3D Printable Drain Catcher With a Removable Lid

Clogged drains are a frequent household problem, often leading to the use of harsh chemicals or expensive plumber visits. A simple solution is using a drain catcher to trap debris before it goes down the drain. While store-bought versions are widely available, they’re often not customizable, and many are difficult to clean.

This guide will show you how to design and 3D print a custom drain catcher with a removable lid using TinkerCAD and a basic 3D printer. The removable lid makes cleaning easy, and you can ensure a perfect fit for your drain with this custom design. Whether you’re a 3D printing enthusiast or new to the process, this step-by-step guide will help you create a functional, tailored solution for your home.

1. TinkerCAD account (free at www.tinkercad.com)
2. 3D printer (e.g., Creality Ender 3 or similar)
3. PLA or ABS filament (PLA is ideal for most household applications)
4. 3D printing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer)
5. Ruler or measuring tape (to measure your drain)

The first step is to accurately measure your sink drain to ensure the drain catcher fits perfectly.

1. Outer Diameter: Measure the diameter of the outer edge of your drain. The drain catcher's base should be slightly larger than this measurement to ensure it sits securely in the drain.
2. Inner Diameter: Measure the opening inside the drain where water flows through. This measurement will determine the size of the drainage holes in your design.
3. Depth: Measure the depth of the drain if you want the catcher to sit deeper for more stability.

Taking these measurements ensures your drain catcher will be effective and snugly fit. Accuracy here is the key to preventing food from slipping through the cracks and down your drain.

With your measurements in hand, you can start designing your drain catcher in TinkerCAD.

TinkerCAD is a user-friendly, web-based 3D modeling tool, making it perfect for simple, functional projects like this one.

Step 1: Designing the Outer Drain Catcher

Part A: Create the Base of the Drain Catcher (Outer Rim)

1. Add a Cylinder to the workplane:
2. From the basic shapes, drag a cylinder onto the workplane.
3. Set its diameter to match the size of your drain (for example, 4.5 in).
4. Set the height to around .1 in, so it’s thin enough to sit on the outside of the drain.
5. Hollow the Cylinder:
6. Drag another cylinder onto the workplane, make it a hole, and resize it to be slightly smaller than the outer one (e.g., 3.5 in diameter).
7. Adjust the height of the hole cylinder so it matches the height of the first cylinder.
8. Align both cylinders in the center and group them to create a hollow ring (this will be the outer part of the drain catcher).

Part B: Create the Dome (Semi-Sphere)

1. Add a Sphere:
2. Drag a half-sphere (Paraboloid) shape onto the workplane.
3. Resize it to fit inside the hollow ring you created in Part A. For example, set the diameter to 3.5 in and height to 1 in.
4. Perforating the Dome:
5. To create holes in the dome, drag a hole cylinder onto the workplane. Make it small (around .2 in diameter).
6. Position the hole cylinder on the semi-sphere and use the duplicate tool (Ctrl+D) to create more holes in a grid pattern. Align them evenly across the surface of the semi-sphere.
7. Group the holes and the semi-sphere to perforate it.

Step 2: Designing the Removable Lid

Part A: Create the Lid’s Outer Frame

1. Add a Cylinder:
2. Drag a cylinder onto the workplane. Set the diameter to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the semi-sphere (e.g., 3.25 in).
3. Adjust the height to around .25 in, so it’s a thin, removable lid.
4. Hollow the Lid:
5. Drag another cylinder, make it a hole, and resize it to be slightly smaller (e.g., 3.2 in diameter). Set the height to be slightly smaller than the previous cylinder (e.g. .22 in).
6. Align the cylinders and group them to hollow out the lid.

Part B: Creating the Grid Perforations

1. Perforating the Removable Lid:
2. Drag a small hole cylinder (e.g., .3 in diameter).
3. Duplicate it in a grid-like pattern similar to the left object in the provided image.
4. Group these holes with the lid.

Part C: Adding the Handle

1. Add a Cylinder:
2. Place a small cylinder at the center of the removable lid. The diameter should be approximately a tenth of the lid’s diameter
3. Group the lid and the cylinder.

Step 4: Customize the Design:

1. Feel free to add decorative elements like a custom handle design, or text to personalize the catcher. Keep in mind the balance between aesthetics and functionality.

By designing the drain catcher in TinkerCAD, you can make sure it fits perfectly and functions the way you need it to.

Now that your design is ready, it’s time to export the file and prepare it for printing.

1. Export the STL File:

1. In TinkerCAD, click on Export and select STL format. This will generate a 3D model file compatible with your 3D printing software.

2. Import into 3D Printing Software:

1. Open your 3D printing software (e.g., Cura) and import the STL file. Ensure the drain catcher is oriented correctly on the print bed (the flat base should be on the bottom).

3. Adjust Print Settings:

1. Set the layer height to 0.2mm for a good balance of detail and print time.
2. For infill, set it to 50-70% to ensure the part is strong enough to withstand frequent use.
3. Set the wall thickness to at least 2-3 perimeters for added durability.
4. Material Choice: PLA filament is typically the best choice for household use, as it’s easy to print and non-toxic. If you need heat resistance (for example, if you’re using the catcher in a hot water sink), you may want to use ABS filament.

With your design and print settings ready, it’s time to 3D print the drain catcher.

1. Prepare the Printer:

1. Load your filament into the 3D printer, ensuring it feeds correctly and is at the proper temperature for your material (e.g., 200°C for PLA).

2. Start the Print:

1. Start the print job and monitor the first few layers to ensure the design adheres properly to the print bed. This project should take between 1-2 hours depending on your printer’s speed and the size of your design.

3. Post-Processing:

1. Once the print is finished, carefully remove the drain catcher and lid from the print bed.

Now that your 3D printed drain catcher is complete, it’s time to test it in your sink.

1. Fit the Catcher into the Drain:

1. Place the catcher in your drain, ensuring it fits snugly. The base should rest on the outer edges of the drain, while the inner holes should allow water to flow freely.

2. Place in Removable Lid:

1. Fit the removable lid onto the base. Make sure it’s easy to lift off for cleaning but remains secure during regular use.

3. Test Water Flow:

1. Run water through the sink to ensure it drains properly while catching debris. If water backs up, you may need to adjust the size or number of drainage holes in your design and reprint the part.