When installing a sink drain you need to choose the right pipe size to maintain proper wastewater flow and prevent clogs. Local code compliance is guaranteed when you choose a suitable drain size.
A U-shaped pipe called a trap hides beneath your kitchen sink to collect wastewater and block sewer gases from getting into the house.
Trap
The trap below your sink is a U-shaped pipe that contains water to block sewer gases from going up through the drain line. They also help trap debris and clogs.
Installing a drain trap requires two main parts: A drain trap installation requires both a trap bend and an arm. The trap bend connects to the tailpiece tee fitting while the arm runs through the wall to the drain outlet using a slip nut connection.
Position your trap correctly so its sharp bend descends below the tailpiece. If the trap doesn’t face the right direction its seal will fail which could cause leaks.
Drainpipe
The drainpipe of a kitchen sink functions as a critical part of the plumbing system by directing waste water properly and preventing blockages and other plumbing problems. Your sink’s drainpipe needs to match its size to ensure proper functioning which prevents plumbing problems when using the wrong size.
The way you use your sink determines the drain pipe size you need because draining large pots of water or using a utility sink for heavy laundry loads demands a larger drainpipe.
Start the new drain installation by applying plumber’s putty onto the strainer lip underside and pressing it into position then use a damp cloth to rub out excess putty while wiping away surplus material during the process.
Basket strainer
Basket strainers prevent food particles from getting into drainpipes while fitting standard drain openings so they work with sinks that do not have garbage disposal systems.
Ensure that your basket strainer’s material corresponds to your sink and pipe materials and that it fits your drain opening correctly before installation. Check that the basket strainer meets the correct depth specifications.
Loosen the basket strainer by unscrewing its top nut and setting it aside then remove its components by unscrewing the top nut followed by the flanged tailpiece and top hat gasket from the drainpipe. Keep track of the sequence in which each component was threaded as this will allow proper installation when you install your new basket strainer.
Brass tailpiece
A leaking kitchen sink drain can be fixed by replacing the tailpiece which helps prevent future leaks and maintains watertight connections. Get your kitchen sink tailpiece measurements before buying a replacement and search for one with similar specs to the Keeney 1-1/2 in. Brass Flanged Sink Tailpiece from Lowe’s. Check out the Keeney 1-1/2 in. Brass Flanged Sink Tailpiece available at Lowe’s to get ideas.
A new kitchen sink drain assembly installation remains simple when you work with the correct tools. Locate and shut off all sink shut-off valves first to prevent any flooding disasters. After disconnecting the old drain assembly by loosening the slip nuts first place the new drain assemblies followed by assembling the trap, strainer flange and continuous waste systems as your final step.
Rubber compression gasket
A rubber compression gasket must be used during kitchen sink drain installation to create a watertight seal and guarantee snug fitting between the pipe and trap which helps avoid leakage problems later on. The additional step helps to avoid future leakages when installing the same sink drain again.
Proper gasket performance demands selection according to the unique requirements of the application such as temperature tolerance and pressure capability along with chemical resistance and mechanical characteristics. Choosing durable materials guarantees optimal performance which maintains its function over extended periods.
The compression set is a critical determinant of the overall lifespan and functionality of a gasket. When a gasket has a lower compression set it recovers faster to its initial shape after compression which helps prevent damage from repeated loading and fatigue damage. Silicone material presents excellent stress relaxation characteristics.