How to Attach a Lavatory Drain
By Jessica Mahoney
How to Attach a Lavatory Drainthumbnail Lavatory drains allow gray water to flow from the sink basin to the septic system.
Lavatory drains, or bathroom sink drains, are designed with a mechanical stopper to control the flow of water that is drained from the lavatory. The lavatory drain’s mechanical stopper, when closed, holds water in the lavatory bowl. A new lavatory drain will give the bathroom an updated and modern look. Lavatory drains are manufactured using different materials, such as plastic and brass. They are also available in several different styles and finishes. Chrome is the most common lavatory finish used. The lavatory drain is commonly sold with lavatory faucets, but you can also purchase the drain separately.
To Attach a Lavatory Drain You’ll Need:
- Plumber’s putty
- Teflon tape
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
To Attach a Lavatory Drain Instructions:
- Apply plumber’s putty to the underside of the lavatory drain flange. Knead the putty until it is soft and tacky.
- Slide the drain flange into the lavatory drain hole while applying slight downward pressure to the drain flange. This method helps hold the drain flange in place while assembling the lavatory drain.
- Push the tapered rubber gasket fully onto the drain flange threads, followed by the large plastic washer.
- Screw the lock-nut onto the drain flange threads, turning the nut clockwise. Thread the nut up to the plastic washer; do not tighten the lock nut.
- Place the small plastic washer into the lavatory drain body.
- Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the drain flange. Wrap the tape counterclockwise to prevent the tape from backing off of the threads.
- Screw the drain body onto the drain flange threads, turning clockwise. Hold the drain flange with pliers and tighten the drain body with another pair of pliers.
- Turn the drain flange and body assembly so the drain lever hole is facing rearward toward the lavatory drain lift rod hole.
- Tighten the drain flange lock-nut with pliers; remove the excess putty from around the drain flange.
- Slide the stopper into the lavatory drain assembly. Align the hole in the bottom of the stopper with the ball lever hole in the drain body.
- Slide the plastic ball lever washer into the drain body and slide the ball lever into the drain body.
- The tip of the ball lever is slid through the hole in the bottom of the lavatory stopper.
- Slide the knurled nut onto the ball lever and hand-tighten the nut.
- Slide the lift rod down through the hole in the faucet or the vanity top. Slide the connecting link onto the lift rod and tighten the set bolt with an adjustable wrench.
- Slide the V-clip and connecting link onto the ball lever simultaneously, Squeeze the V-clip to slide it onto the ball lever.
- Apply Teflon tape to the tailpiece threads; wrap the tape counterclockwise to prevent the tape from backing off of the threads.
- Screw the tail piece into the drain body and tighten with pliers.
- Install the P-trap, pour water into the drain and check for leaks. Use a P-trap that installs with a nut to make it easy to disassemble the trap if repairs are required.