Kitchen Drain Buying Guide

Choosing a sink drain is a fairly easy process without many options regarding functionality and style. But it is still important to have a general understanding of the way these drains work before purchasing new or attempting an installation.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL DRAINS When purchasing a drain to be used with a garbage disposer look for a disposer flange with stopper. These drains do not have a basket so food can easily be washed down the sink into the disposer. The stopper is used to block off the disposer and/or hold water in the sink. Drains with disposer flanges are attached directly to the garbage disposer so it is important that the two are compatible. This information can be usually be found in the Technical Information section of drain webpages. DRAINS WITHOUT GARBAGE DISPOSALS Whether you have a single or double basin sink the standard drain hole diameter is 3-½”. When not connecting to a garbage disposal you will need a drain with a strainer flange and basket. The basket is used to trap food waste and prevent clogs within the drain pipe while allowing water to pass through. The basket can be removed for cleaning or replaced with a stopper when you need to fill your sink with water. These drains attach to a p-trap beneath the sink much like a lavatory drain. Double basin sinks often have a strainer flange with basket in one basin and a disposer flange in the other. SINK THICKNESS FLANGE LENGTH & FIXTURE FINISHES It is important to look at the maximum sink thickness listed with each drain. Sinks that are made of natural stone such as marble or fireclay typically require drains with longer flanges for a proper fit. Sink drains are available in a variety of finishes so they can be matched with other kitchen fixtures such as faucets or cabinet pulls.

Brushed Nickel Chrome Antique Copper