#How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

Unscrew the locknut

Apply putty and reset the basket

Roll plumber’s putty between your hands into a rope the size of a pencil and wrap it around the lip of the drain opening. Press the strainer firmly down into the putty, add the rubber gasket, friction ring and locknut under the sink, and retighten the locknut.

If you discover a puddle of water in the cabinet under your sink, it may be caused by a leaky basket strainer. Old plumbing fittings can be tricky to loosen, but we’ll show you how to tear them apart and put them back together without any strain. You can pick up all the necessary supplies at a hardware store or home center.

To be sure the leak is coming from the basket strainer instead of a pipe joint, test the basket for leaks as shown in Photo 1. Once you confirm that the basket strainer is leaking, begin the removal process (Photo 2). Photo 3 shows how to remove the strainer locknut, which holds the basket tight to the sink. If the locknut is rusted in place, spray it with penetrating oil. If you don’t have large enough pliers to get a good grip, loosen the locknut by tapping the locknut ears with a hammer and an old chisel. (If the locknut won’t move, see the next step, below.) Completely remove the locknut, friction ring and gasket, and lift the old basket out of the sink.

Scrape off the old putty with a plastic putty knife so you don’t scratch the sink. Seal the new basket in the sink with plumber’s putty as shown in Photo 4. Plumber’s putty cannot be used on certain new sinks, but these will be labeled to that effect. If you can’t use plumber’s putty, use a non-water-based silicone. Excess putty will squeeze out between the new basket strainer and the sink when you tighten the locknut in place. Wipe it off with a rag or paper towel. Make sure to insert the cardboard friction ring between the rubber gasket and the locknut so the locknut spins freely, without catching on the gasket.