Stuck and you have no idea on how to go about installing a kitchen sink? Worry no more! This step-by-step easy guide will help you in installing your best kitchen sink.
If you are installing your sink in your new kitchen or just trying to fix some broken parts, then you need to install a functional drainage system. Just learn how to install a kitchen sink drain pipe and you will be good to go. However, the process could be hard especially if you don’t have prior experience, but with some little help, you should find the whole installation quite simple.
The kitchen sink is an important part of any household as it is where food is disposed of, flower vases are filled, dishes are washed, and the food is prepared. There are various ways of installing a kitchen sink. You can either install it below the counter, above the counter or as part of the counter depending on the sink style you decided to purchase.
In this guide, I will be showing you everything that you need to know when installing a kitchen sink. The set of instructions will cover the installation process right from creating a hole to fixing the faucets and drain in the kitchen. With that said, let’s, get started!
Contents
Preparations Prior To Installing a Kitchen Sink
Just like the most installation processes, before you start installing a kitchen sink, it is crucial to read all the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local building’s codes.
You need to begin with selecting a suitable type of sink for replacing an old worn out kitchen sink or maybe one for your new kitchen. When it comes to choosing a sink, there are a variety of sinks to choose from and you can follow the considerations suggested in this post What You Should Consider Before You Buy a Kitchen Sink. Therefore, you should only pick one with the design that you like.
Double bowl sinks and single drop-in sinks can fix well on a variety of countertop surfaces, which makes them a suitable option to consider. Under mount sinks, on the other hand, are installed beneath the counter. This means that they are only ideal for use in engineered or natural stone countertops and solid-surfaces.
Step By Step Instructions For Installing A Kitchen Sink Made Easy
Step 1
Begin with measuring place to mount the sink to ensure that it will correctly fit. If you are repairing, then you can take the measurements of the old sink. If the drain unit is smaller than the size of the new sink, then you need to make some adjustments to the plumbing and the countertop opening.
To ensure that you achieve maximum precision before installing a kitchen sink, you might find drawing your old sink and record all its measurements, which entails the measurements of the length between the drain centers to the sink wall quite helpful when out shopping for one.
Alternatively, you can remove the sink you are replacing and carry it when you are going to buy the new sink to help you in selecting the right replacement unit. However, you should ensure that your safety is enhanced by putting on protective glasses when cutting the pipe or performing operations under the sink to avoid exposing yourself to danger. But before you get started, you need to understand all the necessary plumbing tools.
Step 2
Decide whether you will be replacing the faucet or installing additional components like a filter water tap, hot water tap, soap dispenser, or sprayer. Standard sinks normally have one to four holes for fixing the faucet or other additional components.
When installing a kitchen sink, you will find the process quite easy since most drainage components used with the sink are easily accessible. This makes installation of a new faucet or other drainage items much more comfortable.
Removing The Old Sink
Prior to getting rid of the old sink, you need to take some pictures of the entire plumbing configuration. Why is this important? The photos are a handy reference guide in case you encounter troubles reassembling the parts when installing a kitchen sink later.
Step 1
Start by turning off both the cold and hot water supply lines. In most sinks, the valves for shutting off water supply are usually found in the basement or the cabinet beneath the sink.
If you are experiencing difficulties in locating the pipes, then you should consider turning off the primary water supply to the kitchen.
Step 2
Ensure the faucet is switched on. This will ensure the supply lines are relieved of any water pressure, which might have built up.
Step 3
Using a wrench, disconnect the sink supply lines. To do this, you will need an adjustable wrench to help you in disconnecting the lines which supply the faucets with water.
When doing this, you should ensure that you have a bucket by your side for holding any water that might have remained in the drain pipes and the supply lines as they were being disconnected.
To avoid complicating the removal process, you should not disconnect the faucet from the sink. Instead of disconnecting the tap, you can remove the faucet and the sink as a single unit.
Step 4
If your sink has a disposer, begin by turning off the circuit followed by unplugging it.
To do this, you need to use a pair of pliers in disconnecting P-trap and the drainpipe from the sink. Again, position a bucket below the drain for collecting excess water from the pipes.
Step 5
Detach the dishwasher drain line from the old sink and then proceed to disconnect the dishwasher drain pipes.
Step 6
Disconnect the garbage disposer from the old sink. When doing this, ensure that you adhere to the manufacturer’s guide on how the process should be done to avoid damaging the dispenser.
If you can’t find instructions on how to remove the dispenser, then you should check the manufacturer’s website for guidance on installing a kitchen sink.
Also, ensure that you have a bucket for collecting any water. Disconnecting the disposers is quite easy since they are easy to detach from the mounting bracket which connects it to the sink.
Step 7
Loosen the clips beneath the sink using a screwdriver. To do this, begin by locating the metal clips, which are found around the sink’s perimeter under the counter. You can use a socket wrench or a screwdriver to swing them in the direction of the sink.
Step 8
Use a utility knife to cut the caulk joining the sink to the countertop.
Step 9
Removing the old sink from the countertop involves manually pulling the old sink as you push it from the bottom.
Step 10
Finally, using a putty knife, get rid of the caulk, grime and old plumber’s putty on the countertop. After that, clean all the components that you will need to reuse in installing a kitchen sink.
Procedure Of Installing A Kitchen Sink For The First Time
Step 1
When installing a kitchen sink, begin by performing a test fit. The process involves manually lowering the sink into the countertop. Position the new sink to the hole in the countertop to make sure that it is suitable.
If the countertop opening is small, then you might need to make adjustments using a tile cutter, tile or jigsaw. Also, if the new sink is built with a larger opening than the countertop opening, you need also to modify the hole in the countertop.
To do this, invert the sink on where you want to fix it to the countertop and trace the outline. Thereafter, proceed to create a cutout using a jigsaw.
Step 2
To allow attachment of clips, you need to remove the basin from the countertop hole.
Step 3
Fix a new faucet to the new sink and install additional components which you need.
Step 4
Smear in small amounts of plumber’s putty where the drain strainer touches the sink. After installing the strainer, press firmly against to ensure that it holds perfectly.
Step 5
Secure the threaded flange and the rubber gaskets to the basement of the sink drain by tilting the sink to its side to ensure they are in an ideal place.
Step 6
Use a towel to get rid of the excess putty from the new strainer.
Step 7
Attach the disposer bracket beneath the new sink opening. If you need to attach a garbage disposer, then you can do so using a screwdriver in installing the mounting bracket beneath the sink. While doing this, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Step 8
Use silicone sealant to seal the underside of the new sink basin. This will ensure that any openings which could allow leakage properly seal. To do this, you need to apply the sealant carefully around the edges of the sink.
Step 9
Insert the sink into the countertop hole while ensuring that it is aligned. When installing a kitchen sink, lowering the sink should be done carefully to ensure that close precision is achieved by aligning it squarely.
Step 10
Ensure that the clips are secured to their outer position. To do this, you need to adjust the metal clips that attach the sink to the countertop outwards and tighten the screws or nuts.
Step 11
Connect the water supply pipes to the supply pipes and the connections on the faucets. Tighten the connections carefully to avoid over tightening or striping the threads.
Step 12
Tighten the clamp which holds the pipe in position using a screwdriver. If you are using a garbage disposer, use the manufacturer’s guide regarding installing a kitchen sink. After that, insert the discharge line and tighten up the clamp using an appropriate tool.
Step 13
Attach the dishwasher to the disposer.
Step 14
Fix the disposer discharge line to the sink drain line and fix back the P-trap to the drain configuration.
Step 15
If the old drain pipe does not fit well with the new sink, try to make some modification. Here are the main types of modifications to make when installing a kitchen sink:
When A Pipe Is Longer Than Required
- Determine the correct length needed – you can add an allowance to the length measurement to provide a tight connection.
- Cut the pipe using a hacksaw – you should ensure that you wear safety glasses before beginning the cutting process.
- With the washer on the water line, slide a nut onto the water line over the washing machine.
- Holding the pipe in position, close the slip nuts to the correct fitting.
When the Pipe is Short
- Measure the correct length needed.
- Add an allowance to the length measured to provide a tight connection.
- Buy a new pipe ensuring that it has the correct size of the diameter.
- If the pipe is extra-long, use a hacksaw to reduce it to the correct size. You should put on safety glasses every time you are cutting the pipe to avoid exposing yourself to danger.
- Position the washing machine on the pipe followed by sliding the slip nut over the washer until it holds correctly.
- If you require a slip nut to place it on the opposite end, then you should insert the slip pipe ensuring that it is facing the correct direction. After that, you can add a dishwasher.
- Holding the pipe in position, screw the slip nuts to the right equipment.
If You Require a Bend
Start by trying to rotate the outlet tree, P-trap or other pipes to position it correctly. Alternatively, you can use an elastic extension pipe for linking. Bend the pipe until you achieve a suitable position and use slip nuts and rubber washers to fix it to other plumbing components.
Step 16
Apply a sealant around the outer edge of the sink using a caulk gun. Ensure that the perimeter is well sealed.
Step 17
Finally, search for leaks with your dry hand in all parts of the connections. Plug in power to the dispenser and turn on the water and check if there are any leaks after installing a kitchen sink.
You can watch this video to help you understand further the process of installing a kitchen sink
Conclusion
In summary, a kitchen sink is a vital element in any house, and you always want to ensure that it is functional to avoid embarrassments that it could cause. It might be hard to avoid getting your sink damaged but to be well prepared with sink installation will be beneficial in facing any situation that might arise.
This quick guide to installing a kitchen sink provides you with all the information and the procedure on how to fix one. If you lack prior experience in installing a kitchen sink, then you should worry not because this article presents to you a step by step guidance on how to get the job done.
Kitchen drain pipes might seem challenging to install, which might tempt you to seek help from your plumber. This is why this article comes in handy to save you extra cash. Despite how it looks, the assembly process is quite simple and straightforward.