How to Remove and Install a Kitchen Sink Strainer

Remove any excess putty from the inside of the sink around the strainer opening. Attach the tailpiece to the sink drain, and test it for leaks.

Darren Charpentier January 3, 2014 at 12:05 pm

This web site is very helpful.

ALVIN MOORE February 6, 2014 at 6:25 pm

great information. just what I needed

Katherine March 20, 2014 at 4:33 pm

I removed excess putty from the bottom of the sink opening and strainer. However as I tightened the locknut washer some putty eventually came out between the sink and the top of the rubber gasket… when I used less of the putty (an earlier attempt) there wasn’t enough and water eventually leaked from that area. This might fail, too. Frustrating.

- Ben Erickson April 7, 2014 at 12:27 pm
  
  Katherine,
  Plumber’s putty should squeeze out all around the sink strainer when you tighten up the locknut. A little of the putty may continue to ooze out for a time, but it can be easily wiped off.
  
Katherine April 7, 2014 at 7:51 pm

Yes, I understand the putty squeezing out around the top of the strainer, but should any come out under the sink, around the gasket(s)?

- Ben Erickson April 8, 2014 at 8:28 am
  
  Katherine,
  Putty didn’t squeeze out around the gasket under the sink when I replaced mine, but it should still seal OK if it does.
  
Ameer Faisal March 20, 2017 at 7:17 am

you have to be more careful when you are removing or changing sink strainer. Thank you for this article.

Richard Maciol September 13, 2018 at 11:21 am

More videos instead of words—example—kitchen sink strainer