7 Simple Steps to Install a Kitchen Sink Strainer

Kitchen sink strainer installation

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Kitchen sinks are indispensable parts of every household kitchen. Since they are used multiple times throughout the day, they are bound to get dirty easily and often. Thankfully, there’s something that can help keep your sink clean and free from any undesirable materials or dirt: a kitchen sink strainer. It sits inside the drain of your kitchen sink and traps food particles and other debris from going down your drain. Consequently, it prevents your sink from getting clogged and keeps your kitchen clean. Therefore, knowing how to install a kitchen sink strainer is a handy skill to have. It’s a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few steps.

The first step is to insert the stopper into the drain. Ensure that the rubber washer is in place on the stopper. Next, place the strainer over the stopper and turn it clockwise until it’s tight. Finally, run water into the sink to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully installed your kitchen sink strainer. Congratulations! Now that your kitchen sink strainer is installed, it’s a good habit to clean it regularly. This will help keep your sink clean and free of clogs.

To clean your kitchen sink strainer, simply remove it from the sink and rinse it with water. You can use a soft brush to remove any stubborn debris. Once it’s clean, replace the strainer in the sink. By following these simple tips, you can keep your kitchen sink clean and free of clogs. So, don’t wait any longer, install your kitchen sink strainer today!

Preparing the Sink for Installation

Before you begin installing your kitchen sink strainer, it is crucial to prepare the sink properly to ensure a secure and leak-free installation.

1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To successfully prepare your sink for strainer installation, you will need the following tools and materials:

Tool/Material	Purpose
Adjustable wrench or pliers	Tightening the strainer
Screwdriver or hex key	Securing the strainer
Dish soap or mild cleaning solution	Cleaning the sink
Dry cloth	Drying the sink
Flashlight	Inspecting for any obstructions
Bucket or towels	Catching any water

Once you have gathered all the necessary items, you can proceed with the preparation steps.

Selecting the Appropriate Strainer

Choosing the most suitable kitchen sink strainer is essential to ensure effective drainage and prevent sink clogs. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Material:

Strainers are commonly made from stainless steel, plastic, or rubber. Stainless steel is the most durable and corrosion-resistant option, making it ideal for heavy-duty use. Plastic strainers are lightweight and affordable but may be less durable and susceptible to cracking. Rubber strainers are flexible and easy to clean, making them suitable for smaller sink openings.

Size and Shape:

The strainer should fit snugly within the sink drain to prevent water from bypassing it. Measure the diameter of your sink drain before selecting a strainer. Strainers come in various shapes, such as round, square, or triangular, to accommodate different sink designs.

Perforation Pattern:

The size and distribution of the strainer holes affect the flow rate and clogging resistance. Small holes prevent debris from entering the drain but can result in slower drainage. Larger holes allow for faster drainage but may not capture all small particles. Choose a strainer with a perforation pattern that balances these factors.

Additional Features:

Some strainers come with additional features, such as a rubber flange for a tight seal, a removable basket for easy cleaning, or a built-in stopper for blocking the drain. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a strainer.

Material	Pros	Cons
Stainless Steel	Durable, corrosion-resistant	Expensive
Plastic	Lightweight, affordable	Less durable, may crack
Rubber	Flexible, easy to clean	Not as durable

Securing the Tailpiece

The tailpiece is the curved pipe that connects the kitchen sink drain to the P-trap. It’s important to secure the tailpiece properly to prevent leaks. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Gather your tools. You’ll need a slip joint pliers, a wrench, and a flashlight.
Get under the sink. Shine the flashlight into the sink to get a better view of the tailpiece.
Loosen the slip joint nut. Use the slip joint pliers to loosen the nut that connects the tailpiece to the sink.
Turn the tailpiece. By hand, turn the tailpiece counterclockwise to loosen it from the P-trap.
Tighten the tailpiece. Place the tailpiece on the sink in the correct position. Hand-tighten the slip joint nut as far as you can.
Use the wrench to further tighten the nut. Use the wrench to tighten the slip joint nut about a quarter turn past hand-tight. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the nut or the tailpiece.

Check for leaks. Turn on the water and check for leaks around the tailpiece. If there are any leaks, tighten the nut a bit more until the leak stops.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps:

Step	Action
1	Gather your tools.
2	Get under the sink.
3	Loosen the slip joint nut.
4	Turn the tailpiece.
5	Tighten the tailpiece.
6	Use the wrench to further tighten the nut.
7	Check for leaks.

Tightening the Nuts and Bolts

Tightening the nuts and bolts is a crucial step that ensures a secure and leak-free kitchen sink strainer installation. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Position one washer onto each bolt, then hand-tighten the nuts onto the bolts through the holes in the strainer.
Using a basin wrench, tighten the nuts by 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand-tight.
Tighten the nuts evenly, alternating between them to prevent uneven pressure.
Ensure that the nuts are sufficiently tight, but avoid overtightening as this can damage the strainer.
After tightening the nuts, use a flashlight to check for any gaps between the housing and the strainer. If gaps are visible, tighten the nuts further.
Finally, double-check the tightness of the nuts using the basin wrench to ensure they are adequately secured and will prevent any leaks.

To ensure a lasting installation, follow these steps with care and attention to detail.

Testing the Strainer for Leaks

Once the strainer is installed, it’s crucial to test it for leaks. Follow these steps to ensure it’s functioning properly:

Turn on the faucet and let water flow through the strainer.
Inspect the strainer itself and the area around it for any leaks.
Check the rubber gasket at the bottom of the strainer to ensure it’s seated properly and not allowing water to seep through.
Look for any visible damage or cracks in the strainer that could cause leaks.
If you notice any leaks, retighten the strainer using the adjustable wrench.
Re-test the strainer by running water through it again.
If leaks persist, it may be necessary to replace the strainer or consult a professional plumber for assistance.

Possible Leak Locations	Fixes
Around the edges of the strainer	Tighten the adjustable wrench
Underneath the rubber gasket	Reposition or replace the gasket
Through cracks or damage in the strainer	Replace the strainer

How To Install Kitchen Sink Strainer

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

Turn off the water supply to the sink.
Remove the old strainer by unscrewing it from the drain hole.
Clean the drain hole and the underside of the sink around the drain hole.
Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the new strainer.
Screw the new strainer into the drain hole by hand until it is snug.
Tighten the strainer using a wrench or pliers.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.