If you’ve stumbled upon this article, it’s likely that you’re dealing with a sink leak and need to remove the drain or flange. If you’re unsure about how to remove a stubborn kitchen sink drain flange, don’t worry! We’ve provided a detailed and helpful method to guide you through this process and minimize any additional difficulties.
Effortless steps to remove a stubborn kitchen sink drain flange
When dealing with old kitchen sink accessories, it’s common to encounter dingy and rusty parts that are difficult to remove. This is particularly true for the drain flange, which can become encrusted with hard water buildup. In some cases, breaking it open may be necessary to remove it from the sink drain. If you’re facing a stuck kitchen sink drain flange, follow the steps below for removal:
Essential Tools for Removing a Stuck Kitchen Sink Drain Flange
- Needle nose pliers
- A large channel lock
- Plumbers putty
- Old towel
- A bucket
Step 1
Before proceeding under the sink, use needle nose pliers or a sink tool to secure the top of the kitchen sink strainer. Once secured, use large channel locks to grip the strainer flange. This will allow you to disconnect the tailpipe from the strainer.
Step 2
The old sink drain flange can become clogged with mineral deposits over time, making it difficult to remove from the strainer. There are several methods you can use to tackle this issue.
Method 1: Heat Gun
- Slowly heat the threads and slip nuts around the flange using a heat gun.
- Move the heat gun all around the flange to ensure even heating.
- As the rust peels off, the threads will become easier to unthread and expand slightly.
Method 2: Lubricant Oil
- Apply a spray lubricant to all the threads, nuts, and screws with rust.
- Let the lubricant sit for one hour to loosen the threads.
- Use a toothbrush to scrape off the rust from the threads and clean them.
Method 3: Hacksaw
- Carefully use a hacksaw to cut between the flange nut and the sink.
- Be cautious not to damage the sink.
- Exercise patience and make multiple attempts to properly position the saw.
Method 4: Basket Wrench Tool
- If available, use a basket wrench tool.
- Position the tool behind the flange and hook it onto the nuts for a better grip.
- Twist the wrench to loosen the flange.
Method 5: Flathead Screwdriver
- Insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap between the flange and the sink.
- Use a hammer to tap the screwdriver, loosening the flange.
Method 6: Dremel’s Diamond Blade
- In emergency situations where you plan to replace the entire flange, use a Dremel with a diamond blade.
- Exercise caution and use the smallest bit.
- Only use this method when removing the entire flange and installing a new one.
Step 3
Next, grab your channel locks and use them to unthread the stuck flange. Apply some pressure if necessary. Afterward, use the same channel locks to unthread the lock nut. Once the lock nut is removed, you can take off the mounting cup from the bottom, as well as the old bubbler seal.
Step 4
Once the aforementioned components are removed, you can easily lift the entire strainer body up through the sink. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean off any old plumber’s putty or silicone from around the drain, both inside and out. This will ensure a clean metal surface for further work.
Final Thoughts
If you have read the entire article, you should now have a good understanding of how to remove a stuck kitchen sink drain flange using any of the mentioned tools. If you have already attempted these methods, please share your experience and let us know which method worked best for you in the end.
