Installing Kitchen Sink Drain Plumbing

When installing a new kitchen sink or replacing a faucet, you should change the plumbing that is connected to your kitchen sink drain as well. Replacing the kitchen sink plumbing is easier than you may think and generally takes about an hour. Using a few basic household tools, you can replace the pipes and water lines underneath your kitchen sink in no time at all. Here is your step-by-step guide.

Step 1- Shut Off the Water

First, turn off the water supply going to the kitchen sink. You will need to locate the valves. They are typically below the water lines that lead to the hot and cold water faucets. Rotate the valve handles to the right (like you would tightening a screw).

Step 2 - Drain the Water Lines

Release the water from both the hot and cold water faucet by turning them on so any water still in the pipes may run out of the lines. The flow should decrease and eventually stop. If this does not happen, it means the water was not shut off completely.

Step 3 - Disconnect the Water Lines

Using your adjustable wrench, remove the hot and cold water lines from the faucet. Then, repeat the process for both water lines to disconnect them from the shutoff valves.

Step 4 - Disconnect the Drain

To disconnect the drain from the sink, loosen the nut at the bottom of the sink drain with a pipe wrench. Then, slowly screw the entire pipe assembly from the area where it enters the main drain. This should be located somewhere near the center of the back cabinet floor. You should have your bucket ready to place under the drain assembly to catch the water that will fall from the S-trap. Be aware—this water will probably be dirty.

Step 5 - Tape

Using your Teflon plumber's tape, wrap the threaded end of the hot water faucet with a piece that is approximately six inches long. Repeat the process for the threaded end of the cold water faucet.

Step 6 - Connect the New Water Lines

Now you can screw the new water lines onto the threaded pipes leading to the hot and cold water faucets. Again, wrap Teflon tape around the threaded ends of the shutoff valves, and screw on the hot and cold water lines.

Step 7 - Connect the Drain

Attach the bottom part of the drain assembly onto the main drain, which is located at the bottom rear floor of the cabinet. However, do not tighten it yet. Then, adjust the height of the drain assembly to where each side meets the appropriate hole on the bottom of the sink.

Step 8 - Secure the Drain

Next, using a pipe wrench, screw each side of the drain pipe assembly onto the bottom of the sink drain and tighten until it is snug and secure. Make sure you do not tighten the nuts too much or they will leak. Then, fasten the bottom drain assembly where it connects to the floor drain. Again, do not tighten it too much.

Step 9 - Turn the Water On

Now rotate the shutoff valves to allow water to come back into the pipes. Then, open the faucets and check the entire drain, drain assembly, and both water lines for leaks. If there are drips or leaks, tighten the connection slowly until the dripping or leaking stops.