The kitchen sink basket strainer plug for our double bowl sink had been leaking for a couple of months and it was driving me batty. It made washing up difficult because the water would drain away while washing up the pots and pans. Even more frustrating was when both plugs stopped sealing, so we couldn’t swap the plugs. It’s one of those things you don’t realise is annoying until you have to fill the sink and you can’t. But you soon forget until you need to fill the sink again!
The reason our sink plugs wouldn’t hold water was because the rubber washer underneath needed to be replaced. You can pull apart the plug by untwisting the middle handle part, which allows you to replace the rubber washer underneath. This is the seal that allows the plug to stop water going down the drain. It didn’t matter how I contorted the washer, the plugs wouldn’t keep the water in.

The only thing that worked, was putting pressure against the plug with my fingers, while the sink filled up. When the sink was ¾ full, I could release my fingers and the plug would seal. I didn’t want to have to do this every time I filled the sink though.
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For another temporary fix, you can use a plastic sandwich zip lock bag to act as the seal behind the plug so the sink holds water. Push the plug through a sealed sandwich bag and insert it into your sink drain. You can use the plastic bag a few times before it deteriorates.
Alternatively, if you get jack of the ‘temporary’ fixes, you can head to your local hardware or plumbing store and replace the plugs for new, which is what I did.
I headed to Bunnings, because I had to get some plants, and enquired if I could get the new rubber seals so I wouldn’t have to replace the whole plug.
A Guide To Replacing Sink Strainers In Kitchen Sinks
Unfortunately, they haven’t been stocked for a while, so most people have to resort to buying a new plug. They cost me under $8 each. You can find the plugs near the PVC traps (bends that are installed under your sink and basin) and plug and waste section. They weren’t in the plug section where I was looking! If you can’t find them, ask someone to show you.
We’ve been using our sink for 9 years, and both plugs deteriorated within a few weeks of each other. The sink basket strainer plugs are usually the one size for most sinks. But it is best to take your old plug with you so you can match like for like. If you find your plug is a different shape to what is at your local hardware store, head to a plumbing store like Reece or Tradelink and see if they can give you the washer seal or order in the new plug to suit your sink.
If you put your plug in, and it still leaks, you may need a plumber to come out and replace the whole plug and waste.
For Quite A While, My Kitchen Sink Strainer Hasn't Done A Good Job. I've Been In This House Since 1981 And For Years It
Because the plugs are shiny new, I had to give my sink a good clean. I sprinkled Dominant Soaking Powder around the wet sink, and especially around the drain where it can go brown. Leave it for ten minutes, then give it a quick scrub and your sink will look sparkling new. I’ve used gumption before, and have gotten the same effect, but it required more effort in scrubbing.
It’s now so much less hassle filling up our sink bowls. We also don’t use as much water when we fill them.
Hi I’m Bec The Plumbette. Welcome to my blog where I unplug the world of plumbing, interiors, building and renovating while also covering lifestyle topics including motherhood and family life. I share my experiences being a plumber and a mother. More...You might try replacing the strainer basket first. Just take the old one to a hardware store or home center to find a similar replacement. It shouldn’t cost much. However, if the new strainer leaks, you’ll need to replace the entire kitchen sink strainer assembly. This will cost a little more, but it’s still inexpensive overall.
Keeney 3.5 In Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Rust Resistant Strainer Basket In The Kitchen Sink Strainers & Strainer Baskets Department At Lowes.com
A sink strainer is a piece of perforated metal that fits into the top of a sink drain and keeps larger pieces of food and debris from going down your drain. Think of it as a filter for your kitchen sink.
The strainer is often made of stainless steel to better resist corrosion. But it can come in different materials, like brass as shown below. In most residential homes, it is sized to fit a standard 3.5″ drain hole. If your drain connects to a garbage disposal, the sink strainer will have a basket to catch debris.

Regardless of the kitchen sink strainer type that you have, they all do the same thing: they keep larger food particles and other debris from entering and clogging your drain (or damaging your disposal).
Maustic 2pcs Stainless Steel Sink Strainer, Kitchen Sink Drain Filters Anti Clogging Rust Free Sink Strainer
For me personally, the most annoying part of a job is trying to make a repair without the right tools handy. I’m sure you get me. 🙂 Here’s what you need:
This is a pair of Channellock pliers (a brand name), generically called tongue and groove pliers. You’ll need this to loosen and remove the locknut in Step 3 below.
If you’d rather watch how to replace a kitchen sink strainer, this video will on how to use plumber’s putty focuses on a strainer replacement in the sink of a laundry room.
Starstar Kitchen Sink Stainless Steel Drain Assembly Kit For 3 1/2 Inc
Knowing how to replace the kitchen sink strainer isn’t intuitive for everyone. But it’s also not difficult, which makes it a great DIY project at home. We encourage you to give it a try.
The steps above, along with the video, should give you everything you need to replace that old, wonky sink strainer with a brand new one.

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Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer For 3.5 Inch Drain Openings, Matte Black
Undo the coupling nut at the base of the sink strainer basket using slip-joint pliers and slide the nut entirely off the threads.
Unscrew the sink strainer locknut using 16-inch slip-joint pliers or a spud wrench. If the whole basket rotates, place a screwdriver between the pliers' handles and insert them into the strainer grate from above to keep it stationary. With the screwdriver, reach over the front of the sink or have someone hold it from above. If the drainpipe can be moved out of the way, you may push the plier handles up into the strainer grate from the bottom to get a firmer grip.
Roll the plumber's putty into a pencil-sized rope in your hands and wrap it over the lip of the sink drain opening. Retighten the locknut after pressing the strainer firmly into the putty, adding the rubber gasket, friction ring, and locknut beneath the sink.
Get Finest Quality Stainless Steel Strainer
A leaking basket strainer might be the source of a pool of water in the cabinet beneath your sink. Old plumbing fittings might be challenging to loosen, but we'll teach you how to disassemble them and reassemble them easily. All essential items may be found at a hardware shop
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