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Topic: Kitchen drain assembly (Read 3241 times) previous topic - next topic

Kitchen drain assembly

Hi everyone, I thought I'd tackle an easy job today by replacing both kitchen drain assemblies.
Unfortunately after removing the nut underneath the sink I could not remove it.
I tried tapping on it with a hammer to loosen things up several times but with no success.
From the top of the sink I'm able to remove some of the plumbers putty and I do not see anything as far as an adhesive is concerned coming out from underneath the sink.
Any thoughts on how else to proceed would be appreciated I am concerned about continuing to hammer the drain and maybe cracking the sink.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #1 –
Can you slip a length of monofilament line between sink and drain to "cut" the plumbers putty?

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #2 –
Maybe.
I will give it a try , I need to continue to dig out as much plumbers putty as I can.
I didn't know plumbers putty would become an adhesive.
I have about 1/16 to work with

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #3 –
Shouldn't take much of a gap to set some fishing line started to cut the bond.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #4 –
The three basic tool needed on any job are a hammer, a screwdriver, and a pliers. Let's  concentrate on the first tool: just get a bigger one. It might be easier to replace the whole sink.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #5 –
Might also try a guitar string that has the wire wrapped around. It will act as a cutting surface for hardened putty.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #6 –
Thanks everyone
Will get some monofilament line tomorrow and post back

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #7 –
Just find a fisherman.  Offer him a beer for 4' of monofilament line.  Good deal for everyone.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #8 –
DO NOT USE A HAMMER ON THAT SINK!! Unless you want to break it. If you can't get the nut off then maybe just leave it be. Or get a different wrench.  When I hit my sink with a hammer it shattered.  But of course that was my intention. Try some mild heat with a heat gun.
OK, after reading your post again, I see you got the nut off but the drain won't release.
Maybe try putting a screwdriver in and turning it, or rocking it back and forth. My guess is it's silicone that is holding it in, not plumbers putty.

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Lt403 –
Hi everyone, I thought I'd tackle an easy job today by replacing both kitchen drain assemblies.
Unfortunately after removing the nut underneath the sink I could not remove it.
I tried tapping on it with a hammer to loosen things up several times but with no success.
From the top of the sink I'm able to remove some of the plumbers putty and I do not see anything as far as an adhesive is concerned coming out from underneath the sink.
Any thoughts on how else to proceed would be appreciated I am concerned about continuing to hammer the drain and maybe cracking the sink.

Frank
Put channel lock handles in the hole on top and a screwdriver between the handles and have some one hold the screwdriver to keep the drain from turning, then get under the sink and unscrew the nut holding it. Beware the channel locks may damage the drain beyond reuse.
just my two cents

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #10 –
Frank,

I just replaced my drains last week.  I agree with Bob, do NOT use a hammer.  Use long slow pressure to tip the drain, once it begins to release then get a putty knife or screw driver under it to finish the job.  It is like pulling a 20 ton boat over to the side of the dock, you can't jerk it over but slow steady pull will do the job. 

Richard

Re: Kitchen drain assembly

Reply #11 –
Hopefully, the "use a hammer" post was a joke, but correctly not something to joke about.

Both cutting the plumbers putty with thin line and, or gently twisting (NOT to the point of seeing movement in the sink itself) the drain with a pair of needle nose pliers should do the trick.