How to Replace a Bathroom Sink Flange

The flange in your bathroom sink is the collar that surrounds the sink's drain. It is usually made of metal, but may be made of plastic and coated in a metallic finish. If this flange cracks or erodes, it can cause water to leak through the sink at this point. You can replace just the flange when making the repair, or the whole bathroom faucet. Whichever option you choose, you need to disconnect the plumbing below the sink so the flange can be unscrewed.

1. 1.

   Turn off the water valves at the back of the sink and place a bucket underneath the drain to catch any water that may run out.

2. 2.

   Loosen the nuts that hold together the drain tailpiece and the P-trap with a wrench. Disconnect the the two pieces.

3. 3.

   Unscrew the drain tailpiece from the drain flange. Depending on how the drain flange is held in place, you may need to hold it down firmly as you twist the tailpiece below. Remove the tailpiece and set it aside.

4. 4.

   Remove the old drain flange. It may come straight out after the tailpiece is removed, or it may be held in place with putty or silicone. If it is held in place tightly, grasp the edge with a pair of pliers and pull until it comes free.

5. 5.

   Wipe down the sink area that was underneath the old flange. If the metal was discoloring or rusting, clean the porcelain well and dry it to keep the new flange clean.

6. 6.

   Apply a thin bead of silicone caulk to the underside of the new flange. Push the new flange into the drain hole in the sink.

7. 7.

   Push the drain tailpiece back up into the sink's drain from below and screw it into the flange tightly. Use a wrench to tighten it up securely.

8. 8.

   Reconnect the P-trap to the tailpiece and tighten the nuts that hold it in place. Turn on the water supply to the sink and run water through the pipes to ensure everything is securely fastened.