Do I need plumbers putty for kitchen sink drain?

Do I need plumbers putty for kitchen sink drain?

Increasingly, I’m finding that plumber’s putty is not recommended for sink drains, especially if it has its own rubber gasket. In places where the manufacturer does not supply a gasket (and the flange is not metal) they suggest silicone caulk. Be sure to read the directions for your drain assembly!

What is a kitchen sink flange?

The flange in a kitchen sink is designed to create a watertight seal between the sink and the plumbing beneath it. The seal gets exposed to dramatic fluctuations in water temperature, and over time it will eventually break down. Fortunately, repairing a leaky kitchen sink flange can be accomplished in one afternoon.

What’s better plumbers putty or silicone?

While putty offers the chance to apply and re-apply as much as you need to fix something, silicone does not. The hardness of silicone makes it challenging to shape & modify. That’s why when it comes to maintenance, putty works way better. While it demands a little more maintenance, it still makes it possible.

Why use plumbers putty on sink drain?

It is commonly used when installing bathroom sink drains, and provides a leak-proof seal that can last several years. Plumber’s putty stays soft for a long time, making it easy to remove the drain and make corrections, if necessary.

Are all sink drains the same?

While a bathroom sink’s design and overall size may vary from one model to the next, the drain holes are fairly standard, 1.25 inches being a general standard. Which size drain is needed for that sink is determined by the hole size.

Is it better to use silicone or plumbers putty?

Both plumber’s putty and silicone are sealing compounds designed to provide a water tight fit for pop up drains, sink strainers, undersides of fittings, showers and drains. Plumber’s putty is more traditional while silicone caulking is a more modern product, but either one (in most cases) can get the job done.

How do you install a drain in a kitchen sink?

Insert the top half of drain insert into the hole in the sink bowl. Firmly press down, compressing the plumbers putty. Apply rubber gasket, cardboard ring and metal fastener to the underside of sink drain and tighten. Remove the excess plumbers putty from inside sink bowl around the drain.

How do you drain a sink?

Slide a rubber gasket over the drain threads on the underside of the sink and push it all the way up until it contacts the sink bottom. Push on a plastic washer as a barrier between the rubber gasket and the connecting nut.

How to install a sink drain?

Set the new drain into place inside the sink basin. Insert the bottom of the drain into the open drain hole. Apply firm pressure all around the top of the flange to seat it securely in its bed of putty . Make sure the drain is perfectly flush with the bottom surface of the sink before you continue.

How to replace a bathroom sink drain?

1) Place a rolled out ring of plumber’s putty around the sink opening. 2) Push the new sink drain into the opening and onto the putty. Press firmly enough that plumber’s putty squeezes out around the top lip of the drain. 3) Stack any included gaskets on top of the locknut or bell housing. 4) Tighten the locknut or bell housing nut to secure the drain in place. Use a large wrench or channel locks to tighten a traditional locknut strainer. 5) Smear pipe joint compound onto the threads at the bottom of the sink drain. 6) Screw on the tailpipe while also properly aligning the pipe stub. 7) Connect the P-trap to the tailpipe to complete the drain connection.