How to Replace a Basket Strainer
- 1). Loosen the locknut with slip-joint pliers and slide it off. The locknut is the metal nut that threads onto the basket strainer underneath the sink and holds it in place. Someone may have to hold the basket in place from above with pliers to prevent it from spinning in the hole while you loosen the nut.
- 2). Remove the old basket by lifting it out of the drain from above. Once the locknut is removed, it will no longer stay in place.
- 3). Scrape away all old plumber's putty. Wipe the area clean with a rag before laying the new putty.
- 4). Grab a golf ball-sized piece of plumber's putty and knead it a bit to soften it. Form a ring with the putty that conforms to the hole in the sink
- 5). Press the putty evenly in place around the edge of the hole.
- 6). Drop in the strainer and apply even pressure to set it in place. Scrape away any excess putty in the sink and underneath the sink.
- 7). Go under the sink and fit the bowl-shaped washer -- with the rubber washer between it and the sink -- and screw the nut in place with a pipe wrench. Have someone hold the strainer in place with pliers while you tighten so the strainer doesn't shift or turn.
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