Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
A sink drain has a flange that is sealed to the sink hole with a bead of plumber’s putty. This flange is screwed into the drain body, which is tightened to the underside of the sink bowl with a locknut.
The tailpiece, which may contain a pop-up stopper, attaches to a drain trap with slip-joint couplings. A sink trap remains filled with water so sewer gases can’t enter the room; it’s connected to a threaded nipple inserted in a T in the drain line. An escutcheon trim hides the connection.
A mechanical pop-up stopper is operated by a system of levers and rods. If this isn’t working properly, the solution is usually just a matter of adjusting the clevis screw or the position of the pivot rod.
Flexible supply tubes carry water from shutoff valves at the wall to threaded tailpieces on the base of the faucet.
