The basket strainer is an integral part of a kitchen sink. Regardless if you’re installing a new sink or just fixing the leak, a new basket strainer should always be on the list of your project’s tasks. This component of the sink is essential because it provides a watertight seal between the washbasin and the drain pipe where it is connected to. Aside from waterproofing, it is also responsible for trapping food particles and other waste materials that may get into the pipe and bring about clogging. What you have to understand though is that just like other plumbing parts, the sink basket strainer also wears out and deteriorates over time. It may get ugly, get stained or eventually leak. And when that happens, it should be replaced immediately. Read to learn all about its removal.
Choosing The Right Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer
Sink strainers come in different sizes, style and material. They are available in stainless steel, nickel, chrome and bronze. Their prices range from $10 to $60. In terms of style, you can get sink strainers with bell washer attachment, locknut attachment or locknut strainers with screw attachment. Each of these types has its own purpose and features.
How To Remove The Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer
1. Since you’ll be removing the drain pipe, you’ll have to place a bucket under the sink to catch any remaining water inside the tube. This should prevent the water from flooding your kitchen sink cabinet.
2. Now get a pipe wrench and try to loosen the slip nut that secures the drain pipe’s tailpiece to the sink basket strainer. Make sure that you’ll turn the nut counterclockwise.
3. When you’re done, unscrew the nut using your hand and detach the tailpiece pipe from the kitchen sink basket.
4. Afterwards, focus on the kitchen sink basket. Use a pipe wrench to unscrew the strainer by again, turning it counterclockwise. To prevent the strainer from turning as you use the wrench, you can keep it in place by inserting a pair of needle nose pliers into the opening.
5. When you’ve already loosened up the strainer locknut, unscrew it using your hand. Get rid of the tailpiece as well as the nylon washer.
6. Now since you’ll be installing a new basket strainer, you’ll have to clean the sink first. Using a putty knife, scrape off the plumber’s putty that has hardened along the edges of the sink opening.
7. Dampen the putty residue with a sponge and clean the sink. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the sink as well.
8. Finally, dry the sink with a clean cloth or rag to prepare it for the new installation.
We hope that you learned easy DIY kitchen sink basket strainer removal from our blog post today. If you’re not into DIY plumbing, just call your licensed Bowie plumber for plumbing fixture issues. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides top-notch plumbing services in Bowie MD including plumbing fixture installation, faucet repair, leak detection, backflow prevention, home remodeling and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!
Learn how to install a kitchen sink the right way. Watch this video now.
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