Set a Drain Basket in the Kitchen Sink
Datetime:2014-12-31 Hits:
The basket strainer in a kitchen sink is a multipiece assembly that directs water flow into the drain below. Without the basket strainer, water would flow through the hole in the base of the kitchen sink and end up all over the floor below. Basket strainers create a water-tight pathway from the sink with plumber's putty and a series of rubber washers. Secure a basket strainer in a kitchen sink properly for years of worry-free sink use.
Instructions
1
Lift out the perforated insert and set it aside. Unscrew the nut at the base of the strainer basket. Separate the upper portion of the strainer and the threaded lower section.
2
Roll a golf ball size lump of plumber's putty between your hands until it is warm and pliable. Form the warm putty into a long snake form with a ½-inch diameter. Press the putty around the underside of the strainer basket.
3
Lower the putty-lined strainer basket into the hole in the sink. Press down on the basket with firm even pressure to seat it into the hole. Much of the putty will squeeze out on both sides of the joint.
4
Peel the excess putty from the underside of the strainer basket. Slide the large rubber washer into place on the underside of the basket where the putty was removed. Stack the paper or cardboard friction ring over the rubber gasket.
5
Press down on the strainer basket from inside the sink. Screw the large lock nut onto the underside of the basket strainer by hand. Tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers a maximum of one full turn.
6
Cut away the excess putty from around the top of the basket strainer with a putty knife. Wait until the putty has fully cured and hardened before using the sink. Reinstall the perforated insert in the top of the basket strainer.
