How To Change Bathroom Sink Drain

How to Change a Bathroom Sink Drain

A bathroom sink drain can become clogged over time due to hair, soap scum, and other debris. If your sink is draining slowly or not at all, you may need to replace the drain. Replacing a bathroom sink drain is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Tools and Materials

New bathroom sink drain
Adjustable wrench
Plumber's putty
Rags
Bucket

Instructions

Turn off the water supply to the sink. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.
Open the faucet to release any remaining water from the lines.
Place a bucket under the sink to catch any water that may leak out when you remove the drain.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the slip nut that holds the drain in place. The slip nut is located at the bottom of the drain body, where it connects to the drainpipe. Turn the slip nut counterclockwise to loosen it.
Once the slip nut is loose, you can remove the drain body. Pull the drain body straight up and out of the sink. If the drain body is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap it loose.
Clean the drainpipe opening and the bottom of the sink with a rag. Remove any old plumber's putty or debris.
Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the new drain body. The plumber's putty will help to seal the drain and prevent leaks.
Insert the new drain body into the drainpipe opening. Turn the drain body clockwise to tighten it. Do not overtighten the drain body, as this could damage the sink or the drainpipe.
Tighten the slip nut onto the drain body. Turn the slip nut clockwise to tighten it. Again, do not overtighten the slip nut.
Turn on the water supply to the sink. Check for leaks around the drain. If there are any leaks, tighten the slip nut or the drain body until the leaks stop.

Tips

If you are not comfortable replacing the drain yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
When choosing a new drain, be sure to select one that is the same size as the old drain.
If the drainpipe is clogged, you can use a drain snake to clear the clog.
To prevent clogs, be sure to clean the drain regularly with a drain cleaner.