When it comes to sink installations, many don’t realize that this is also a job that a plumber can take care of for you. We do not recommend doing your own sink install, and you’ll see why when you read through the DIY instructions we have below. Allowing a professional plumber to install your sink can help prevent a slew of problems and malfunctions from taking place.
Prepare the Sink for Install
Installing your new sink takes some preparation. Here are the steps for this portion of your sink installation.
- Step 1: Measure the sink you currently have, as well as any drain holes you have to ensure your new sink will line up.
- Step 2: For any measurements that aren’t matching up, consider any accommodations you’ll need to make to your counter space.
- Step 3: Measure for any components you plan to have, like disposal or soap dispenser.
Prepare for and Remove Your Old Sink
It’s important that you remove the old sink properly in order to prepare for the new sink installation; below are the steps to do so.
- Step 1: Turn off the hot and cold water lines before removing the sink; you can do this under the sink or by turning off the house’s main water line. Be sure to turn on the faucet to drain the sink of any remaining water.
- Step 2: Leave the faucet’s attached, but disconnect the sink from the waterline using a wrench.
- Step 3: Turn off the garbage disposal main electricity circuit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disconnect it.
- Step 4: Use pliers to disconnect the p-trap and drain pipe from the sink drain and disconnect the dishwasher line. Now you can remove the dishwasher drain line and then remove the disposal.
- Step 5: Underneath the counter, loosen the metal clips and cut the caulking with a utility knife. Then you should be able to lift the sink out. Be sure to thoroughly clean the area of any leftover grime.
Prepare and Install Your New Sink
Now that the preceding steps have been completed, you can proceed to install your new sink using the steps below:
Step 1: Verify your new sink fits properly into your counter space; you can at this point modify the counters if needed and re-shape the dimensions.- Step 2: Reattach the clips under the sink.
- Step 3: Install the faucet and any other components that you have with the sink.
- Step 4: Place plumber’s putty underneath the drain strainer and then press firmly into place.
- Step 5: Tilt the sink and secure your rubber gaskets and threaded flange; repeat for all non-disposal drains. (Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the disposal bracket to the bottom of the sink.)
- Step 6: Apply a bead of silicone to the edge of the water basin and lower your new sink onto the countertop opening and tighten the clips.
- Step 7: Reattach the water lines and piping.
- Step 8: Reinstall the garbage disposal following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Step 9: Tighten your clamp and place your discharge pipe.
- Step 10: Reinstall the dishwasher drain next, connect the drain of the disposal to the sink drain
and reattach the P-trap. - Step 11: Seal everything with a small dab of sealant to the outside perimeter of the new sink; restart the power to your garbage disposal and turn the water on again.
Taking on DIY projects around the house is wonderful; it can save you time, money, and not to mention it’s rewarding to complete certain jobs yourself. However, installing a new sink in your home is probably something you should skip over and call an experienced technician to take care of the job instead.