If you’ve ever had a sink that drains slow, leaks underneath, or just looks a bit worse for wear, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Do I need to replace my sink drain?” The good news? Sink drain replacement is totally doable with the right tools, a little patience, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to replace a sink drain step-by-step, explain why you might want to do it yourself and when it’s a smart move to call in the pros.
Why You Might Need to Replace Your Sink Drain
There are a few common reasons people end up replacing a sink drain:
Leaks under the sink – Water where it shouldn’t be is usually your first clue.
Corrosion or rust – Over time, metal parts can break down, especially in older homes.
Aesthetic updates – Swapping out chrome for matte black? The drain should match!
Upgraded plumbing fixtures – New tap? New basin? The old drain might not fit or match.
No matter the reason, knowing how to replace a sink drain is a handy skill to have especially if you like tackling basic DIY plumbing projects.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, grab the following:
- Bucket or towel
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
- New sink drain assembly
- Teflon tape
You might also want gloves and an old shirt sink drain replacement can be a bit messy.
Step-by-Step:
How to Replace Sink Drain
1. Clear Out the Area: Take everything out from under your sink. You’ll need room to work and trust us, you don’t want your toiletries soaked if water leaks.
2. Place a Bucket or Towel Below the Pipes: Some water will spill out when you disconnect things. Catch it before it soaks into your cabinet or floor.
3. Disconnect the P-Trap: The curved section of pipe under your sink is the P-trap. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the slip nuts and carefully remove it. Pour out any water inside.
Pro Tip: Take a picture before disconnecting anything it helps when putting everything back together.
4. Remove the Old Drain Assembly: Unscrew the drain flange from the top of the sink and loosen the locknut underneath (you may need to hold both sides at once). Once free, lift the old drain out.
5. Clean the Sink Hole: Before installing the new drain, clean off any old plumber’s putty or gunk around the opening. This ensures a watertight seal.
6. Install the New Drain: Roll a small amount of plumber’s putty around the underside of the new drain flange. Insert it into the sink hole from above. Underneath the sink, secure it by tightening the gasket, washer, and locknut in that order. Make sure it’s snug but don’t overtighten you don’t want to crack anything.
7. Reconnect the P-Trap: Line everything up as it was before, then tighten the slip nuts by hand and finish with a wrench (just a bit not too tight).
8. Test for Leaks: Run the tap and watch underneath. If you see water dripping or pooling, check that everything’s tightened and sealed properly.
When to Call a Professional
Okay replacing a sink drain seems pretty straightforward, right? It often is. But like with most plumbing jobs, surprises can pop up. Here are a few reasons why you might want to hand it off to the pros:
Old or fragile plumbing – One wrong twist can crack an old pipe.
Stripped threads or cross-threading – These make sealing a nightmare.
Persistent leaks – Sometimes the issue is deeper in the system.
You’re short on time (or patience) – Let’s be honest, life’s busy.
Hiring a professional plumber can save you hours of frustration and ensure the job’s done right. No more crawling under the sink five times to stop a leak!
Final Thoughts:
DIY or Pro?
Knowing how to replace a sink drain is a useful life skill and for many homeowners, it’s a totally doable weekend project. That said, if you’re unsure at any point, it’s okay (and wise) to bring in a licensed plumber. Plumbing mistakes can lead to water damage and even bigger bills down the line.
So if you’ve started the project and it’s going sideways or you’d rather not get soaked at all give your local plumber a ring. We’re always here to help make your home run smoother.
Need help with your sink drain replacement?
Whether it’s a quick fix or a full plumbing upgrade, our expert team is just a call away. Friendly, fast, and professional we’ll get your sink sorted in no time.