Home Kitchen gadgets and appliances reviews Kitchen Sinks How To Install Or Replace A Kitchen Sink (UnderMount, Drop-In)

How To Install Or Replace A Kitchen Sink (UnderMount, Drop-In)

How To Install Or Replace A Kitchen Sink (Under Mount, Drop-In, Top Mount)Did you know that you can install a kitchen sink or replace a kitchen sink without calling an expert to your house? Yeah, you can do it by following simple steps.

To install a kitchen sink or even replace kitchen sink requires basic carpentry and plumbing skills. However, the decision to install or replace the kitchen sink depends on the type of sink you have.

Brace up because you will be learning how to install or replace a kitchen sink for undermount, drop-in, and top mount types although the method of installation slightly differs. I guess you are ready to learn something new? That’s right! Let’s get it started.

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How to Install a Kitchen Sink

How to Install a Kitchen Sink: connection schemeBefore I start showing you the steps that you should take to install a kitchen sink, take note of the following tools for your kitchen sink installation.

  • Screwdriver
  • Sawhorses
  • Measuring tape
  • Angle grinder
  • Felt tip marker or pencil
  • Jigsaw
  • 3/8 –inch drill bit
  • Drill
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Silicone caulk
  • Channel-lock pliers

Steps to Install Drop-in Kitchen Sink

Drop-in kitchen sink is also referred to as a self-rimming sink. There is a rim that rests on the countertop, which supports the weight of the sink. Installation of drop-in sink is relatively easy and straight forward.

Drop-in is mostly made from heavy materials because the sink is equally supported around its entire perimeter with a composite material or cast iron. We can also have lightweight drop-in sinks from stainless steel.

Step 1: Selection of the Sink

Step 1: Selection of the SinkFor you to replace the kitchen sink, select a new sink (take a look at our best kitchen sinks 2020 reviews and buying guide) that will fit the previous cutout in the countertop. This is very important so that it will look perfect.

To select a sink that fits the existing countertop, remove the old sink and carefully measure the dimensions with the measuring tape. You can also measure the countertop cutout.

For you to install a new sink for the first time in a countertop, measure the width of the countertop, and select a sink that will fit the countertop well.

Give close attention to other facilities in the cabinet that may come along the way. If you intend to install the faucet on the countertop, keep extra space that is sufficient for the faucet.

Step 2: Use Measuring Tape To Measure And Mark The Cutout

Step 2: Use Measuring Tape To Measure And Mark The CutoutFor installation of a new sink in a new countertop, mark a space that will give you a hole on the countertop. Draw the framework of the sink on the countertop using a measuring tape, ruler and felt tip marker or pencil.

We have different ways of properly cutting the dimension. You can choose one from the following:

  1. Overturn the sink on the countertop. Then trace the framework of the opening on the countertop. This is suitable for regular shapes like oval, rectangular or square.
  2. Use the instruction from the template given. It may be a paper template included with the sink or template printed on the cardboard carton holding it.
  3. Make your design by overturning the sink on cardboard; trace the outline of the sink mouth; and cut out the cardboard. However, you will need to reduce the size of your template to cater to the rim that overhangs the basin.

Step 3: Cut The Sink Opening Out

Step 3: Cut The Sink Opening OutUse an angle grinder to cut the stone or stainless steel appropriately. For tiles, use a diamond blade saw while a jigsaw can be used for other materials.

If you are cutting with a jigsaw, drill a hole on the line of the cutout with a 3/8-inch drill bit to permit the jigsaw blade to poke through. Take time to carefully cut the marked outline on the countertop to avoid damage.

Step 4: Install the Faucet and Drain Assembly

Step 4: Install the Faucet and Drain AssemblyInstall the drain assembly before you lower the sink into the countertop opening. Use a pair of sawhorses to set the sink on support. This will allow the drain hole to hang freely.

How to install the drain assembly

  1. Form a length of plumbers putty and wrap the putty around the underside of the overhang on the sink strainer.
  2. Drop the strainer into the hole and exert pressure on the strainer to compress the plumber putty against the drain opening.
  3. Use the metal washer and rubber gasket that came with the drain to slip them onto the threaded end that extends below the sink.
  4. Use a pair of channel-lock pliers to screw on the retaining nut to tighten it fully.


It is advisable to install the faucet onto the sink before lowering the sink in the countertop opening. Use the manufacturer’s manual to install it. It is very simple to do it.

Step 5: Set The Supports And The Sink Clips

Use the manufacturer’s manual for your specific sink instructions. The kitchen sink installation using sink clips is mostly for lightweight sinks like stainless steel or copper. Solid-surface sinks and heavy cast iron do not require clips.

Step 6: Position The Sink At A Place And Secure It

Step 6: Position The Sink At A Place And Secure ItThe following steps are used to secure the sink at a place when you are learning how to install a kitchen sink.

  1. Spread over the unbroken bead of pure silicone caulk around the edge sink opening on the countertop.
  2. Then lower the sink into the opening. Press the sink down to compress the caulk.
  3. Secure it by sliding the given clips onto the sink rails, and tighten the screws using a screwdriver. The tightening should just be enough to draw the rim down flush with the countertop, not too much.
  4. Clean excess caulk with a cloth. Apply a new bead around the rim to prevent water and dirt.

Step 7: Connect The Garbage Disposal, Dishwasher, And the Drain

Step 7: Connect The Garbage Disposal, Dishwasher, And the DrainFlexible supply tubes are suitable for connecting the faucet tailpieces to the shut-off valve. Some manufacturers attach supply tubes while others do not. Use the tube to connect the faucet.

Install the garbage disposal by slipping the garbage disposal into the coupler that you earlier installed on the sink drain opening. Give the garbage disposal a quarter turn to lock it in place.

Connect the assembly to a common trap. Ensure that the shelving inside the cabinet is constructed to accommodate the bend of the assembly, which are several inches below the garbage disposal.

Tips on How To Install the Undermount Kitchen Sink

When we consider how to install a kitchen sink or replace a kitchen sink for undermount sink, the process is similar. However, there are some slight important differences between installing a drop-in sink and an undermount sink.

Important Things To Note When Installing An Undermount Sink

  1. The hole should be slightly smaller than the inside measurements of the sink so that the countertop will overhang it. The specification for the overhang by the manufacturer is between ¼ and 1 inch.
  2. The sink should be maintained in place during the time you attach it to the brackets by screwing it to the underside of the cabinet.
  3. Ensure there is no mistake when cutting the hole because the edges of the countertop will be seen by everyone. It should be straight and smooth.
  4. Glue support posts to the underside of the countertop. Endeavor to clean the countertop with a solvent like alcohol before gluing them as directed by the manufacturer.

How To Hold Heavy Undermount Sink While Attaching It To The Support

  1. Keep a 2×4 plank across the sink opening. Let it be parallel to the front of the counter. Also, pour an unbroken bead of silicone caulk along the top rim of the rim.
  2. Ask an assistant to hold the sink against the underside of the counter the time you insert the end of a bar clamp through each of the drains of the sinkholes.
  3. Tighten the clamp to hold the sink while still cranking the end of the clamp against the plank.
  4. Position the sink at the center within the perimeter of the brackets. Secure the sink to the brackets using the clips provided.
  5. Remove the clamps and install the drain to the sink

Conclusion

The steps properly outlined for you on how to install a kitchen sink or replace a kitchen sink on your countertop is apt for you. You can do it yourself with ease. The tools needed are affordable and available at local stores. There is fun in doing something yourself.

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