A Guide to Sink Drain Height and How to Measure It

Find your sink’s drain height sweet spot with these tips

A round kitchen on a kitchen countertop
Photo: Sam Edwards / OJO Images / Getty Images
A round kitchen on a kitchen countertop
Photo: Sam Edwards / OJO Images / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Drain height is the distance between a sink drain and the wastewater drainpipe.

  • The optimal drain height is between 16 and 24 inches.

  • The wrong drain height can cause drainage problems, clogs, and P-trap smells.

  • Appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposals need the right drain height.

  • It can be complicated to fix drain-height mistakes, so install it right the first time.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Did you know that the height of your sink drain matters? If it's too high or too low, your sink won’t drain correctly, setting you up for an ongoing battle against standing water and clogs. That’s why you want just the right distance between the bottom of your sink basin and the floor, leaving enough space for the connection between your drainpipe and the plumbing system. This guide covers sink drain height, what happens when it goes wrong, and how to measure it. 

What Is Sink Drain Height?

3 standard sink drain measurements, with accessible sink drains needing to be a minimum of 27 inches from the floor

Sink drain height is the vertical distance between the drain in your sink basin and the floor. When installing a new kitchen sink or figuring out why your existing sink is acting up, you might need to measure for accurate drain height. 

The optimal height of a sink drain is between 16 and 20 inches from the floor, with 18 inches being the most common height. Bathroom drain height ranges from 16 to 24 inches, and kitchen sink drain height falls between 16 and 20 inches depending on the sink and cabinet height. For accessible sinks, you’ll want a drain height of at least 27 inches, with a sink top height no greater than 34 inches from the floor. Your plumber can check local building codes and product specifications for more guidance.

Homeowner and Pro Illustration
From one homeowner to another

Shaddai Plumbing team is great! They are very professional, they keep their word, they complete job without delays. Great quality. We had to replace old water pipes across 2-story home and their service was great. We asked to add additional water switches to be able to switch hot/cold water on and off in separate parts of home - and they did it. Now if it will be leak or other problem - we can switch off kitchen area, or second floor without impacting other parts of our home. Highly recommended!

— Peter R.
5.0
Review of Shaddai Plumbing, LLC, in Naples, FL

Why Does Sink Drain Height Matter?

Simply put, your sink won’t drain properly if the drain height is wrong. This can potentially cause problems, including clogs, standing water, overflows, and smelly drains. If you routinely have to call local drain cleaners or other pros who deal with clogs and similar drain problems, talk with them about whether your drain height could be to blame.

Sinks should have a P-trap, a U-shaped bend in the piping that traps water and prevents sewer gasses from coming up and out of the sink drain. If the sink drain height is wrong, it can prevent P-traps from working correctly and allow smells and gasses to back up into your home. 

Fixing the issue can be as simple as recutting the pipe, using a drain height adapter, or adding a pipe extension. However, if the rough-in plumbing needs correcting, it can be costly to accomplish in a completed bathroom or kitchen.

A kitchen sink drain that’s too high or too low can also cause plumbing problems when your plumber tries to connect the garbage disposal, dishwasher, and other appliances. Your sink height, the types of appliances you’re connecting, where you’re connecting them, and specific manufacturer’s guidelines will all help determine the best height for the sink drain piping.

How to Measure Sink Drain Height

A plumber using a drain on a sink drain pipe
Photo: Kunakorn Rassadornyindee / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

When installing rough-in plumbing, plumbers determine the location of lines, including the sink drain, and measure and mark the height and placement. At some point in time, you may need to check for the right height or add a new line for a new sink. In these cases, knowing how to measure sink drain height will help you check for accuracy or run a new pipe.

For new installations, it helps to know which sink or cabinet you’re installing. This will let you customize your plumbing so the drain height matches your specific fixture and cabinet height. If you’re installing rough-in plumbing, stick within the standard measurements of 16 to 24 inches above the floor or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and local plumbing codes. 

Follow these tips for accurate measurements on an existing sink:

  1. Get a tape measure, level, and flashlight.

  2. Find your drainpipe. It will be under your sink and connected via the tailpiece to the drain at the bottom of the sink basin.

  3. Measure by placing one end of the tape measure tight against the bottom of the sink basin near the existing drainpipe and extending it vertically down to the spot where the pipe connects to the floor or the wastewater pipe (if visible above the floor).

  4. Use your level to confirm that the drainpipe is horizontally straight. If it isn’t level, you may need to adjust the angle to prevent or fix drainage problems.

Call a local plumbing company if you have problems or have trouble deciding whether your sink drain height is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best place for a kitchen sink drain is the middle of the sink. Most people prefer center drains because they allow for better water and waste drainage, and the center location limits splashing because water flows straight down the drain hole. If the sink drain is too close to the edge of the sink, water can collect and drain too slowly. It can also be easier to clean sinks when the drain is closer to the center since debris is easier to wash down and doesn’t collect along the sides as easily.

The standard height of a P-trap is 6 to 8 inches below the bottom of the sink or fixture. Most P-traps are attached to the end of the tailpiece, the section of piping that connects to the drain hole and carries water away from the sink. Because tailpieces are 6 to 8 inches long, the P-trap is roughly that far from the sink base.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to plumbing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Woman using fridge water dispenser at home
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
The cost to install a water line for refrigerators typically falls between $75 and $130 depending on the materials, labor, and equipment. Read on to learn more.
A mother with her kid doing the dishes in the kitchen
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
Repairing a main water line is an urgent matter, so use this guide to get an idea of how much main water line repairs cost to act fast.
propane tank between two bushes along side of house
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
The average propane tank costs between $600 and $2,500, depending on the size, location, and more. Our expert guide explores all the factors.
Woman washes dishes under running water at kitchen sink
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
From foam to fiberglass, the best pipe insulation to prevent freezing depends on, well, the pipes. This guide will help you choose.
Toilet in modern bathroom
Apr 19, 2025
Apr 19, 2025
If your toilet is bubbling or gurgling you may have blockage or septic issues. Learn why your toilet is bubbling, how to fix it and when to call a pro.
 A woman trying running water from the shower
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Fluctuating shower temperatures can indicate a problem with your shower. Learn why your shower water is cold, but your sink water is hot, and how to fix it.