**How to Remove a Kitchen Sink Drain Assembly**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Adjustable wrench
* Bucket
* Plumber’s putty (optional)
**Safety Precautions:**
* Turn off the water supply to the sink before beginning.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
**1. Empty the Drain**
* Place a bucket under the drain hole to catch any remaining water.
* Lift the drain stopper, if there is one, to allow water to drain.
**2. Disconnect the Water Lines**
* Locate the water supply lines that are connected to the drain assembly.
* Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts that secure the lines.
* Allow any remaining water to drain into the bucket.
**3. Remove the Mounting Nut**
* Reach underneath the sink and locate the large mounting nut that holds the drain assembly in place.
* Using the adjustable wrench, turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen it.
* Be careful not to overtighten the nut as it can damage the threads.
**4. Pull Out the Drain Assembly**
* Once the mounting nut is loose, gently pull the drain assembly down and out of the sink.
* Be careful not to damage the sink or countertops.
**5. Clean the Sink Hole**
* Use a sponge or cloth to clean the sink hole where the drain assembly was located.
* Remove any debris or old plumber’s putty.
**6. Apply Plumber’s Putty (Optional)**
* If you are replacing the drain assembly, you may need to apply a new bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the new assembly.
* Roll a small piece of putty into a snake-like shape and press it onto the underside of the new assembly.
**7. Insert the New Drain Assembly**
* Align the new drain assembly with the sink hole.
* Carefully push the assembly up into the hole until it is flush with the sink surface.
**8. Tighten the Mounting Nut**
* Reach underneath the sink and hand-tighten the mounting nut as much as possible.
* Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut further, but be careful not to overtighten it.
**9. Reconnect the Water Lines**
* Hand-tighten the nuts that secure the water supply lines to the drain assembly.
* Use the adjustable wrench to further tighten the nuts, but do not overtighten.
**10. Test the Assembly**
* Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.
* If there are leaks, tighten the connections further or apply additional plumber’s putty.
**Tips:**
* If you have a double sink, you will need to remove both drain assemblies.
* If the drain assembly is stuck, you can try using a penetrating lubricant to loosen it.
* If you are not comfortable removing the drain assembly yourself, call a plumber for assistance.
**Conclusion:**
Removing a kitchen sink drain assembly is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the job is done properly and without any leaks.