Sink Drain Replacement Olmsted Falls is common as part of a kitchen remodel or sink upgrade project. Pop-up drains are easy to replace with a little effort and a few tools.
First, ensure your work area is clear and position a bucket underneath to catch any residual water that may drip from the pipework during removal. Then, gather your tools and prepare to loosen the connections that hold the drain in place.
A faulty sink drain can create a pool of water beneath the sink and can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant odors. Luckily, replacing a sink drain is a simple DIY plumbing project that any homeowner can do with the right tools and supplies. To start, turn off the water supply to the sink and clear out a space beneath the sink for working. Next, use a pipe wrench to loosen the coupling that connects the sink drain assembly to the drain line and waste pipe underneath the sink. After removing the old drain, measure the length and diameter of the drain line and the sink hole to help you select a replacement. If your old drain pipe is made of cast iron, it’s a good idea to have a home drain maintenance specialist replace it with plastic piping.
In addition to standard tools found in every tool box, there are some specialty plumbing tools you should have on hand for sink drain replacement projects. These include a basin wrench and a pair of adjustable pliers. A basin wrench has a long handle that can reach up behind the sink, where the faucet mounting nut is located. A unique set of jaws on the wrench grips the nut and a bar at the bottom turns it. This nifty tool is perfect for tightening and removing sink and bathtub drains, showerheads, bar strainers and some lavatory drains.
Plumber’s putty is another essential tool for sink drain replacement. This type of pliable sealant forms water-resistant bonds that can hold up to low-pressure environments, like a sink drain. The putty can be purchased in a variety of colors to match your new bathroom fixtures, and it can be applied with a finger or a plastic putty knife. A syringe may also be used to apply the putty in hard-to-reach areas.
A pair of long-nosed pliers can be helpful in gaining a firm grasp on the sink strainer grate and holding it steady while you loosen the locknut. If the grate moves while you’re trying to loosen it, place a screwdriver between the plier handles and insert them into the sink strainer grate from above to keep it stationary. Once the grate is removed, you can remove the sink drain. Next, use a Pipe Wrench to loosen the Slip Nut that keeps the Tailpiece tightened to the Drain.
Loosen the Connections
Before you can remove your old drain, you’ll need to loosen the connections beneath it. This may take some wiggling and gentle persuasion, but you should never apply too much pressure or you might damage the fittings or pipes underneath. A set of pipe wrenches or a pair of channel locks should be sufficient for this task.
The first step is to loosen the nut that holds the strainer in place with a pipe wrench. Once this is done, you can pull the bell washer strainer free of its mount and set it aside. Next, you’ll need to loosen the nut that connects the sink drain to the P-trap with a large pair of pliers. Once this nut is loose, you can remove the drain and P-trap from the sink.
Now that you’ve removed the old drain and removed the P-trap, you can start installing the new one. Before you do this, though, it’s important to make sure your new drain is the correct size. If it’s too big, you could end up with a sewage backup problem. The correct size is usually noted on the packaging of your drain kit.
Once you’ve checked the diameter of your new drain, it’s time to install it. Begin by placing the rubber gasket on the underside of the drain flange, then pushing the new drain into place. Next, screw the drain nut on tightly with a wrench.
Before you do this, though, you’ll need to cut the tailpiece from your sink drain assembly kit to the proper length. This piece of straight pipe connects from the sink drain to the drain trap, so you’ll want to ensure it’s long enough to fit inside the drain trap.
Once you’ve finished installing the new drain, you can test its operation by closing and opening the pop-up stopper several times. If the new drain is functioning properly, you’re ready to get your sink back to its normal use. If not, you’ll need to call a plumber or try another fix. It’s important to check the connections often to avoid leaks and other problems.
Remove the Old Drain
When you have a fresh new drain installed, you’ll need to take care of any loose connections and clean the sink opening area. Using the opportunity to do this will help ensure a tight, leak-free fit for the new drain. Once the old drain is out, it’s also a good idea to remove any grime or old plumber’s putty from the drain flange. If the drain stub has any grease or other buildup, it could cause a clog down the line.
Using a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife, scrape away any lingering old plumber’s putty from the tub and drain flange. This step will also give you a chance to inspect the area and make sure everything looks clean and free of any cracks or damage. If the flange has any cracked areas, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new gasket. These are available at any hardware store and are easy to install.
If the flange is still sealed with old plumber’s putty, try heating it up with a hair dryer or heat gun for a few minutes. This can soften the putty and make it easier to remove. If the flange is very stubborn and doesn’t budge, it’s probably time to call a professional.
Once the flange is clean and free of old plumber’s putty, you can start installing the new drain. It’s important to use the right size drain for your tub, so make sure to measure the sink or consult the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll also want to choose a drain with a style that will match the rest of your bathroom. Some popular options are nickel, bronze, and chrome drains.
Once you’ve chosen a drain, prepare for installation by making sure you have all of the necessary tools at hand. It’s best to work in a well-lit area with plenty of room around you, and it’s a good idea to have a bucket underneath your workspace to catch any water that might spill while you’re working. Finally, don’t forget to wear gloves and safety glasses for protection from debris and rusty tools.
Install the New Drain
The good news is that installing a new drain is a quick and simple DIY project. It doesn’t cost much (typically $20-100 in parts) and only takes 30 minutes or so. However, if you aren’t comfortable working with your home’s plumbing, it may be best to hire an experienced plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.
Before starting to install the new drain, make sure that all of the old components are removed from the sink, including the waste cover and washer installed underneath the waste cover. Also, be sure that the drain gasket is secure and not leaking. Taking these steps will help to prevent problems and ensure that the new installation is watertight and secure.
If you’re replacing a pop-up drain, start by loosening the mounting nut with your hands or a pair of channel-type pliers. Then, remove the drain tailpiece and set it aside. Once the old drain is out, clean the space around the drain opening and the flange with a damp sponge to remove any leftover residue from the old drain. You can use a non-water-based silicone sealant to keep the new drain in place, if you like.
Now that the space is clean, apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the underside of the new strainer and push it into place on the sink flange. You can also use silicone sealant to create a watertight seal, if you prefer. Wipe off any extra putty that oozes out from the underside of the strainer and set it aside in a container for later use.
If your old drain is still in good condition, it’s best to use it until you need to replace it. However, if you’re experiencing frequent drain clogs, consider installing a new drain in your bathroom or kitchen to prevent future issues.
Keeping your drains clog-free doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it can help to avoid costly plumbing repairs down the road. Try implementing a routine of regularly pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drain to help remove build-up, kill bacteria, and prevent odors.