How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Strainer
Updated February 25, 2026
Fix a leaking sink drain by replacing the strainer basket assembly -- plumber's putty, locknut, and tailpiece connection in 20 minutes.
Overview
The sink strainer (drain basket) is the chrome or stainless piece sitting in the sink drain hole. It catches food debris and seals the drain opening. Over time the plumber's putty underneath dries out, the rubber gasket compresses, or the locknut loosens -- and water drips from the bottom of the drain basket into the cabinet every time the sink fills. Replacing the entire strainer assembly costs $8-$20 and takes 20 minutes. You need plumber's putty, a wrench, and 20 minutes under the sink.
What You'll Need
Safety First
- Place a bucket under the drain before loosening anything. Residual water in the tailpiece drains into the cabinet when disconnected.
- The locknut on the old strainer can be extremely tight. Use channel-lock pliers or a spud wrench -- not a pipe wrench, which can slip and damage the sink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the Old Strainer
Disconnect the tailpiece from the bottom of the strainer body (loosen the slip nut). From below, unscrew the large locknut that holds the strainer body to the sink. This nut is usually very tight. Use large channel-lock pliers or a dedicated basket strainer wrench ($8-$12). Have someone hold the strainer from above (press down and prevent it from spinning) while you turn the locknut from below. Once the nut is off, push the strainer up and out from below.
Tip: If the locknut is completely seized, apply penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes. Still stuck? Cut through the nut with a hacksaw blade (just the nut, not the sink) or a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade. This destroys the old strainer but frees it quickly. - Clean the Sink Opening
Scrape all old plumber's putty and debris from the sink surface around the drain hole. Use a plastic putty knife on stainless steel and porcelain to avoid scratching. Clean with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits until the surface is smooth and free of residue. The new strainer needs a clean, flat surface to seal against.
Tip: Check the sink surface around the drain hole for cracks or corrosion. On stainless steel sinks, the area around the drain is a common spot for stress cracks from years of thermal cycling. A cracked sink needs replacement, not just a new strainer. - Install the New Strainer
Roll a rope of plumber's putty about 3/8-inch thick and 10 inches long. Press it around the underside of the new strainer flange (the top part that sits in the sink). Press the strainer into the drain hole from above. From below, slide on the rubber gasket (flat side up), then the cardboard friction ring, then thread the locknut. Tighten the locknut while holding the strainer from above to prevent spinning. The putty squeezes out around the edge -- that means it is sealing. Trim the excess putty with your finger.
Tip: For granite composite, marble, or stone sinks, use silicone sealant instead of plumber's putty. Putty contains oils that can stain porous materials. Apply a bead of clear silicone under the flange instead. - Reconnect the Tailpiece and Test
Thread the tailpiece back onto the strainer body. Tighten the slip nut -- hand-tight plus a quarter turn. Turn on the water and fill the sink halfway. Open the drain and watch the strainer connection from below. No drips at the locknut? No drips at the tailpiece slip joint? You are done. If the locknut area drips, tighten the locknut another quarter turn. If the tailpiece drips, check the slip nut washer.
Tip: Let the filled sink drain all at once to test under maximum flow. A connection that holds under a trickle may drip under the pressure of a full sink draining.
Pro Tips
- Strainer basket assemblies are universal for standard 3-1/2 inch drain openings (the standard for kitchen sinks). Bar sinks and some bathroom sinks use smaller 1-1/2 or 2-inch drains -- measure before buying.
- Spend $15-$20 on a stainless steel strainer with a removable basket (like the Danco 89302 or Kohler K-8801). The removable basket catches food debris and lifts out for easy cleaning. Budget strainers ($5-$8) have a fixed screen that is harder to clean.
- While the strainer is off, inspect the P-trap and tailpiece connections. Replace any worn slip joint washers now -- the cabinet is already cleared out and accessible.
- Plumber's putty stays workable for years and creates a water-tight seal without adhesion. This means you can remove the strainer in the future without damaging the sink. Silicone bonds permanently and requires cutting/scraping to remove.
When to Call a Pro
You do not need a plumber for a strainer replacement. It is fully DIY. Call a plumber only if you discover the sink itself is cracked around the drain hole (sink replacement needed) or if the drain pipe in the wall is damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a plumber to replace a kitchen sink strainer?
You do not need a plumber for a strainer replacement. It is fully DIY. Call a plumber only if you discover the sink itself is cracked around the drain hole (sink replacement needed) or if the drain pipe in the wall is damaged.
What are some expert tips to replace a kitchen sink strainer?
Strainer basket assemblies are universal for standard 3-1/2 inch drain openings (the standard for kitchen sinks). Bar sinks and some bathroom sinks use smaller 1-1/2 or 2-inch drains -- measure before buying. Spend $15-$20 on a stainless steel strainer with a removable basket (like the Danco 89302 or Kohler K-8801). The removable basket catches food debris and lifts out for easy cleaning. Budget strainers ($5-$8) have a fixed screen that is harder to clean. While the strainer is off, inspect the P-trap and tailpiece connections. Replace any worn slip joint washers now -- the cabinet is already cleared out and accessible. Plumber's putty stays workable for years and creates a water-tight seal without adhesion. This means you can remove the strainer in the future without damaging the sink. Silicone bonds permanently and requires cutting/scraping to remove.
What tools do I need to replace a kitchen sink strainer?
You will need: Large channel-lock pliers or basket strainer wrench ($8-$12), Plumber's putty (for sealing the flange to the sink), New strainer basket assembly ($8-$20), Plastic putty knife (for cleaning old putty without scratching), Bucket (to catch water when disconnecting the tailpiece).
When should I call a professional instead of doing this myself?
You do not need a plumber for a strainer replacement. It is fully DIY. Call a plumber only if you discover the sink itself is cracked around the drain hole (sink replacement needed) or if the drain pipe in the wall is damaged.
How difficult is this project?
This project is rated easy. Most homeowners with basic tools can complete it.
How long does this take?
Plan for approximately 15 - 30 minutes. First-timers may need extra time.
How much will this cost?
The estimated cost is $8 - $20. Costs vary by location and materials chosen.