Kitchen sink drain connections

Installing the drain connections to a kitchen sink are relatively easy and most homeowners with a few simple tools can save themselves some money by making these repairs. In this article you'll see how to install a new basket strainer, continuous waste and trap.

Tools and materials you may require

Pipe cutter Hacksaw ABS/PVC glue
Large slip joint pliers Screwdriver Tape measure
Torpedo level Teflon tape Plumbers putty
Continuous waste kit Basket strainers P-trap with cleanout
1 1/2" Pipe PO wrench 1 1/2" trap adapter

Installing the basket strainers

  • Installing a basket strainer, kitchen sink outletPlace a small strip of plumbers putty all around the underside of the strainer then push it down through the hole in the sink.
  • Under the sink you will have to place a rubber washer over the strainer's threads then a paper washer under that.
  • Hand tighten the locknut up against the paper washer.
  • You may want someone to lend you a hand to tighten the locknut completely. Depending on the basket strainer you have, it can be held in place with a screwdriver or PO wrench, while you tighten the locknut.
  • Install the tailpiece with the washer between the strainer and the tailpiece. If your using a brass or chrome tailpiece you should put some teflon tape around the threads of the basket strainer.
  • Repeat for the opposite side.

Installing the drain and trap

  • You can purchase a pre-manufactured connection for a kitchen sink called a continuous waste, but you can also hook up the drain using fittings and pieces of pipe cut to size.
  • Continuous waste, kitchen sink drain connectionsAssemble the continuous waste an connect it to the tailpieces of the sink. The tail pieces may need to be cut to size with a pipe cutter or a hacksaw if your careful.
  • Some P-traps will come with adapters built in but if not, cut a small piece of pipe(about 2") and fit the trap adapter to the top of it then dry fit in the top of the trap.
  • trap with union jointMeasure and cut a piece of pipe to go from the wall to the P-trap, dry fit all the pieces together and cut the continuous waste to the length required for a slight grade on the horizontal pipes.
  • When every thing lines up the it safe to glue and tighten the joints. Wipe off excess glue with an old rag or paper towel.
  • Check for leaks  by filling both sides of the sink and retighten any joints that leak.