It came loose today but I don’t know why I should try to put it back. It’s a strip about 1 1/2 inch wide of tar-like material , in the shape of a square with a square hole in the middle. It was attached to the bottom of the sink and where it came off, there’s no seam, no break in the material that makes up the sink, so I can’t think of it as a seal. In the center of the sink, and in the middle of where the seal was, of course, is the drain, but that’s a couple inches from where this “seal” was seated. The bottom of the sink was sprayed with some flocking material and the place where the seal was is now exposed stainless. The other side of the double sink has the same thing going on, but that seal is still in place. What’s this thing and why is it there and why should I make any effort at re-attaching it? (Actually, I tried, but the adhesive isn’t holding it very well and I think it will fall off again in short order.)
I’m not a plumber.
My guess is the stuff coming off is sound deadening material, especially if it’s a stainless steel sink. It keeps the disposal from rattling the whole house.
This is a picture I found on line of a sink with the same kind of configuration. It’s not real clear, but you can see the square strips of material surrounding the drains. (third color picture) What are these things and do I need to reattach the one that came loose? (And any suggestions as to the best adhesive to use?)
I think AskNott is correct. I’m assuming there’s no water leak, so it’s just a sound deadener. Try JB Weld or some other brand of two-part epoxy, just make sure both surfaces are clean as clean can be.