How To Install Your Kitchen Sink Drain In 1 Hour

Sometimes you need to replace a kitchen sink drain due to wear and tear and other times you might need to replace the drain due to a kitchen renovation, whatever the reason it’s a job you can do yourself with the right tools and a little bit of guidance. 

While it is always important to call in the experts for the big jobs if you are looking for a job that should only take an hour and be suitable for anyone with a basic understanding of DIY this could be for you. 

Steps for replacing your kitchen sink drain in an hour or less

Once you’ve decided you’re going to tackle this job on your own, you will need to dig around and get some tools to help you with the job. You will need a few tools to get you on your way including a drain trap kit, pliers, cutter or a hacksaw, marker or pen, and a tape measure. Outlined below are steps for installing a new kitchen sink drain.

Step 1: Figure out the drain height to make sure you have the right replacement 

Each and every sink is unique and you will need to ensure you have the correct drain fitting to suit the depth of the sink you are working on. You can check this by measuring the arm of the u-shaped trap arm under the sink, to get an idea of how many inches are between the base of the cabinet and the trap arm. Once you have decided this, you can install the new sink ahead of moving on with the new part of the project. 

Step 2: Install the strainer and garbage disposal (if you have one) 

Now you need to install the garbage disposal unit and also the strainer onto the right side of the sink. If you have a cold water dispenser or any other items attached to the sink, you should also install these now for ease. 

Step 3: Install the waste pipe and tailpiece of the drain 

You will need to connect the piece of the drain that connects to the sink strainer below the sink basin. You might need a cutter of hacksaw for this and you will need to adjust the pieces to ensure the fitting is secure and tight. 

Step 4: Connect the drain trap to the pipe 

In this step, you will need to ensure this J-shaped pipe is attached to the trap bend and also the rest of the fitting. There are right and wrong ways of connecting the drainpipe, so if you are not sure, be sure to call on the advice of an expert. 

Step 5: Check the drain is working well and no leaks  

The most important step of all is making sure your handiwork has been a success. Once everything is screwed back on and fixed together you should do a test to ensure the connections are leak-free and all the parts are working as they should. 

Final remarks

It isn’t easy to do plumbing work, even if it is basic, so if you aren’t confident in your work, you should always call on the expertise of a professional plumber to give you a hand. Your plumbing is an essential part of your home and property, and ensuring the work is of the highest quality is paramount.