I need to replace the drains and strainers in my stainless kitchen sink and need a recommendation from the experts. I'd like something where the strainer/stopper works reliably and is easy to clean. I saw a Kohler drain and strainer at the orange big box store that had an o-ring seal on the strainer/stopper which looked pretty good.
Late response, I know, but at least the answer will be on the record for future searches.
I'm sorry to say I can't recommend the Kohler strainer - I've sworn by Kohler for years, but I think they blew it with this one.
After 2 years of use, I can't get it to seal well at all. The o-rings
look to be in fine shape. I suppose they may have just hardened up however, and I plan to see if I can find some longer lasting ones.
I've found a strainer in my search that looks like a good design, with a positive locking mechanism:
The Jomar Snap-n-Lock (do a search).
https://www.markspp.com/Catalog/Detail/4305
I just might replace my Kohler drains with these, if I continue to have problems with the o-rings.
EDITED after trying the Jomar
The Snap n Loc is known for it's good seal, hoped it would seal better than the Kohler drains installed a few years ago. The Kohler uses a rubber o-ring which needs frequent replacement.
The Jomar:
- Easy to operate
- It seals very well, with a fat, soft, rubber gasket.
- The seal is incorporated into the basket, so the whole basket is replaced when the seal wears out.
- The basket is undersized within the drain, so there's a nearly 1/8" gap all around it, which lets food go down the drain.
- the metal body of the drain is very thin, relative to the Kohler drain. The Kohler is very thick (may be cast?)
Have used the Jomar for about six months now, and the rubber seal is already showing signs of failure. It seems it would need replacing as often as the o-ring on the Kohler, except I'd need to replace the whole basket. I'll (humbly) reinstall the Kohler.
Replacing the o-ring on the Kohler drains, bi-annually, is a better option.