Step 8 · Reconnect Drain Pipe

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

Reattach the drain tailpiece to the bottom of the new basket strainer. If the old tailpiece is in poor condition, now is a good time to replace it. Ensure the slip nut washer is in place and oriented correctly (tapered side facing the flare of the tailpiece). Hand-tighten the slip nuts connecting the tailpiece to the strainer and the P-trap. Give them a final quarter-turn with channel-type pliers, but be careful not to overtighten plastic threads.