What Is The Best Way To Install A Kitchen Sink?

Are you tired of your drab old kitchen sink? One of the best ways to jazz up your kitchen interior is by installing a new sink with a new faucet to completely change how the countertop looks.

Installing a kitchen sink isn’t as difficult as it used to be, mainly due to newer fittings that don’t require torches or solder. You can screw and glue a new sink; however, you must consider a few finer details while doing so. The most challenging part of installing a new sink is connecting the sink drain between the waste line and the tailpiece.

For better understanding and connection, measuring the tailpiece and interior diameters of the waste line before heading off to the hardware store to get the parts is essential. Please keep reading to learn the easy steps and tips on installing a kitchen sink and making it look professionally done!

How To Install A Kitchen Sink

Step 1: Measure The Sink Bowl Layout

Mark the counter’s back edge to centre the sink. If there’s a sink template available, mark out the sink’s perimeter, holding it parallel to the back edge of the counter and keeping a gap of one and a half inches. If you don’t have a template, use a two-inch long tape to outline the sink opening.

If you have an old sink similar to the one you’re installing, its perimeter can be used as a template for marking the location.

Next, place the new or existing sink upside down on the cabinet within the space between the back and front edge and align it with the previous markings. Make sure it is parallel to the backsplash and the back edge and has at least one and a half inches of space between them.

After tracing around the sink, connect all the markings using a straightedge ruler to form the layout.

Step 2: Prep The Cut Lines

You’ll find that you’re left with a rectangular-shaped layout on the countertop. This preliminary cutting line must be prepped further before being cut into it. Simply round off the sharp edges by hand and try to alter the measurement as little as possible.

Then, get a spade bit with at least a ½-inch bit and drill holes inside the radius at every corner of the layout. Check again to see if the holes are safe from the sink wall and back edge.

Step 3: Cut The Sink Opening

Using a jigsaw blade or tile cutter, cut through the front countertop hole and saw along to the back hole following the layout. Repeat on each side.

Then, take a wood scrap longer than the cut-out and screw it to the cut-out tiles to prevent it from causing any damage to the jigsaw. Cut the back and front cutting lines and remove the excess tiles. Next, check the measurement of the hole and trim the cut-out edges, if necessary.

Step 4: Kitchen Faucet Installation

Place the kitchen sink upside down on the counter and then put the water supply lines and tailpiece through the gasket to seal the faucet to the sink’s body. After pushing it through the gasket, install it through the sink drain hole.

When done, screw the mounting or slip nuts and washer to the underside of the sink. Test the faucet lines to check if they can move in an entire arc before tightening the nuts.

Step 5: Attach The Drain Strainer

While keeping the sink in an upside-down position, prepare a thick mix of plumber’s putty and stick it to the lip of the strainer using a putty knife. Then, with the putty side up, please attach it to the drain hole. Remember to remove excess putty with a utility knife for a cleaner installation.

Proceed to attach the washer and rubber gaskets onto the strainer and on the underside of the sink. In case of any exposed threads, dab some pipe-joint compound for a tight connection. Then, attach the locknut to the strainer and use pliers to tighten it and keep it in place.

When the strainer is locked into the sink bowl, fit the gasket into the tailpiece and attach it to the strainer by tightening the slip nut.

Step 6: Install Sink And Connect The Water Lines

Remove the tape from the layout and squeeze some silicone caulk on the underside of the new sink. Then, lift the sink and set it into the countertop opening. Remove the excess caulk and adjust the sink until it’s parallel to the countertop’s edge.

An important thing to do in this step is to connect the shutoff valves to the faucet tailpiece using supply tubes 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 to the p-trap and waste pipe. Slide the PVC cut-outs on the tailpiece for the correct measurement; trim where necessary.

Then, coat the front and other ends of the piece with PVC primer, followed by the PVC cement, and immediately connect the pieces. Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds and let it dry.

Reassemble and re-attach all the connections.

Step 8: Tidy Up

Attach the dishwasher drain to the tailpiece of the new sink by tightening the hose clamp using a screwdriver. Remove grime and excess putty and turn on the faucet at full water pressure to check for leaks. Recheck the split nut and pipes and clean the area for garbage disposal and storage.

Installing A Kitchen Sink

That’s all on our guide on how to install a kitchen sink! People who don’t have the right tools or expertise to deal with DIY plumbing jobs may have difficulty installing a new kitchen sink, as it includes cutting tiles and installing the water line.

In such cases, consider hiring professional plumbing services to help you out. WP Plumbing is a leading company in Melbourne with a team of licensed and insured technicians who provide high-quality workmanship. Our fast same-day response policy and upfront fixed pricing deliver 100% customer satisfaction and a lifetime labour guarantee. Get in touch with us today to replace your old sink!