A basket strainer is the part in the bottom of the kitchen sink that receives the crumb cup or stopper. Basket strainers are typically made from either hard plastics or chrome-plated brass. Some strainers are also made of pot metal and some commercial quality ones are made from stainless steel. Replacing the strainer is relatively straightforward but there are some tricks of the trade that will ensure success.

Removing the old strainer

Basket strainers take a lot of wear and tear and need to be changed occasionally

1. Unscrew the strainer slip nut that connects the drainpipe extension to the bottom of the strainer. Use a pair of water pump or channellock pliers or a pipe wrench to do this.
2. Use a spanner wrench or a special basket strainer wrench found in the plumbing section of most hardware and home center stores to remove the basket strainer mount nut.
3. Wiggle the basket strainer to break the seal between it and the sink and push the strainer up and out of the sink from underneath.

Installing the new basket strainer

1. Clean and dry the top and bottom of the sealing lip of the strainer hole in the sink. Be careful of the sharp edges.
2. Remove the nut and washers from the new basket strainer.
3. Apply a finger-size bead of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the rim of the strainer.
4. Place the strainer in the hole from above and press it into place.
5. Hold the strainer in place with one hand and, reaching underneath with the other, place the rubber gasket, cardboard friction ring, and nut over the bottom of the strainer in that order. You may want to enlist the aid of another to help with this step.
6. Start the nut, being careful not to cross thread it.
7. Hold the strainer in place with a basket strainer wrench while you tighten the nut. If no strainer wrench is available, you can use two screwdrivers placed in opposing holes in the strainer and crossed to provide the leverage you need while you tighten the nut.
8. Clean off the excess plumber’s putty.
9. Reconnect the drainpipe extension to the bottom of the strainer with the slip nut and gasket.
10. Run water in the sink to check for links. Put the stopper or crumb cup in place and fill the sink basin with water. Let it sit for a brief period and check for leaks underneath the sink a second time. If necessary, drain the water out and retighten the strainer nut.

Tips

Do not use any type of caulking compound in place of plumber’s putty.

Heavy weight chrome-plated brass or stainless steel basket strainers last and stay tight over time. Cheaper plastic and pot metal strainers tend to loosen and leak over time because you cannot tighten them as much as necessary.

The screw-in type of crumb cup is the most durable and water tight.

Stainless steel makes a beautiful, fashionable, durable, commercial quality surface that is easy to clean. It excels as a backsplash material for countertops and wall cabinets. Available at many home centers and hardware stores, it is relatively easy to obtain, although in some locations it may need to be special ordered. Even though stainless steel is very hard, you can drill and cut it, with patience. It is better to install stainless steel backsplash material before the countertops and wall cabinets are installed but it is possible to install it after the fact, as well.

Preparation

1. Make certain your walls are square where they meet each other and the countertop.
2. Make sure the wall surfaces are clean, intact, and thoroughly dry.
3. Mark the location of every wall stud on the countertop frame or countertop and above the top of the new backsplash on the wall below the wall cabinets or even on the bottom panel of the wall cabinets.

Purchase

1. Measure for the new backsplash material and either purchase a large enough piece at your home center or hardware store or special order it cut to fit.
2. You can also cut a template out of cardboard to fit the new backsplash and take that with you to purchase the piece you need or order it.

Installation

1. If the piece you purchased needs to be cut to fit, do that now. Use a pair of heavy-duty sheet metal shears designed for stainless steel or cut it with a very fine tooth saw blade designed for stainless steel and a saw like a jigsaw, supporting the piece completely along its length.
2. Lay the new piece of stainless steel in position and mark out the location of each fastener, using a prick punch or scribe.
3. Pay close attention to the corners where two pieces of backsplash material meet. If your walls are square the stainless steel should meet in a perfect joint but that is rare.
4. Trim the edges of the stainless steel to meet at the corners or install a piece of corner trim and butt the stainless steel backsplash pieces up to it.
5. Drill the fastener holes slightly larger than the size of your fasteners.
6. You may want to apply an adhesive caulk like liquid nails to the back of the stainless steel before placing it in position.
7. Install the fasteners with trim washers.

Tips

The key to cutting and drilling stainless steel successfully is to cut or drill with a very sharp blade or drill bit and turn it very slowly, the slower the better. Use a good lubricant for stainless steel, as well.

Protect the stainless steel surface where you are going to cut or drill in case your tool slips. Use painters masking tape and remove it as soon as you are through cutting or drilling. However, you can leave it in place while you drive in your fasteners just in case the screwdriver slips, too.