How To Install A Kitchen Sink

How To Install a Kitchen Sink

Have you purchased a new kitchen sink? If you are on a budget, you’re probably thinking of installing the kitchen sink on your own. If you just purchased your kitchen sink from clearance, warehouse, or from someone you know, then installation doesn’t come with the price you paid. Thus, you will need to hire someone and pay extra to do the installation. On the other hand, you can do it on your own without shedding any dollar. If you plan to do so, here is a guide that will help you on how to replace kitchen sink on your own.

How do I get started?

If you haven’t bought your kitchen sink yet, that’s good. Because, you have to make sure that your new sink will fit your countertop and the cabinet beneath. Before heading out to the store or wherever you plan to buy your kitchen sink, measure! Grab a measuring tape, paper, and pen. Measure and write down the width and depth of the cabinet. A standard sink will measure around 22 inches deep. For that, you’ll need at a cabinet that’s at least 24 inches deep. However, if you have a backsplash, you will only need around 20 ½ inches deep. So if by chance your new sink doesn’t fit, return it ASAP and find a new one that will fit.

Cutting a hole in your countertop or cabinet sink

If you purchase a new kitchen sink, chances are, there’s a template that goes with it. If you bought a second hand, you can probably ask the previous owner for the template. Begin by placing the template centered on the cabinet where you are installing your kitchen sink. Adjust accordingly so that you leave at least 1 ½ inches away from the edge of the countertop’s front. For countertops that have more than 24 inches in depth, you can move the template farther back. Make sure that you don’t move it more than four inches. Next, tape the template and use a marker to outline it. Now, you are ready to drill holes! In each corner, drill a 3/8 inch diameter hole. Now, you will need a saber-saw blade. Insert it in one hole and begin cutting along the outline. As you drill, there’s a chance that the cutout will snap off or fall especially when you’re half way or more in cutting the outline. What you can do to prevent that from happening is to screw a scrap of wood across to support the cutout or have someone support the cutout as you remove it.

Next step after cutting a hole

Before you install the kitchen sink, it’s best that you install the faucet and the sink strainers. It’s easier to do this when you still have full access to your sink unlike when it’s already installed and you have to fit the fixture from below the sink. After that, secure the sink to the countertop by applying a bead of silicone caulk or plumber’s putty around the perimeter of the sink’s lip. Next, flip and affix the sink into the hole in the cabinet sink. Be careful not to disturb the putty or caulk. If your sink comes with special mounting clips, hooks, nuts, or screws, follow the instructions that come with your sink. When you tighten the clips, the tendency of the caulk or putty is to squeeze out. Remove it with a clean and soft rag. To complete the installation you can connect the P-trap. Start connecting the faucet lines to your hot and cold supply lines using flexible supply tubes. Next, connect the strainers to your waste line. Now, you can turn the water back on at the shut-off valves. Before turning on the water from the faucet, first take out the aerator from the faucet. Turning on the water will flush the system. Turn off then put back the aerator after you run the water for around one minute.

 
Will is a part time blogger who is passionate about home improvement and gardening. You can catch him blogging at How to Plant , giving free tips on gardening.