Kitchen sink strainer with integrated plastic bell?

[Dick Rettug]

I'm trying to install the drainage on this unusual (for me, at least) kitchen double sink. The pictures tell the tale: rather than being held to the sink by a metal bell and nut, the SS strainer has a plastic bell clipped around the strainer center posthole. The male threads I'm used to seeing at the bottom of the strainer are instead at the end of the bell housing.




I think I'm ok with this plastic approach, except that I had to rely on an adapter (that's a Lesso 1-1/2" ABS-DWV union in the picture) that doesn't seem to quite mate properly. I suppose it may be a bad thread on either fitting, but before my nth try I thought I'd ask the forum if I'm going down the wrong road. Is this system questionable from the get-go, and should I start thinking of replacing the strainer and go old school?

 

[Cwhyu2]

Yes replace the basket strainer with a better quality one.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

You connect the regular flanged tailpiece to the drain with an ordinary slip nut. It is NOT a "pipe thread". Line up the ribs on the top piece with those on the lower section.

 

[Dick Rettug]

I don't think I called it a pipe thread. Are you suggesting that "ribs" rather than "threads" is the proper term? Or am I still misunderstanding?

In any case, the top half of the union is a (thick, plastic) slip nut; and while neither the male or female threads/ribs are tapered I've been unable to get them fully engaged. I think the top threads/ribs are either manufactured to a slightly different pitch (unlikely; though doesn't the UK have a denser threads-per-inch standard?) or subtly damaged. Will have another close look. Thanks for your input.

 

[Kreemoweet]

That thing you call a "union" - is it an 1 1/2 "swivel plug tray adapter"? It looks to me like the nut is cross-threaded.

 

[Dick Rettug]

Well I call it a union only 'cos that's what Home Depot calls it (though the top hub-with-male-threads component in their pic wasn't in the one I bought). The swivel plug tray adapter sure looks like it, renamed and repriced for RV use. Seems to be also called a swivel nut sink adaptor. Still haven't had the chance to take it apart again..

 

[hj]

"Ribs" are the spoke-like things inside the sink. If the two pieces do not line up, it will restrict the flow somewhat.

 

[Dick Rettug]

"Ribs" are the spoke-like things inside the sink. If the two pieces do not line up, it will restrict the flow somewhat.

Got you now.

 

[Dick Rettug]

Just to update: the problem was with the threading on the Lesso ABS-DWV fitting. Solved with a brass slip-ring nut and short flanged tailpiece and washer. Thanks to all for your advice.