How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer
The presence of water under your sink can signal many things. You could have a bad p-trap, a cracked pipe, a broken seal around the sink or faucet, or it might just be the sink strainer. The sink strainer is quite simple to replace and you can purchase a kit at a big box store or hardware store. You may need the whole kit or you may just need to replace the putty that seals the strainer to the sink and locknut.
Instructions
1
Release the tailpiece under the sink that carries the water away. Use the pliers to undo the slip nuts that hold the tailpiece to the sink strainer housing. Move the tailpiece out of the way so you can see. Set up a flashlight under the sink unless you have a helper to hold it for you.
2
Remove the old basket strainer. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the coupling nut on the underside of the strainer. You will probably need to put the handles of the pliers in the two holes to hole the housing firm while you exert pressure underneath the sink on the coupling nut. Take all the washers and the housing and basket out of the hole in the sink.
3
Scrape off the old putty using the putty knife. Clean the area well and make sure it is dry. Roll plumber's putty in your hands to make a rope. Spread the plumber's putty rope around the drain hole and set the new housing and strainer basket in. Press firmly and wipe any excess putty from around the drain hole.
4
Install the rubber gasket on the underside of the housing, then the friction washer. Place the lock nut on the screw flange and tighten completely using the adjustable wrench. Reattach the tailpiece and tighten the slip nuts. Turn on the water and test for leaks.
