How can I keep my loose sink strainer in place?

Em Oceana
by Em Oceana

Each time i dump my tub of dish water after cleaning , the force of the water causes the strainer (ITS ONE OF THOSE FREE STANDING TYPES) to pop out, allowing all the bits of food to go down the drain exactly where I don't want it! How can I keep that strainer in place? It is a good one, took me ages to find, does not rust out like others. i do NOT want to go back to the traditional knob basket which let so much junk go down the drain.icon


  10 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Mar 25, 2021

    Could you add a rubber washer to it so it sits more tightly where you want it?

    • Em Oceana Em Oceana on Mar 28, 2021

      i do not think this would work. it does as you describe , SIT. so all that holds it in is gravity.

      but thanks for your thoughts

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 25, 2021

    Hi! I'm not sure what you have. Mine is a stainless steel mesh that fits into the drain. I have never had trouble with it popping out. Can you pour the water slower? I previously had a vinyl one that popped or floated out easily. That problem was fixed with the stainless steel one. Good luck!

    • Em Oceana Em Oceana on Mar 28, 2021

      yes i do have the stainless steel one, not the lighter one. if only i COULD pour slowly. Too many surgeries in hand and shoulders render me quite unable.

  • Maura White Maura White on Mar 25, 2021

    Why don't you try to get strong rare earth magnets (https://amzn.to/3fb9yqd) and use a strong adhesive like Aleene's liquid fusion (https://amzn.to/39eVFTX) and glue them onto the bottom of the strainer. That may help it stick enough and not move while you are pouring.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Mar 25, 2021

    we bought the screen type to put in our sinks so it catches all the food pieces, etc

    you can get them at most any store even the grocery store - the piece on the back of your old strainer may be broken or bent that can cause this to happen as well


    • Em Oceana Em Oceana on Mar 28, 2021

      what you are describing is exactly what is causing me trouble. it IS the screen type

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Mar 26, 2021

    We went to the dollar store and they have a pkt with 2 of these drain strainers in them, used 1 in the tub and 1 in the kitchen sink, they are different sizes. They stay in place and are made out of aluminum, so no rust.

    • Em Oceana Em Oceana on Mar 28, 2021

      yes, what you are talking about are the ones I have, the ones that are causing me to write , looking for answers

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 26, 2021

    You could slowly pour your water out rather than dumping it.

    I purchased the strainers that twist into place because of this issue. You could add a bit of poster putty to hold into place but will have to be re applied after a while I'm sure.

    • See 3 previous
    • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 30, 2021

      You're welcome. It's amazing what other people can think of that are "so obvious" once you hear the answer. My kids do it to me all the time. LOL

  • Janice Janice on Mar 26, 2021

    I agree with Kathy that the most simple solution would be to slowly pour the dishwasher into the sink, maybe into one corner only, rather than pouring so much in at one time. Simply a change of a habit can remove frustration.

  • Annie Annie on Mar 27, 2021

    I would get a better quality one. You may have to replace the basket in your sink too. Go to home depot or a local plumbing store. They will get you set up.

    • Em Oceana Em Oceana on Mar 28, 2021

      i have never used the basket that came with the sink. it was too difficult for my disabled hands to fit in to the slot

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Mar 29, 2021

    I would try to pour a little slower

  • Madina Madina on Apr 03, 2021

    Oh ok