Apply plumber's putty — Install New Sink Strainer
Part of project
How to Remove a Garbage Disposal and Install a Standard Sink Drain · Step 6 of 9
In this video
Take a small amount of plumber's putty and roll it in your hands into a rope about 1/4' in diameter. Wrap the rope around the underside of the top edge of the drain stopper. Place the stopper in the drain hole and press down while rotating clockwise. The excess plumber's putty should squeeze out around the drain stopper. Use the drain removal tool to make the seal complete and to remove the excess plumber's putty.
Goal: Apply Putty
Used in this video
- Drain removal tool (Tool Type: Pliers, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: Metal, Size/Capacity: Medium, Durability: High, Reusable, Cost: Medium, Tool Accessibility: Specialized tool, Tool Material: Metal, Tool Size/Length: Handheld, Ease of Use: Easy, Effectiveness: Highly effective, Safety Concerns: Low risk, Tool Length: <12 inches, Tool Complexity: Simple) — sealing and tightening drain stopper
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FAQs
Is this project truly beginner-friendly, and how much time should I realistically set aside?
Yes, it is designed for beginners. While the steps are straightforward, you should allocate the full estimated 6 hours. This allows ample time for prep, unexpected issues, and thorough leak testing, which is crucial for a successful outcome.
What are the most critical safety precautions I need to take before starting this project?
Your top priority is safety: immediately turn off the electrical power to the disposal at your circuit breaker and shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink. Always wear safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, old grime, and potential chemical exposure during cleaning.
Do I really need all the specialized tools listed, like the basket strainer wrench, or can I get by with standard tools?
While basic tools are essential, a basket strainer wrench (e.g., Husky 16PL0141) is highly recommended. It significantly simplifies removing the old and installing the new sink strainer, ensuring a tighter seal and preventing damage that can occur with improvised tools.
What's the most common problem people encounter when switching from a disposal to a standard drain, and how can I avoid it?
The most common issue is leaks, especially around the new sink strainer and drain pipe connections. To avoid this, apply a generous, continuous bead of plumber's putty (like Oatey 311662) under the new strainer flange and ensure all new drain connections are snug, using slip-joint pliers without overtightening.
Apply plumber's putty — Install New Sink Strainer
Part of project
How to Remove a Garbage Disposal and Install a Standard Sink Drain · Step 6 of 9
In this video
Take a small amount of plumber's putty and roll it in your hands into a rope about 1/4' in diameter. Wrap the rope around the underside of the top edge of the drain stopper. Place the stopper in the drain hole and press down while rotating clockwise. The excess plumber's putty should squeeze out around the drain stopper. Use the drain removal tool to make the seal complete and to remove the excess plumber's putty.
Goal: Apply Putty
Used in this video
- Drain removal tool (Tool Type: Pliers, Power Source: Manual, Material Compatibility: Metal, Size/Capacity: Medium, Durability: High, Reusable, Cost: Medium, Tool Accessibility: Specialized tool, Tool Material: Metal, Tool Size/Length: Handheld, Ease of Use: Easy, Effectiveness: Highly effective, Safety Concerns: Low risk, Tool Length: <12 inches, Tool Complexity: Simple) — sealing and tightening drain stopper
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this project truly beginner-friendly, and how much time should I realistically set aside?
Yes, it is designed for beginners. While the steps are straightforward, you should allocate the full estimated 6 hours. This allows ample time for prep, unexpected issues, and thorough leak testing, which is crucial for a successful outcome.
What are the most critical safety precautions I need to take before starting this project?
Your top priority is safety: immediately turn off the electrical power to the disposal at your circuit breaker and shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink. Always wear safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, old grime, and potential chemical exposure during cleaning.
Do I really need all the specialized tools listed, like the basket strainer wrench, or can I get by with standard tools?
While basic tools are essential, a basket strainer wrench (e.g., Husky 16PL0141) is highly recommended. It significantly simplifies removing the old and installing the new sink strainer, ensuring a tighter seal and preventing damage that can occur with improvised tools.
What's the most common problem people encounter when switching from a disposal to a standard drain, and how can I avoid it?
The most common issue is leaks, especially around the new sink strainer and drain pipe connections. To avoid this, apply a generous, continuous bead of plumber's putty (like Oatey 311662) under the new strainer flange and ensure all new drain connections are snug, using slip-joint pliers without overtightening.