How to Caulk a Drain

Caulking drains stops leaks and reduces the likelihood of leaks appearing underneath the sink. Caulking around the drain provides a long lasting seal around the drain so that it won't leak. Caulking should be done whenever a sink drain is installed for the first time in new construction and also when drain repairs require removal and re-installation of the drain assembly. Drains that develop very slow drips under the sink are also sometimes in need of re-caulking. Whether for new construction, reassembly or repair of the drains, the tools and techniques for caulking a drain are the same.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Silicon caulk
• Damp cloth
• Dry cloth
• Large pipe wrench

1. Turn off the sink water supply. Remove all water from the drain area and dry with cloth.

2. 

   Unscrew the large nut under the sink that secures the drain pipe to the drain assembly. Use the large pipe wrench.

3. 

   Lift the drain out. Do not remove the drain completely. Dry both contact surfaces of the sink drain with the dry cloth.

4. 

   Apply a small 1/8th-inch thick bead of caulking under both the top and bottom surfaces of the drain assembly where they contact the sink. Tighten the large nut.

5. Clean the excess caulking from the interior sink. Use the damp cloth.

6. Allow 30 minutes for caulking to dry. Then, turn the water supply back on.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean surfaces prior to caulking. Tighten the large under-sink securing nut snugly.
• Use only waterproof caulking. Check all plumbing under sink for leaks after job is finished. Don't over-tighten the large under-sink securing nut.