How Do I Replace The Drain In My Bathroom Sink

How Do I Replace the Drain in My Bathroom Sink?

A clogged or damaged bathroom sink drain can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, replacing a sink drain is a relatively simple plumbing task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and a bit of know-how. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to replace the drain in your bathroom sink:

Tools and Materials:

Adjustable wrench
Pliers
Screwdriver
New sink drain assembly
Putty knife
Plumber's putty
Rags or towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparation:

Start by turning off the water supply to the sink. Next, place a rag or towel over the drain opening to catch any water or debris that may come out during the removal process.

2. Removing the Old Drain:

Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts that hold the drain assembly in place from below the sink. Once the nuts are loose, remove the old drain assembly by pulling it up through the sink hole.

3. Cleaning the Drain Hole:

Once the old drain is removed, use a putty knife to scrape away any old plumber's putty or debris around the drain hole. Clean the surface thoroughly with a damp cloth.

4. Applying Plumber's Putty:

Roll a rope of plumber's putty between your palms and form it into a ring that is slightly larger than the base of the new drain assembly. Place the putty ring around the drain hole, pressing it into place to create a watertight seal.

5. Installing the New Drain:

Insert the new drain assembly into the drain hole and align it with the putty ring. Hand-tighten the nuts onto the assembly from below the sink.

6. Tightening the Nuts:

Using the adjustable wrench, tighten the nuts until they are snug, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the drain or sink.

7. Reattaching the Stopper:

If your new drain assembly includes a stopper, insert it into the drain hole from above the sink and attach it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves inserting a small screw or tightening a nut to secure the stopper in place.

8. Testing the Drain:

Turn on the water supply to the sink and let the water run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain assembly. If there are no leaks, your new drain is successfully installed.

Additional Tips:

If you have a pop-up drain, there may be an additional step to remove the linkage before you can access the nuts holding the drain assembly.
When tightening the nuts, use two adjustable wrenches: one to hold the nut in place and the other to tighten the nut on the other side.
If you encounter any difficulties during the replacement process, do not hesitate to consult a professional plumber.

Replacing a bathroom sink drain is a relatively simple task that can save you time and money. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily restore the functionality of your bathroom sink and keep your drains flowing smoothly.