Installing a kitchen sink drain may seem like a task that requires special knowledge, however, when you know the steps involved in such a project, it is actually a moderately easy undertaking. The following are a number of tips to installing kitchen sink drains.
1. Make sure the water is turned off before you start the project. Before you remove the old sink drain, you should place a towel on the surface underneath the ‘U’ shaped pipe along with a bucket to collect any water that spills when you remove the old pipe.
2. Unscrew the nut that secures the sink basket to remove it. Remove the existing drain pipe that connects the drain to the under part of the sink by using a pipe wrench to loosen the nut. Turn the “u” wrong side up, (upside down,) to drain any excess water. Where the old pipe enters the central drain, unscrew it, and remove. This is normally the pipe coming through the back end of the sink.
3. Clean all around the area where the sink basket was removed to get rid of any debris so that the new sink basket does not leak once installed. Prior to the project, you should have purchased a drain pipe kit. Special drain pipe kits can be purchased at hardware stores. These kits are helpful for the novice as they ensure that all of the individual components fit together and are threaded correctly. They also contain important installation directions which are easy to understand.
4 The sink basket has to be installed from underneath the sink. First, put on the rubber washer. Then, affix the cardboard washer. Once the washers are on tight and secure, add the nut and tighten. It is important to make sure that the basket is centered to avoid leaks.
5. It is essential that you follow the drain pipe kit’s instructions on how each piece should be put together. A kitchen drain kit will contain all of the appropriate cutting pipes and sealing joints and will be properly measured and cut. Make sure every connection is secure to avoid leaks. You will need to use plumbers tape to wrap the threads of every connection.
6. When you attach the P-trap, you have to make sure the “V” shaped washer is pointing downward. As well, make sure you check every nut to ensure they are secure and tight.
7. Use the plumbers wrench to screw the pipe back into and affix it to the bottom of the sink drain. Make sure all of the connections are tight and secure so that there are not any leaks. Adjust the extension on the drain to make sure it matches the basin of the sink.
Installing the drains in a kitchen sink is a basic project that most people can handle without the help of a professional. If you run into any problems where you are unsure about what you are doing, or you are worried you may be causing damage, you should call a professional plumber.