Categories: Kitchens

How to Measure Kitchen Sink Drain Size (4 WAYS)

Published by
James marcus

When replacing the sink drain or the whole sink, you have to measure the sink drain size. Here’s our guide for four ways for how to measure kitchen sink drain size.

This is important to provide optimal water flow and flush, while also preventing any potential leaks.

That said, if you purchase a new kitchen sink, it might come without a drain assembly kit or instructions.

If you are not familiar with plumbing, this guide will explain how to measure the kitchen sink drain size.

Prepare your measuring tape and check this quick overview of the process.

How to Measure Kitchen Sink Drain Size

Check the instructions that came with the sink

The standard kitchen sink drain hole size is 3-1/2 inches in diameter, 4-inches hole in some cases. This information should be written in the instruction that comes with the sink or drain assembly kit.

Try to contact the manufacturer

If the kitchen sink you’ve purchased came without instructions, you can also try to call or email the manufacturer and ask about the drain size.

Measuring the sink drain with the tape

To check the kitchen sink drain size, take a measuring tape and place it across the center of the drain hole.

That way, you’ll get the maximum width between two opposite points.

This should be the exact size of the drain opening for your sink.

Once you’ve written down the parameters, you can try assembling the strainer to see if it fits.

Check if the strainer fits in the drain hole

Place the strainer in the hole and screw the locknut to see if there is no gap. Don’t forget to attach the gasket using silicone adhesive when putting everything together.

After you’ve measured the kitchen sink strainer and installed it, it’s time to switch our attention to a crumb cup.

How to Measure a Sink Drain Opening for a Crumb Cup

At the first glance, it might seem that any crumb cup will fit the strainer. The truth is that crumb cups can have different forms and sizes.

Step 1: Find the diameter of a drain circle

Use a measuring tape to find out the diameter of a drain circle with the installed strainer.

Like with the sink drain hole, place the tape across the center and write down the size. The next step contains information about the depth of the strainer.

Step 2: Find the depth of the basket

Place the end of the measuring tape closer to its edge right before it meets the slope. Don’t put the measurement tape’s end into the center because the strainer might not fit the entire construction.

The same rule applies when looking for a regular plug instead, which is also known as a stopper. After that, you must learn how to avoid mistakes when buying a crumb cup or a plug.

Step 3: Get a suitable crumb cup or a plug

With the parameters that you’ve just collected, you can go to the nearest store and find a proper crumb cup. Remember to avoid buying a taller model.

This will lead to having a gap between it and a strainer. Thus, the water won’t collect in the sink. Instead, it will go down the tailpipe.

Kitchen Sink Drain Size

When speaking about the kitchen sink drain pipe diameter, the standard kitchen sink drain size is 1-1/2 inches in diameter. This means the hole inside the pipe, not the actual diameter of them.

With older kitchen sink drain pipes, you can come across the 1-1/4-inches diameter. The full size of the pipe is either 2 or 3-1/2 inches.

As for the strainer, they all have a standard size at the top. The pipe that goes inside is much smaller, and it must match the tailpiece’s size. The tight seal is very important to prevent any leaks and ensure optimal connection.

Which Drain Size Do you Need for your Kitchen Sink?

The tailpiece’s size will tell you what pipes you’ll need to look for in the store.

For example, a 2-inch pipe is needed for a 1-1/2-inch drain hole. Alternatively, you’ll want to get a 1-1/2-inch pipe for a 1-1/4-inch hole.

These are the standards used in not only the state you live in but also all around the world. For more information, you’ll need to check the local plumbing codes.

Conclusion

The process of measuring a kitchen sink drain size can be done in several ways as discussed above.

All you need is to grab the measuring tape and follow the mentioned methods. Start with the sink drain hole, then move to the strainer with a crumb cup.

This post was last modified on 16/10/2023 15:47

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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