What is the Best Way to Install Kitchen Sink?
Easily upgrade your kitchen by following our complete guide to installing a kitchen sink. Make your kitchen sink installation a success by learning what tools you need and the best way to install a sink!
Are you tired of your boring old kitchen sink? One of the best ways to brighten up your kitchen interior is to install a new sink with a new faucet to completely change the look of the countertop.
Installing a kitchen sink isn’t as difficult as it once was, especially because newer fixtures don’t require a blowtorch or soldering work. You can simply screw in and glue in a new sink; However, you have to take some subtleties into account. The most difficult part of installing a new sink is undoubtedly connecting the sink drain between the waste line and the tailpiece.
For better understanding and context, it is important to measure the tail and inside diameter of the drain line before heading to the hardware store to pick up the parts. Read on to learn the easy steps and tips on how to install a kitchen sink and give it a professional look!
HOW TO INSTALL A KITCHEN SINK
STEP 1: MEASURE THE SINK BOWL LAYOUT
Mark the back edge of the countertop to center the sink. If a sink model is available, mark the sink’s perimeter, keeping it parallel to the back edge of the countertop and leaving an inch and a half of space. If you don’t have a template, mark the sink opening with 2 inches of tape.
If you have an old sink similar to the one you want to install, the perimeter can be used as a template for marking the location.
Next, place the new or existing sink upside down on the cabinet in the space between the back edge and the front edge, aligning it with the previous marks. Make sure it is parallel to the back wall and back edge and that there is at least an inch and a half of space between them.
After tracing the outline of the sink, connect all the marks with a ruler to create the outline.
STEP 2: PREP THE CUT LINES
You will notice that a rectangular layout is left on the counter. This preliminary cutting line needs further preparation before cutting. Simply round off the sharp edges by hand and try to change the measurement as little as possible.
Next, take a spade bit with a bit size of at least ½ inch and drill holes within the radius at each corner of the layout. Double-check that the holes are a safe distance from the sink wall and back edge.
STEP 3: CUT THE SINK OPENING
Using a jigsaw blade or tile cutter, start cutting through the front hole in the countertop and then saw along the contour to the back hole. Repeat on each side.
Next, take a piece of wood that is longer than the cutout and screw it to the cutout tiles to avoid damaging the jigsaw. Trim the back and front cutting lines and remove excess tiles. Then check the hole dimensions and shorten the cut edges if necessary.
STEP 4: KITCHEN FAUCET INSTALLATION
Place the kitchen sink upside down on the countertop, then thread the water supply lines and tailpiece through the gasket to seal the faucet to the sink body. After pushing it through the seal, install it through the sink drain hole.
When finished, screw the mounting or sliding nuts and washer under the sink. Test the faucet lines to see if they can move in a full arc before tightening the nuts.
STEP 5: ATTACH THE DRAIN STRAINER
While holding the sink upside down, prepare a thick mixture of plumber’s putty and adhere it to the edge of the strainer with a putty knife. Then attach it to the drain hole with the putty side up. Remember to remove excess caulk with a utility knife for a cleaner installation.
Continue attaching the washer and rubber seals to the strainer and bottom of the sink. If threads are exposed, dab some pipe joint compound to ensure a tight connection. Next, attach the lock nut to the strainer and use pliers to tighten and hold it in place.
With the strainer locked in the sink, insert the gasket into the tailpiece and secure it to the strainer by tightening the sliding nut.
STEP 6: INSTALL SINK AND CONNECT THE WATER LINES
Remove the disposal tape and apply some silicone caulk to the bottom of the new sink. Next, lift the sink and place it in the countertop opening. Remove any excess caulk and adjust the sink so that it is parallel to the edge of the countertop.
An important step in this step is to connect the shut-off valves to the faucet’s fitting via supply hoses or a simple hose.
STEP 7: ATTACH DRAIN LINES
Cut a few pieces of PVC to attach the trap adapter, drain line, or drain pipe below the P-trap and drain pipe. Slide the PVC cutouts onto the tailpiece to get the correct measurement; cut if necessary.
Next, coat the front and other ends of the part with a PVC primer, followed by PVC glue, and connect the parts immediately. Maintain pressure for 30 seconds and allow to dry.
Reassemble and connect all connections.
STEP 8: TIDY UP
Attach the dishwasher drain to the new sink’s tailpiece by tightening the hose clamp with a screwdriver. Remove the dirt and excess sealant and turn the faucet to full water pressure to check for leaks. Recheck the split nut and pipes and clean the waste disposal and storage area.
INSTALLING A KITCHEN SINK
You can find all of this in our instructions for installing a kitchen sink! Honestly, people who don’t have the tools or expertise to do plumbing work on their own might have difficulty installing a new kitchen sink because it requires cutting tiles and installing the drain line.
In such cases, consider hiring professional plumbing services to help you. Heartland Plumbing is a leading Magnolia, Texas company with a team of licensed and insured technicians who deliver high quality work. Our quick, same-day response policy and upfront fixed pricing ensure 100% customer satisfaction and a lifetime labor guarantee. Contact us today to replace your old sink!
Call Our Experts & Let’s See How We can Help You
Complete this form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
*denotes a required field