How to Install Kitchen Sink Drain: A Step-By-Step Guide

Install Your Kitchen Sink Drain with Ease!
How to install a kitchen sink drain
Photo: Getty Images

A properly functioning kitchen sink drain is essential for a clean and efficient workspace. Whether you’re replacing an old one or installing a new sink, this guide will walk you through the process of how to install a kitchen sink drain, easy and step by step.

Video: jeffostroff

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before diving into how to install a kitchen sink drain, gather the necessary tools and materials to make the process smooth and efficient:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Teflon tape
  • Pipe cutter (optional)
  • PVC primer and cement (if using PVC pipes)
  • New kitchen sink drain assembly (including strainer, flange, and tailpiece)
  • Drainpipe and P-trap
Kitchen sink drain diagram
Photo: Pinterest

Remove Old Drain Assembly

If you’re replacing an existing kitchen sink drain, the first step before starting to install it is to remove the old assembly. Follow these steps for a successful kitchen drain install:

  1. Turn off the water supply to the sink.
  2. Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any remaining water.
  3. Loosen the slip nuts connecting the P-trap to the drainpipe and tailpiece, and remove the P-trap.
  4. Use the wrench to loosen and remove the locknut securing the drain structure to the sink.
  5. Remove the old strainer and flange from the sink.
Diagram for installing kitchen sink drain

Install the New Kitchen Sink Drain Assembly

Now that the old drain has been removed, it’s time to learn how to install a new sink drain:

  1. Roll a small amount of plumber’s putty into a rope and wrap it around the underside of the strainer’s flange.
  2. Place the strainer into the sink opening, ensuring the putty forms a watertight seal.
  3. From underneath the sink, place the rubber gasket, friction ring, and locknut onto the strainer, and tighten the locknut using the adjustable wrench. Make sure the tailpiece is aligned with the drainpipe opening in the wall or floor.
  4. Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty that has squeezed out from under the flange.
Kitchen sink drainpipe

Attach the Drainpipe and P-Trap

With the new kitchen sink drain assembly in place, follow these steps for how to hook up a kitchen sink drain:

  1. Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the tailpiece.
  2. Connect the drainpipe to the tailpiece using the provided slip nut, ensuring a snug fit.
  3. If necessary, cut the drainpipe to the appropriate length using the pipe cutter.
  4. Apply PVC primer and cement to the drainpipe and P-trap joint, if using PVC pipes.
  5. Attach the P-trap to the drainpipe and wall or floor pipe, tightening the slip nuts to secure the connections.
Kitchen sink p-pipe
Photo: Getty Images

Test Your New Kitchen Sink Drain Install

After successfully installing the new kitchen sink drain, follow these steps to ensure proper function:

  1. Turn the water supply back on.
  2. Run water through the sink for a few minutes, checking for leaks at all connections.
  3. If leaks are present, tighten the slip nuts or locknut as needed.

Congratulations, you now know how to install kitchen sink drains! With your new drain in place, you can enjoy a more efficient and functional kitchen workspace.

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