How To Install Your Sink

That leaking and yellowing sink isn’t really improving matters in your kitchen. Time for a replacement! However, having a handyman do it for you isn’t really ideal for your pocket either.

If D-I-Y has never crossed your mind, now might be the time to reconsider. Let the handyman in you come out with out this simple how-to guide.

Measure up!

Before heading out to the hardware to get your new sink, make sure to measure everything first. Get the right numbers for the basin, the trap, the drain, everything. More so if you are planning to get a deeper sink because there might not be adequate space underneath for the new pipes. Also, the last thing you want is to come home with a basin that will either shoot through the existing hole or won’t get through at all.

Got it? Great! Now let’s get started.

Turn off the water.

Yep. Some people actually forget to do that. So before your unscrew anything, turn off the water at the shut off valve.

Detach the lines.

Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the grips or nuts. Have a bucket ready to catch any drips.

Now, it’s time to detach the disposer (if you have one). First, switch of the power circuit and unplug the unit.

Then go down to the p-trap and unfasten it using pliers. Don’t forget your bucket for the drips!

Next, disconnect the pipes that lead to the disposer, and finally, the take away the dishwasher drain line.

Adios old sink.

Once all fixtures and pipes are removed, time to detach all the metal clips that mount the basin to the countertop using your handy-dandy adjustable wrench.

Most basins have caulk on the rims so now, go back up to the counter to get rid of that by cutting through it with a utility knife. At this point, your old basin is loose enough to be pushed back up from underneath. You might need someone to help you out with this, though.

Clean up whatever caulk and grime is left on your countertop because you’d want your new sink to start with a clean slate.

Test the fit.

Drop in the new basin and see if it fits. Perfect? Now proceed to the next step.

Prepping the basin.

Get your new basin and turn it over. With its underside now facing you, attach the metal clips on the edges.

 With that done, turn the basin back up and attach plumber’s putty on the around the drain opening and press the strainer down. Remember to get rid of the excess putty later on.

Turn it over again, and secure the gasket and flange.

Get your disposer’s mounting bracket and install it now.

When everything is fixed in place, apply sealant on the new basin’s underside.

Hello new sink.

Lower down your new basin to its home – the hole in your countertop. Secure the metal clips underneath by tightening the nuts. Now grab some coffee, or beer, and allow the sealant to dry.

Back to the connections.

Time reconnect the lines. Start by attaching the water supply line back to the faucet. Then screw the disposer back in. Next, reinstall the dishwasher drain. Insert the discharge pipe to the disposer, tighten the clamp over the pipe, and connect it to the dishwasher drain. Now down to the last bit – replace the p-trap.

Check for leaks.

Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. None? Now, step back and admire your handiwork.

Congratulations on installing your new sink! We told you it was easy.