any hair or debris that may be clogging the drain.

Steps	Instructions
1	Gather necessary tools
2	Plunge the drain
3	Use drain cleaner
4	Create a natural cleaning solution
5	Remove hair and debris

Inserting the New Sink Strainer

To insert the new sink strainer, follow these steps:

Unthread the old strainer by turning it counterclockwise and remove it.
Remove the old gasket or washer from the old strainer.
Clean the sink drain hole and surrounding area.
Inspect the new strainer for any defects or damage.
Place a new gasket or washer onto the new strainer.

Installing the gasket or washer is critical for preventing water leaks.

Gasket/Washer Type	Installation Procedure
Rubber washer	Slide it onto the strainer flange and tighten it down.
Metal washer with a rubber gasket	Insert the rubber gasket into the strainer flange and then tighten the metal washer over it.
Plastic washer with a built-in gasket	Simply slide it onto the strainer flange and tighten it.

Place the new strainer into the sink drain hole.
Tighten the strainer clockwise by hand until it is snug.
Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the strainer further, but be careful not to overtighten.

Tightening the Strainer

Once the strainer has been placed in the drain hole, it’s time to tighten it. This can be done by hand or with a tool. If you’re tightening by hand, simply grip the strainer and turn it clockwise until it’s snug. If you’re using a tool, such as a wrench or pliers, be careful not to overtighten the strainer, as this could damage the sink or the strainer itself. Here are the steps to tighten the strainer in more detail:

Locate the wing nut or bolt. The wing nut or bolt is typically located on the underside of the strainer. It’s what holds the strainer in place.
Tighten the wing nut or bolt. Use your fingers or a wrench to tighten the wing nut or bolt. Be careful not to overtighten, or you could damage the sink or the strainer.
Check for leaks. Once the strainer is tightened, run water down the drain to check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the strainer further until they stop.

Tips for Tightening the Strainer

Here are a few tips for tightening the strainer:

If the strainer is made of metal, use a wrench or pliers to tighten it. This will help prevent you from overtightening the strainer by hand.
If the strainer is made of plastic, be careful not to overtighten it, as this could damage the strainer.
If you’re having trouble tightening the strainer, try using a pair of pliers to grip the strainer and turn it.

Tool	Description
Wrench	A wrench is a tool that is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
Pliers	Pliers are a tool that is used to grip and manipulate objects.

Finishing Touches

8. Ensure the Strainer is Secure

Once the strainer is in place, check if it is secure by pressing down on it lightly. It should not move or pop out. If it does, tighten the lock nut or the wing nut until the strainer is snug. However, avoid overtightening as it could damage the strainer or the sink.

To ensure a watertight seal, apply a small amount of plumber’s putty or silicone sealant around the rim of the strainer. This will prevent water from seeping through any gaps between the strainer and the sink.

Finally, clean the sink and the strainer thoroughly to remove any debris or residue. You can use a mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning.

Troubleshooting Potential Issues

1. Water Leaking from Around the Strainer

If water is leaking from around the strainer, it is likely that the rubber gasket is not seated properly. Remove the strainer and check the gasket. If it is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.

2. Strainer Basket Not Fitting Properly

If the strainer basket does not fit properly, it is likely that the sink drain hole is not the correct size. Measure the diameter of the drain hole and compare it to the size of the strainer basket.

3. Strainer Basket Not Draining Properly

If the strainer basket is not draining properly, it is likely that the drain pipe is clogged. Remove the strainer basket and check the drain pipe for any debris. If the drain pipe is clogged, clear it out.

4. Strainer Basket Rusting

If the strainer basket is rusting, it is likely that it is made of a material that is not rust-resistant. Replace the strainer basket with one that is made of a rust-resistant material.

5. Strainer Basket Getting Stuck

If the strainer basket is getting stuck, it is likely that the sink drain hole is not smooth. You can smooth out the drain hole by using a wire brush.

6. Strainer Basket Making Noise

If the strainer basket is making noise, it is likely that the strainer basket is not seated properly. Remove the strainer basket and check the gasket. If the gasket is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.

7. Strainer Basket Not Staying in Place

If the strainer basket is not staying in place, it is likely that the sink drain hole is too large. You can use a rubber washer to fill the gap between the strainer basket and the drain hole.

8. Strainer Basket Too Small

If the strainer basket is too small, it is likely that the sink drain hole is too large. You can use a rubber washer to fill the gap between the strainer basket and the drain hole.

9. Strainer Basket Not Removable

If the strainer basket is not removable, it is likely that the strainer basket is attached to the sink drain. You can remove the strainer basket by using a pair of pliers to loosen the screws that attach the strainer basket to the sink drain.

Maintenance and Care of the Sink Strainer

1. Regular Cleaning:

Regularly remove and clean the sink strainer to prevent clogging and maintain hygiene. Use warm soapy water or a mild cleaning solution and a soft brush to remove any debris, hair, or food particles.

2. Inspecting for Damage:

Periodically check the sink strainer for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or rust. Replace damaged strainers to prevent leaks.

3. Flushing the Drain:

Flushing the drain with boiling water can help dissolve grease and other buildup that may not be removed by regular cleaning. Pour the hot water down the drain and follow with cold water to avoid any thermal damage.

4. Using Drain Cleaner:

In case of stubborn clogs, commercial drain cleaners can be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid using excessive amounts.

5. Removing Hair:

Hair can accumulate in the sink strainer and cause blockages. Regularly use a hair catcher or brush to remove hair before it enters the drain.

6. Draining After Use:

Drain the sink thoroughly after each use to prevent water from pooling and creating favorable conditions for bacteria or mold growth.

7. Disinfecting:

Periodically disinfect the sink strainer by soaking it in a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.

8. Disposal of Debris:

Dispose of debris removed from the sink strainer properly by wrapping it in a plastic bag and discarding it in the trash.

9. Avoiding Harsh Chemicals:

Do not use harsh chemicals such as drain cleaners or bleach on the sink strainer directly. These chemicals can damage the material.

10. Deep Cleaning:

If the sink strainer has accumulated significant gunk or debris, perform a deep clean by disassembling it and soaking all components in a vinegar and water solution (equal parts) for several hours. Rinse thoroughly and reassemble the strainer.

Frequency	Task
Daily	Remove loose debris
Weekly	Regular cleaning and inspection
Monthly	Flushing the drain, disinfecting
As needed	Deep cleaning

How To Install A Sink Strainer

Installing a sink strainer is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Remove the old strainer. Using a pair of pliers, grasp the old strainer and twist it counterclockwise to remove it from the drain.
Clean the drain. Once the old strainer is removed, use a small brush or sponge to clean the drain of any debris.
Insert the new strainer. Place the new strainer into the drain and twist it clockwise to tighten it.
Test the strainer. Run water into the sink to test the strainer. If there are any leaks, tighten the strainer further.