Before and after



What the homeowner called about
The prep sink would not hold water when filled up due to a failing drain component.
What our plumber found
Our plumber inspected the prep sink and determined that the existing lever basket strainer was worn out and needed to be replaced.
How we fixed it
Our plumber installed a new prep sink basket strainer with a closing lever, along with new PVC piping including a male-male adapter, two couplings, a sanitary tee, and two 22-degree fittings.
More from this visit
Our work went beyond the prep sink’s drain opening. Underneath, part of the inch-and-a-half drain running to the mop sink had previously broken and was being held together by a no-hub band. We removed the old basket strainer and reran that damaged section of drain as part of the repair. That meant addressing both the component that was not holding water and the broken piping connected to the mop sink, rather than replacing only the strainer.
Once the replacement strainer and drain section were installed, we tested both the prep sink and the mop sink multiple times. We checked for proper function and leaks, and both sinks were working properly with no leaks at the end of our visit. We also looked at a separate concern involving a dripping sprinkler head in the walk-in. We explained that we do not handle that equipment and advised getting help for that issue separately from our sink repair.
Signs to keep an eye on
- If a filled sink slowly loses water with the stopper closed, have the stopper or strainer seal checked.
- Look beneath sinks for drips, dampness, or visibly damaged drain connections.
- Avoid storing items against drain piping, where bumps or pressure can damage connections.
What this means for your home
Replacing a worn-out lever basket strainer restores a prep sink's ability to hold water properly.
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Straight Answers
Why won't my prep sink hold water?
A worn-out lever basket strainer often fails to seal properly, preventing the sink from holding water.
What parts are replaced during a basket strainer repair?
Our plumber replaces the strainer assembly and any worn PVC drain lines underneath as needed.
How long does a prep sink repair take?
This type of plumbing repair typically takes our crew about two hours to complete.
Was there damage beyond the prep sink’s basket strainer?
Yes. Part of the inch-and-a-half drain running to the mop sink was broken and held together by a no-hub band, so we reran that section.
Were both sinks checked after the repair?
We tested the prep sink and mop sink multiple times for proper function and leaks. Both were working properly, with no leaks at the end of the visit.

