Cost to Replace a Sink Strainer – 2021

| Last Updated: August 23, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

1.8

3

Cost:

$ 171

$ 30

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 67% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

Photo credit: sunrisespecialty.com

The average price to Replace a Sink Strainer noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to replace a sink strainer? The contractor cost to replace a kitchen sink strainer and drain is $171 vs. doing it yourself for $30 and saving 80 percent. 

Have you looked at your sink strainer lately? Most of us are probably more familiar using the strainer basket that fits into the strainer and functions like a sieve or screen between the water in a sink and the drain pipe. Certainly, the strainer is something most of us take for granted but it can be a glaring eyesore in an otherwise attractive kitchen basin.

Over the years, the strainer itself can become dented and knicked, and the black rubber gasket at the bottom of the strainer basket can become hardened and discolored.

A plumber will charge $171 to install a new sink strainer in a sink. If you have plumbing skills and tools, you can buy the strainer for $30 and replace it and save 80 percent.

You’ll need plumber’s putty, a putty knife, joint pliers, and a spud wrench. Before you work on any plumbing lines in your house, make sure you shut off the hot and cold water supply to the kitchen sink faucet, or turn off the main water supply.

The job involves working in the sink and under the cabinet, so remove items for access to the drainpipe. Take the new strainer apart and remove the old strainer from the drainpipe. Then insert the new strainer in the sink opening, and reconnect the new one to the drainpipe.

The average price to replace a sink strainer anf drain noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.