Kitchen Sink Drain Leaking? Replace it in 6 Easy Steps

Is your kitchen sink drain dripping constantly, leaving you with a puddle under the sink? A leaky drain can quickly become a soggy, smelly nuisance. Luckily, replacing a faulty kitchen sink drain is an easy DIY project that you can tackle in about an hour with basic tools.

Symptoms of a Faulty Kitchen Sink Drain

How do you know if your kitchen sink drain needs to be replaced? Here are some telltale signs:

• Water is slowly but constantly dripping from the drain
• There's a persistent puddle of water under the sink
• Rust has developed around the drain opening
• Foul odors are coming from the drain area

Any of these symptoms likely indicate your kitchen drain is faulty and needs to be replaced. While a clogged drain can sometimes be cleared, a leaking drain usually means the hardware itself has failed.

When to Replace Your Kitchen Sink Drain

As a general rule, if simple drain cleaning methods don't permanently fix a leak, it's time to replace the entire drain. Here are some specific signs that your kitchen sink drain is beyond repair and needs to be swapped out:

• The drain cross-threads or doesn't sit flush with the sink hole
• The drain is heavily rusted or corroded around the threads
• You're experiencing repeated clogs in a short period of time

Repeated clogs indicate your drain may be warped or misaligned, allowing gunk to quickly build up again after cleaning. If you've snaked out your drain to no avail, replacement is the next logical step.

Materials Needed

Replacing a kitchen sink drain is a straightforward DIY job. Here are the basic tools and parts you'll need:

• Basin wrench to reach the drain nut
• Slip-joint pliers to disconnect drain pieces
• Replacement pop-up drain kit with stopper and mounting hardware
• Plumber's putty, putty tape or silicone sealant

You can find these supplies at any hardware store or home improvement center. Make sure to get a drain kit designed specifically for kitchen sinks.

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply

Before removing anything, you need to shut off the water lines feeding the sink. There should be shut-off valves nearby.

Locate the hot and cold knobs under the sink and turn them clockwise all the way to the closed position. Turn on the faucet to release any water pressure. Check for leaks before moving on.

Step 2: Remove P-Trap

The curved pipe right under the sink drain is called the P-trap. It holds standing water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.

Use your slip-joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts connecting the trap. You may need to unscrew a few nuts to fully detach the P-trap. Place a bucket under it to catch water.

Step 3: Unscrew Drain Flange

Now the drain itself can be removed. You'll need that basin wrench mentioned earlier.

Reach up inside with the wrench and turn the drain counterclockwise to unscrew it from the sink. Remove any sealant or old plumber's putty around the flange.

Step 4: Remove Old Drain & Clean Sink Hole

With the drain fully detached, lift it out of the sink hole. Use a sink plunger to remove any debris or gunk around the drain opening.

Inspect the sink hole for any rust or flaws. Consider lightly sanding the contact area to improve the seal with the new drain flange.

Step 5: Install New Drain Flange

Prepare the new drain by applying plumber's putty around the flange in a ring. You can also use putty tape or silicone instead.

Insert the new flange into the drain hole and press it evenly into the putty. Tighten the locking nut from below using your basin wrench.

Step 6: Reattach P-Trap

With the new drain securely mounted, slide the P-trap back into place and hand-tighten the slip nuts. Don't overtighten with pliers.

Slowly turn the shut-off valves back on. Check for leaks as water begins to flow again. Tighten any joints or nuts that drip.

Run the sink and test the new drain. Make sure the pop-up stopper functions properly before finishing up.

Tips for Preventing Future Clogs

To keep your new kitchen sink drain clear for years to come:

• Use a drain catcher or strainer when washing dishes
• Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain
• Periodically flush with baking soda and vinegar
• Use a foaming sink cleaner monthly to break up gunk

Taking good care of your new drain will prevent clogs and keep it leak-free. But eventually the hardware may need replacing again down the road.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While a basic drain replacement project is doable for most DIYers, there are times to call a pro. Seek professional help if:

• The drain won't budge due to over-tightening or rust
• Modifications require re-plumbing the sink's drain pipes
• You discover larger issues like a damaged pipe or eroded sink hole

Don't take chances with large-scale repairs. Hire an experienced plumber to handle complex sink drain jobs.

Is your kitchen sink drain leaking or constantly clogged? Replacing the drain yourself can save money while solving the problem for good. With basic DIY skills and tools, it’s a straightforward project accomplished in about an hour.

Follow the steps to remove your old drain, clean the sink hole, and install an improved drain kit. Some preventive care will keep your new drain clear and prevent future issues. With a functional drain, you can keep your kitchen dry and enjoyable.