How to Install Kitchen Drain Pipes in a Sink

The final step to installing a kitchen sink is to attach the sink's drain pipes. Plastic drain pipes should be used if possible, as they are relatively inexpensive, resist corrosion, and are available in a variety of angles, extensions, and configurations. However, before installing plastic drain pipes, consult the local building code to make sure that plastic pipes are permitted.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plumber's putty
• Channel-lock pliers
• Slipnuts
• Insert washers
• Hacksaw

1. Install the sink strainer to the bottom of the sink. A 1/4-inch rope of plumber's putty must be applied to the sink strainer where the strainer rests on the bottom of the sink. Insert and press the strainer into the bottom of the sink. Slide the rubber and fiber washers over the bottom of the sink strainer from underneath the sink. Finally, place the locknut over the washers and tighten the locknut with channel-lock pliers.

2. Attach the tailpiece pipe to the bottom of the sink strainer. If the tailpiece pipe is too long, it can be shortened to the appropriate length by cutting the pipe with a hacksaw. Slide a slipnut onto the tailpiece so that the threads of the slipnut face the sink strainer. Slide a single insert washer over the both flared ends of the tailpiece, then attach the tailpiece to the threads on the bottom of the sink strainer by turning the slipnut on one end by hand.

3. Attach the sink's P-trap, sometimes referred to as the "trap bend" to the tailpiece, by first installing a slipnut and insert washer over the tailpiece, then by turning the slipnut on the bottom of the tailpiece onto the P-trap.

4. Slide a slipnut and insert washer onto the P-trap, then connect the P-trap to the drain pipe leading from the kitchen's wall.

5. Tighten all slipnuts with the channel-lock pliers to complete the installation.

References

• Basic Plumbing With Illustrations, Howard C. Massey, 1994