Kitchen sinks are constantly at risk of becoming clogged with big food particles. This serves as a breeding place for germs and is quite unsanitary.
Food residue is frequently forced down the sink while washing since not everyone leaves a clean plate after dining.
However, this might result in food particles building up in the pipes over time, creating problems for your sink.
This results in a plumbing bill; however, using a decent kitchen strainer might help avoid this.
What is a Kitchen Sink Strainer?
A kitchen sink strainer is a metal strainer or a fine mesh strainer placed in the sink to prevent food and other debris from blocking the pipes.
You may manually empty these sink strainers by removing them from the drain and disposing them in the garbage.
Kitchen sink strainers come in several shapes and sizes, such as double cup, flange, basket, drain, back nut, and level strainers (with a diameter of 3.5 to 4 inches).
Types of Kitchen Sink Strainers
The ideal kitchen sink strainer’s kind and size will vary depending on your sink, plumbing, and kitchen drain.
Below are the types of sink filters that will discuss in detail:
Back Nut Strainer
A back nut strainer is a back nut on its top half that is installed at the bottom of the sink to connect it to the plumbing system. Ordinary people find it easier to modify it with a sink.
Its nut is beneficial for the sink’s drainage system since you may turn it as you need.
For example, if some strange particles got stuck in the filter and as a result, the water could not finish its journey precisely.
In this situation, rotating the strainer’s rear nut will cause the stuck particles to fall out. The back nut strainer size for a bigger size is 4.3×1.2×3.1, and the smaller size is 3.4x1x2.3.
Flange Strainer
When it comes to the most expensive sink strainer, the flange filter happens to be one. It is one of the highly featured able sink strainers.
Due to its great features, it has a high demand on the internet and shopping platforms. It has dimensions which are in inches are 3x3x3, 4x4x4, or a 5x5x5
It functions as a filter, back nut, removal, and stop water, making it an all-in-one sink strainer. Typically, all flange strainer colors are matte blacks.
The strainer back nut filter can be rotated at a 120-degree angle, which is very convenient.
It includes an undercover rubber ring to keep water out. To halt the water flow, push the nut so that it sticks to the drainage system.
Double Cup Strainer
You’ve probably seen a lot of filters; however, a double cup strainer is something special. It is made up of a large number of rubber and steel rings.
It is adjustable with two robust and sturdy strainer cups and a rear nut filter.
Typically, one cup is attached to the drain hole. The second one is placed on top of the linked one and may be removed for cleaning.
The upper cup serves as a barrier and the bottom one as a holder.
It is typically constructed and engineered to keep the sink drainage system clean and debris-free. No debris can pass through a two-cup strainer.
This strainer is made primarily of stainless steel. It protects against rust. It has a size of 4x3x1. The installation process is relatively simple, and you will not need the services of a plumber.
Level Strainer
If you’re looking for a standard sink strainer, a level strainer is the way to go.
There is no specific machine system or other rubber technology used in the level strainer. Its size is 6x4x1 inches.
The only thing it has is a substantial net for shielding the sink from solid and tiny particles.
The level strainer functions by employing a circular stopper which is plastic that prevents water flow when necessary.
Its structure appears to be rather basic, and it also lacks a nut system. However, some level strainers feature an additional rim for halting the water.
There is no better tool for minimizing blocked drains than a level strainer.
Drain Strainer
A typical drain strainer is just a heavy-duty screen made of metal or mesh. Instead of colander-like mesh, the drain strainer is sometimes made of solid metal with slits.
In any case, they are the most basic sort of kitchen sink strainer, trapping solid materials before they pass down the drain hole and into the drain pipe. Its size is 4.5 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
Stopper Strainer
The stopper strainer sounds exactly like that; a flash strainer with a built-in stop. There is usually a central screw that separates or connects the stopper. Its size is 6.1x5x6.1.
When the plug is in place, the water is free to flow through the drain, and the strainer catches debris along the way.
When plugged in, the water stays in the sink until its disconnected
How Do You Use the Kitchen Sink Strainer?
Using a colander is a simple process. The important thing is to keep it in place to collect solid debris and food particles that can pass through the pipe.
Below are four simples stages that will guide;
Place the Strainer in the Drain.
The first step is inserting the sink strainer into the bottom sink drain.
If you have one strainer and two drains, put it in the one where you rinse or wash soiled dishes ( since this is where most of the solids will try to pass down the drain)
However, if you have two drains, feel free to put a strainer in each of them.
Leave Plug Unplugged (to allow water to flow freely)
Depending on the strainer installed, it may or may not include a mechanism to engage the plug in the center.
If your sink strainer has a central plug, leave it unplugged to allow water to flow through the strainer to the drain.
Turn on the Plug (to fill the sink)
Whether you’re filling the sink with water, washing dishes, or whatever else you’re doing, pull, push, or twist the mechanism in the center of the strainer to fit the plug.
The stopper temporarily stops the drain and allows the sink to hold water. After washing the dishes, unplug and drain the water.
Strainer Removal and Disposal
You should regularly lift food and other solids from the sieve after washing or washing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
Remove the sieve from the kitchen sink and put it back into the drain at the bottom of the sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sizes do Kitchen Sink Strainers Come in?
The usual drain hole size is 3-1/2″, and a few are 4″. This deep cup strainer can fit drain holes ranging from 3-1/2″ to 4″ in diameter.
If you’re still concerned about the size, measure the diameter of your sink drain opening.
Is There a Range of Sink Strainer Sizes?
Yes, the average drain hole size for virtually all kitchen sinks is 3.5 inches, while bigger configurations are available.
Bar sink drain holes range in size from 1.875 inches to 2.25 inches; however, some are bigger.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen strainers do more than keep debris away from sink pipes. It also maintains the sink area free of germs and odors.
With just a small addition to your kitchen equipment, using a fitting strainer that fits your drain size can save you a lot of problems.