sink strainer install question

[tominboise]

I am replacing the sink strainer in my kitchen. I've done this a few times but I do have a question. The style I have uses a rubber gasket, a steel washer and then a threaded collar that clamps the washer, gasket and sink strainer together, capturing the sink. Obviously with plumber's putty under the strainer flange. My question - the threaded collar has three screws in it that are used to tighten the entire assembly against the bottom of the sink, after the threaded collar is cinched down tight. How tight should one tighten those three screws? SInce the putty is malleable, it continues to ooze out as the screws are tightened. Just keep going and going? I usually just tighten them until I think it is correct, then move on. I just wondered if there is a specific procedure for those three screws.

 

[mike93lx]

I go pretty tight, no idea if there is a torque spec.

Don't throw away the paper/cardboard washer... It's important

 

[whateg01]

I go "about that tight". I guess I generally shoot for the strainer not sticking up above the bottom of the sink but less than 4 ugga duggas.

 

[rlitman]

The style with the three screws is my favorite to install, and also the type I've seen the least problems with. Excellent choice.

What I like to do is get the putty very warm in my hand before setting everything up, and then assemble it all before the putty gets too cold. That makes the putty squeeze out more easily. I keep turning the screws until I don't get more putty coming out.

 

[evildky]

Toss it and buy a brass/metal strainer basket that uses the single smaller nut to push the collar against the bottom of the sink.

 

[crguy]

If you have to ask that question, I'm not sure you should be doing your own work.

 

[mike93lx]

If you have to ask that question, I'm not sure you should be doing your own work.

Yeah, only people born with plumbing knowledge are capable of doing a strainer install. Learning is not allowed

 

[racecougar]

If you have to ask that question, I'm not sure you should be doing your own work.

If you have to make that response, I'm not sure you should provide answers/assistance.

If this isn't the place to ask questions and learn, where is?



To the OP: I go pretty snug, but try to leave a very small "cushion" of putty in there.

 

[Fav Onefour]

The style with the three screws is my favorite to install, and also the type I've seen the least problems with. Excellent choice.

What I like to do is get the putty very warm in my hand before setting everything up, and then assemble it all before the putty gets too cold. That makes the putty squeeze out more easily. I keep turning the screws until I don't get more putty coming out.

Good advice with the putty.
I have not used the screw retainer style. I've put in quite a few with the single nut.
I will add some tips based on my experience.
Putty allows the flange to "float" as you tighten everything down. I start tightening and then recheck flange for centering in the sink opening. I recheck often and make sure the flange stays centered. With the three point screw flange it will help to tighten screws evenly as you go.
I tighten down enough to see the rubber gasket start compressing. If the putty is still squeezing out at that point, you may need more pressure but take it easy. The top side of the flange should be tight enough to quit squeezing soft putty but not so tight that you're squeezing out the rubber washer.

After you have the drain assembly connected, fill the sink with hot water and let it sit. Higher temp water will soften the putty. I usually give the tailpiece a few wiggles while there's hot water in the sink. That's real world use. People bump the drain assembly all the time. If your drain flange is too loose, it will start leaking prematurely.

BTW, I keep a roll of putty tape in my plumbing supplies just for sink flanges. I love the ease of using that stuff. It lays out a nice even layer.

 

[rlitman]

... People bump the drain assembly all the time. If your drain flange is too loose, it will start leaking prematurely...

That's where I've seen the other styles fail. For kitchen sinks, aside from the 3-screw type, you have the large nut type:

and the cup and small nut type:

With both of these, The problem I've had most is that the threads rolled onto the stainless are very shallow, and it doesn't take much of a bump on the tailpiece to get the nut to jump a thread.

The three screw type is how all garbage disposals get attached. If it can hang one of those without letting go, it's fine in all other regards too.