How to Hook Up a Sink Drain
Installing a bathroom sink drain requires patience and skill. A sink drain should perform for a long time without leaks. A sink drain allows water to flow quickly out of the sink. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pipe wrench
- Bathroom sink drain kit
- Drain pipe including an S-trap
- Plumber's putty
- Channel locks
- Large adjustable wrenches
Instructions
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1
Choose a sink drain kit for the sink's design. Manufacturer's instructions will be included. Most bathroom sinks have overflow. Some specialized sinks don't.
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2
Clean all surfaces of the sink. The hole at the bottom of the sink accepts the drain kit.
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3
Install the sink drain. Insert the drainpipe downward into the bottom drain hole of the sink.
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4
Temper the plumber's putty with your hands. Plumber's putty is tempered by kneading it in the hands. Roll it into a 1/2-inch diameter cylinder 4 inches long. Place putty under the drain flange.
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5
Attach the drainpipe assembly under the sink by screwing it to the threads on the sink drain.
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6
Screw the drain assembly nut, under the bottom of the sink, onto the threads of the sink drain stem, keeping the drain centered.
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7
Remove the excess plumber's putty and put it back into the putty can.
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8
Attach the stopper pivot ball assembly onto the drainpipe assembly. Tighten the ring nut just enough to allow the pivot ball to be turned by the lever arm.
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9
Insert the stopper control rod down through the proper hole at the top back of the sink.
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10
Attach the stopper push rod to the pivot ball arm. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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11
Attach the S-trap pieces to the sink drainpipe.
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12
Install drainpipe sections from the S-trap to the service drainpipe. For wall-mounted service, use a J-pipe from the S-trap to the wall pipe. For floor-mounted service, use straight drainpipe sections to the floor pipe.
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13
Test the sink drain stopper. Fill the sink with water. It should hold water for a long time. Open the stopper to verify that water flows quickly.
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14
Test the bathroom sink drain system. Wipe all surfaces dry from the drain to the service pipe. Fill the sink. Let the water drain out as you check for leaks. Make adjustments or corrections. Repeat this step until there are no leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
With usage, sink drains do accumulate foreign materials. Every six months, test the flow of water through the drain. If flow has slowed, the drain may need to be cleaned out or adjusted.
There are more modern materials to use in place of plumber's putty. Check with your building supply center for proper alternatives.
Keep hands and skin away from old drain pipes when removing to prevent contact with disease or contaminants. Wear waterproof gloves.
Don't tighten connectors too tight. This could result in damage to the sink or other components.
