Fixing Kitchen Sink Drain Seal: A Step-By-Step Guide
A leaky kitchen sink can be a real headache, but fixing the seal doesn’t have to be a costly affair. With a few simple tools and materials, you can fix that leaky sink strainer and seal it effectively. The most common cause of a leaky sink is a bad seal between the sink and the sink strainer, often due to old, dried-out plumber’s putty. This handy guide will take you through the steps to fix your sink drain seal and make it watertight again.
How to fix a kitchen sink drain seal
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | sealant, caulking gun, utility knife, pipe wrench, clean cloths, water/mineral spirits, gloves, safety gear, basket strainer wrench, screwdriver, hammer, plastic putty knife, rubber gasket, friction ring |
| First steps | Remove the sink drain flange. Loosen and unscrew the top parts of the pipe beneath the sink. Clean the drain flange. Remove existing sealant or putty. Clean and dry the drain flange and edge of the hole in the sink. |
| Sealant | Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant. Silicone is quick and easy to apply, durable, and versatile. Plumber’s putty is waterproof but cracks and degrades over time. |
| Application | Insert the sealant into the caulking gun and cut the tip at a 45-degree angle. Apply the sealant to the drain flange and the underside of the top part of the drain flange. |
| Testing | Turn on the water to test for leaks. |
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What You’ll Learn
- Using silicone to seal a kitchen sink drain
- Removing the sink drain flange
- Applying the sealant
- Using plumber’s putty
- Fixing a leaky sink gasket
Using silicone to seal a kitchen sink drain
Sealing a kitchen sink drain with silicone is a straightforward process that can save you the cost of a visit from the plumber. Firstly, you will need to gather your materials: a sealant, caulking gun, utility knife, pipe wrench, clean cloths, water/mineral spirits, gloves, and any other safety gear recommended by the sealant’s product information. You will also need to ensure you have a 100% silicone product, as sealants or caulks made from other materials may not be fully waterproof.
Once you have your materials, follow these steps:
- Remove the sink drain flange by carefully loosening and unscrewing the top parts of the pipe beneath the sink, either by hand or with a pipe wrench, so the flange detaches.
- Clean the drain flange and the edge of the hole in the sink with a cloth. You should also remove any existing sealant or putty with a knife.
- Prepare the silicone by inserting it into the caulking gun and cutting the tip off the nozzle at a 45-degree angle.
- Apply the silicone to the underside of the top part of the drain flange using the caulking gun.
- Reattach the drain pipe loosely and allow the silicone to dry before tightening to full torque.
- Fill the sink with water and leave it for about 10 minutes. Check for dampness or dripping under the sink and take note if the water level goes down. If so, tighten the parts a little more and check again for leaks.
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Removing the sink drain flange
Firstly, loosen and unscrew the top parts of the pipe beneath the sink. This can be done by hand or with a pipe wrench, and it is important to do this step carefully to ensure the flange detaches smoothly. If the old plumbing fittings are difficult to loosen, you can use a screwdriver for leverage. Insert the screwdriver through the holes in the pipe and use Channellocks or a pipe wrench to turn the flange counterclockwise while holding the screwdriver firmly in place.
If the flange is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a hacksaw to cut the pipe from the bottom. Alternatively, an angle grinder can be used to cut through the pipe, but this requires more skill and may result in scratches on the sink. If you don’t want to spend money on tools, you can try to crush the downpipe with Channel locks and then wiggle it back and forth until it breaks.
Once the pipe is loosened, carefully remove the sink drain flange. It is important to hold the drain body from the bottom of the sink while removing the flange to ensure that it comes off cleanly. If there is a protrusion for the lift rod or any other obstruction, you may need to detach it by turning the large nut to remove the brass washer and rubber gasket.
After removing the flange, clean the area thoroughly. Use a knife or a plastic putty knife to remove any existing sealant or putty from the drain flange and the edge of the hole in the sink. Make sure to clean and dry both surfaces before proceeding to the next step of preparing the new seal.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove the sink drain flange and prepare for the next steps in repairing or replacing your kitchen sink drain seal. Remember to work carefully and use the appropriate tools to ensure a successful and long-lasting repair.
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Applying the sealant
When applying the sealant, it is important to use the correct type of product. The most popular products for sealing kitchen sink drains are plumber’s putty and silicone sealant. Both products create effective, waterproof seals, but silicone is the recommended option. Silicone sealant is quick and easy to apply, extremely durable, and more versatile than plumber’s putty. It is also resistant to mould and mildew. It is important to note that 100% silicone should be used, as sealants or caulks made from other materials may not be fully waterproof.
Before applying the sealant, ensure that the sink drain flange is clean and dry. Remove any existing sealant or putty with a knife and use a cloth to clean both the drain flange and the edge of the hole in the sink. This will ensure that the new sealant adheres properly.
To apply silicone sealant, insert the silicone into a caulking gun and cut the tip off the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. Using the caulking gun, apply the silicone to the underside of the top part of the drain flange. It is also recommended to seal the seams around the edges of the sink for added protection.
If using plumber’s putty, roll it between your hands into a rope the size of a pencil and wrap it around the lip of the kitchen sink drain opening. Press the kitchen sink strainer firmly down into the putty, then add the rubber gasket, friction ring, and locknut. Tighten the locknut, and wipe away any excess putty with a paper towel or rag.
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