Sink strainer fitting in Exeter
Professional sink strainer fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Sink strainer basket fitted properly so it catches food waste without leaking. Stops debris blocking your pipes and makes washing up less hassle.
Why Fit A Strainer Basket?
Your kitchen sink either has:
- No strainer - food goes straight down drain, blocks pipes
- Broken strainer - doesn't seal properly, catches nothing
- Old corroded strainer - looks grotty, doesn't work right
A proper strainer basket catches food scraps, lets water drain, and stops blocked drains.
💡 Pro tip: Replacing a sink strainer before it completely fails saves you from a blocked drain emergency and an expensive plumber callout.
What A Good Strainer Does
🔧 How It Works
| Function | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Catches food waste | Scraps don't go down drain |
| Lets water flow | Sink empties while catching debris |
| Seals when closed | Can fill sink for washing up |
| Easy to remove | Lift out, empty in bin, rinse |
Types of Strainer
📦 Common Options
| Type | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Basic basket | Standard sinks | Sit-in strainer, lift to empty |
| Flip-top | Convenient use | Push to seal/open, very easy |
| Plug strainer | Dual purpose | Acts as plug AND strainer |
| Deep basket | Heavy use | Holds more waste between empties |
I'll recommend what suits your sink and usage.
Pricing Guide
| Job | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Fit new strainer | 20 mins | £60 |
| Replace old/seized strainer | 30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Standard strainer basket included - premium models extra cost.
Why Choose Us for Sink strainer fitting in Exeter?
Catches food waste before it blocks pipes
Properly sealed so it doesn't leak
Right size for your sink
Easy to remove and clean
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove Old Strainer (If There Is One)
Unscrew the retaining nut underneath sink, lift out old strainer. Clean the sink hole area ready for new one.
Step 2: Fit New Strainer
Apply plumber's putty or silicone seal, drop new basket into hole, secure with retaining nut from underneath. Tighten firmly but not over-tight.
Step 3: Test For Leaks
Run water, check underneath for any drips. Adjust seal if needed. Show you how to remove basket for cleaning.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit one yourself? It's doable if you're reasonably handy:
🔧 What you'll need
- New sink strainer basket (measure your current hole diameter)
- Plumber's putty or silicone sealant
- Large wrench or pliers
- Old towel (for under-sink drips)
- Basin wrench helpful but not essential
📐 Fitting process
- Remove old strainer: Unscrew retaining nut from underneath, pull basket out from top
- Clean sink hole: Remove old putty/sealant, clean thoroughly
- Apply sealant: Roll plumber's putty into rope, press around underside of new strainer rim. OR apply silicone bead
- Drop in basket: Push new strainer into hole from above
- Secure underneath: Slide rubber gasket on from below, screw on retaining nut, tighten firmly
- Remove excess sealant: Wipe away any putty that squeezed out
- Test: Run water, check for leaks underneath
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not cleaning old sealant off properly (new strainer won't seal)
- Over-tightening retaining nut (cracks the sink)
- Wrong size strainer for hole (won't fit or will fall through)
- No sealant (will leak)
- Forgetting the rubber gasket underneath (also leaks)
💡 Pro trick: Use plumber's putty instead of silicone - easier to remove in future if strainer needs replacing again. Silicone works but is harder to clean off.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Waste disposal unit? Different fitting - these need special strainer baskets designed for disposal units. Tell me if you've got one so I bring the right part.
Stainless steel vs plastic? Stainless lasts longer and looks better but costs a bit more. Plastic/chrome is fine for basic use. Your choice - I can supply either.
Old Belfast or butler sink? These sometimes have non-standard sized wastes. Measure first or send me a photo - I'll confirm what fits before turning up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a strainer and a normal plug?
A strainer has holes to let water drain while catching food scraps. A normal plug just blocks the hole completely. Most modern sinks have strainer baskets that do both - you can fill the sink (close the strainer) or drain with protection (open strainer catches debris).
Will it fit my sink?
Probably - most UK kitchen sinks use standard sizes (90mm or 114mm waste). I measure your current waste hole and fit the right size. If yours is non-standard (happens with some imported sinks), I'll let you know before ordering.
Can you replace a broken/corroded strainer?
Yes - I remove the old one (even if it's seized), clean up the sink hole, and fit a new one with fresh seals. New strainers are chrome or stainless steel - won't corrode like old ones.
Do you need to get under the sink?
Yes - part of the fitting is underneath. I'll need clear access to the cupboard under your sink. If it's rammed full, clearing it before I arrive speeds things up, but I can work around stuff if needed.
Will it stop my sink draining slowly?
If slow draining is because the old strainer is partially blocked or corroded, yes. If your pipes are blocked further down, that's a different problem - but I can check while I'm there and advise.
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