How do I change out my basket strainer on kitchen sink?

Answer 1

Don't buy a cheap strainer! Spend about $10-$15 on a good strainer. You unscrew the slip joint nut at the strainer. There should be a very large nut, that holds the strainer in place. You will need a large pair of pliers, or a tool made to remove this nut. Once you have removed the old strainer, clean the area where the old strainer was. There will be some dried up putty, so clean this up real good. Now, look at the new strainer, and see how it is in the package. Remove all the washers, and the nut.
Make a rope of putty about 8-9 inches long, and wrap the putty around the underside of the strainer. Now place the strainer with the putty into the sink, and put the rubber washer first, followed by the cardboard washer, then the nut, and tighten. Take care not to tighten too much, as you can get it so tight that the washers will get pushed out of the joint, resulting in a leak. If the cardboard washer gets wet, you need to disassemble and let the washer dry out. It is very important to have, since it keeps the rubber washer from squeezing out of the joint. Now reinstall the pipe and slip joint, and test for leaks. Good luck!

Answer 2

Disconnect the piping from the trap to the strainer basket. There will be a large nut holding the strainer into the sink. Remove the nut. This may be a lot of work if it is corroded. May need to use a hammer and chisel to get the nut moving. Remove old strainer. Make a "worm" of plumbers putty and place it around the bottom of the flange of the new strainer and place it in the hole in the sink. (make sure to clean off any old putty) Place the rubber washer and the cardboard/paper washer on the bottom of strainer and start the new nut. Tighten nut until firm. Attach piping. Clean off plumbers putty that squished out and you are done.

Answer 3

Buy another one at the dollar store.