I've just installed a new used Cast Iron Porcelain Kitchen sink. I got the wife a new faucet for Christmas and the new used sink (better than the old one). The Faucet and Disposer Drain side went in without a hitch for an amateur plumber. The problem I’m having is with the Basket Strainer – I’ve packed the rim with plumbers putty, pushed firmly down, installed the Rubber Gasket then the Fiber Gasket then the Lock Nut. I’ve had my wife hold the Strainer Basket from the top with a pair of pliers handles and a screw driver, while I tightened the Lock Nut with a hammer and screw driver. I’ve done this about four times now, each with a different amount of Plumbers Putty. I hook up the P-trap and turn on the water to check for leaks. Each time I get a leak at the Basket Strainer threads and Gaskets, the P-trap is dry. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm about to undertake replacing an Americast two basin kitchen sink with a Kohler cast iron sink of approximately the same dimensions and configuration. The sink rests on a countertop of ceramic tile. The reason I'm replacing the Americast sink is that it is rusting badly around the edges where the sink edges rest on the sealant which is between the sink and the tile. The rust works in between the sink base material and the enamal/porclelin finish which then separates and leaves areas of ever increasing size unsightly rust spots. Anyway, my concern is to prevent this from happening to the new sink, so my question is, what kind of sealant to use? The new sink manual only says to use a "high quality" sealant and let it settle for 30 minutes. Exactly what is a high quality sealant (type or brand name would be nice)? Once I've nested the sink onto the sealant and let it settle for 30 minutes, is there anything else I should do to preclude the same thing from happening again (i.e. painting over the interface with some kind of transparent or white waterproofing substance)? In advance, thanks. JCCremer