How to Remove a Rusty Sink Flange
The sink flange (also known as the "drain flange") is the part of the drain located at the bottom of the sink. This is connected to a straight piece of pipe below the sink known as the "tail". The tail, in turn, is connected to a curved piece of plumbing called the "P-trap". This pipe keeps water trapped inside, which helps prevent sewer gases from leaking up into your house. If you're upgrading your bathroom fixtures, you might need to remove a rusty sink flange. This isn't much different than removing a newer flange, but it will be much easier if you can remove as much rust as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rust remover
- Safety equipment
- Wire brush
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Wood block
- Hammer
Instructions
-
-
1
Spray the flange with rust remover (see Resources for examples). Follow manufacturer's instructions and allow the remover to sit. Scrub with a wire brush to remove as much rust as possible. You don't need to remove all of it--just enough to clean off the flange, to make removal easier.
-
2
Position yourself underneath the sink. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the couplings on the P-trap.
-
-
3
Place a bucket or other container underneath the P-trap. Pull it out of the tail piece underneath the sink and the sewer inlet in the wall. Be careful, as it will be full of (stinky) water. Turn it over in the bucket to empty out the water. Set aside.
-
4
Unscrew the jamb nut located beneath the flange. Slide this off the tail piece. Pull off the rubber washer located above the jamb nut.
-
5
Remove the tail piece by turning counter clockwise. If needed, spray some penetrating lubricant on the threads where it is attached to the flange above.
-
6
Place a block of wood underneath the flange. Tap this with a hammer to pop out the flange in the sink above.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear the proper safety equipment when using harsh chemicals such as rust removers.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit rust image by jamalula from Fotolia.com
