How to Install a Kitchen Sink Drain

Q: Are kitchen sink drains universal?

Kitchen sink drains do share a universal diameter of 3-1/2", regardless of the sink type. The proper kitchen drain, however, will depend on the material of your sink and whether it has a garbage disposal or not.

3-1/2" Kitchen Sink Drain with Sink Basket Strainer in Gunmetal Black Finish

Need a refresher on replacing kitchen sink drains? Installing a kitchen sink drain for the first time? Follow these quick, easy steps to get your drain setup complete in no time. If you are unfamiliar with installing kitchen fixtures, we recommend consulting a professional.

Tools & Materials

Basin Wrench
Silicone Sealant (100% neutral cure)
Damp Cloth

Steps to install kitchen sink drain - Basin wrench, silicone sealant (100% neutral cure), damp cloth

Steps To Install Your Kitchen Sink Drain

Step 1

Disassemble the sink drain assembly and lay the sink drain parts aside, in the same order in which they were removed. See the illustration here as a reference if needed.

Illustration of kitchen drain parts - strainer body, rubber gasket, friction washer, strainer cup, lock nut, plastic washer

Step 2

Apply a bead of 100% neutral cure silicone sealant to the underside of the strainer body.

Illustration of step to install kitchen drain - applying 100% neutral cure silicone sealant to the underside of a strainer body

Step 3

Insert the strainer body into the kitchen sink. Firmly press the flange into the drain hole to create a proper seal. Wipe away any excess sealant around the drain using a damp cloth.

Illustration of steps to install kitchen drain - inserting strainer body into the kitchen sink

Step 4

From underneath your sink, slide on the rubber gasket, followed by the friction washer, followed by the strainer cup. Hold in place, pressed against the sink.

Steps to install kitchen drain - installing rubber gasket, friction washer & strainer cup underneath the sink

Step 5

Thread the lock nut onto the strainer body. Hand-tighten until secure, then finish tightening with a basin wrench.

Important: If installing your kitchen drain into a fireclay sink, or a sink with porcelain enamel, do not overtighten, which can crack or break your sink.

Steps to install kitchen drain - threading the lock nut onto the strainer body under the sink

Step 6

Secure the strainer body to your p-trap using the plastic washer and compression nut.

Steps to install kitchen drain - securing the strainer body to the p-trap using the plastic washer and compression nut

Kitchen Drain Installation FAQs

Are kitchen sink drains universal?

Kitchen sinks drains do share a universal diameter of 3-1/2", regardless of the sink type. The proper kitchen drain, however, will depend on the material of your sink and whether it has a garbage disposal or not. Learn more with our Kitchen Drain Buying Guide.

Can my p-trap be lower than the drain pipe?

Your p-trap should not be lower than the drain pipe. When a p-trap is too low, water won’t gain enough momentum to push away sediments, hindering the free flow of water.

Is a plastic or metal drain better?

Both popular materials for sink drains, the better option depends on the user’s preferences. While plastic is a cheaper, slightly more corrosion-resistant option, metal drains are more resistant to heat and are available in stylish finishes.

Are kitchen sink flanges universal?

The flange for your kitchen sink will depend on the material of the sink. For instance, sinks made of natural stone typically require drains with longer flanges for a proper fit. While disposal flanges are generally the same size, we recommend checking the compatibility with your disposer.

Do I need a trap under my kitchen sink?

P-traps are required on all plumbing fixtures. For a kitchen sink, p-traps connect the drain to the septic tank or municipal sewer system.

What size of p-trap is required for a kitchen sink?

The standard size of a kitchen sink p-trap is 1-1/2". Keep in mind, this differs from bathroom sink p-traps.

Is a drain flange necessary?

A drain flange is essential in your kitchen sink drain assembly, as it connects the sink drain to a section of pipe called a tailpiece to create a tight seal.

What can I use instead of plumber's putty on a sink drain?

A modern, more universal alternative to plumber’s putty is silicone caulk for sealing a kitchen sink drain.