Remove Bathroom Sink Strainer

Remove Bathroom Sink Strainer: A Step-by-Step Guide

A clogged bathroom sink can be an annoying and unpleasant experience. Often, the culprit is a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris in the sink strainer. Removing the strainer and cleaning it regularly can help prevent clogs and keep your sink draining smoothly.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you start, gather the following tools:

Adjustable wrench or pliers
Bucket or bowl
Rag or towel

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

To prevent water from spraying everywhere when you remove the strainer, turn off the water supply to the sink. There should be two shut-off valves located under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed.

Step 3: Place Bucket Underneath

Place a bucket or bowl underneath the sink to catch any water that may leak out when you remove the strainer.

Step 4: Loosen the Strainer

Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, loosen the drain basket that is holding the strainer. Turn the drain basket counterclockwise. As you loosen the drain basket, hold onto the strainer with your other hand to prevent it from falling into the sink.

Step 5: Remove the Strainer

Once the drain basket is loose, you can remove the strainer. Gently pull the strainer straight up and out of the sink.

Step 6: Clean the Strainer

Examine the strainer and remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris that has accumulated. You can use a rag or towel to wipe down the strainer and remove any remaining residue.

Step 7: Reinstall the Strainer

Once the strainer is clean, align it with the drain basket and push it into place. Hand-tighten the drain basket clockwise until it is snug. Do not overtighten the drain basket as it can damage the sink or the strainer.

Step 8: Turn on Water Supply

Turn on the water supply to the sink and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the drain basket further until the leak stops.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you remove and clean your bathroom sink strainer:

To prevent clogs, clean the strainer regularly. A good rule of thumb is to clean it every month or two.
If the strainer is heavily clogged, you may need to use a drain cleaner to dissolve the buildup.
If you have a pop-up drain, the strainer may be located inside the pop-up assembly. Consult your manufacturer's instructions for specific removal and cleaning instructions.