Step 3 · Apply Plumber's Putty

Take a small amount of plumber's putty from its container and knead it in your hands for about a minute to warm it up and make it pliable. Roll the putty between your palms to form a uniform, rope-like snake about 1/2-inch thick. The rope should be long enough to encircle the drain opening completely. Carefully press this rope of putty onto the underside of the new strainer's flange, ensuring it forms a continuous, unbroken ring.