How To Install A Sink

Learning how to install a sink is not difficult provided you plan the project and have the right tools. The complete process to install a sink will take roughly an hour, with the sink ready to use the next day. Before you begin, if you are replacing an old sink you will need to remove it from the countertop. Shut off both hot and cold water lines, turning on the faucet to drain the excess water from the lines. Disconnect the supply lines with the crescent wrench and the drainage line with the pipe wrench. Remove the faucet and sink by removing the nuts from underneath and using a putty knife to loosen the sink from the countertop. To save money by doing this task yourself, read on to learn how to install a sink.

• Crescent wrenches
• A pipe wrench
• A putty knife
• A sink
• A pencil or pen
• A drill with a 3/8-inch or larger drill bit
• A jig saw
• Silicone caulk
• A faucet

1. Pick a good spot to install the sink. When installing a sink it's important to select a good spot, specifically one close to supply and drain lines as well as a spot where the depth of the sink will not be obstructed by drawers or shelves underneath. Leave at least 1 1/2 inches between the front edge of the counter and the sink.
2. Prepare the countertop. If the new sink came with a paper template, place the template flat on the countertop where you'd like the sink to go. Trace along the lines of the template with the pencil or pen to mark the countertop. This will be your cut line.
3. If no template was supplied, make your own. Place the sink upside down on the countertop in the desired installation spot. Use the pencil or pen to trace a line around the edge of the sink on the countertop. Measure the lip of the sink, which is generally 1 1/2 inches. Remove the sink from the counter top and draw a second line inside the first line, leaving a space equal to the size of the lip. This inner line will be your cut line.
4. Drill and cut the opening. Using the drill and drill bit, drill holes in the corners of the cut line. Use the jig saw to cut along the cut line, removing the countertop completely. Get a second person to hold the inner portion of the countertop to ease in the cutting. Discard the removed piece of countertop or save for another use.
5. Caulk and place the sink. Turn the sink upside down on a good work surface. Squeeze a generous amount of silicone caulk into the lip of the sink. Place the sink in the cut hole, right side up, and press down. Remove any caulk that may have oozed out around the sink. If the sink came with additional hardware, such as mounting clips, install them per the instructions that came with the sink.
6. Install your faucet. Using the instructions that came with the faucet, install the faucet to the sink. Use additional silicone caulk to seal the faucet and use the crescent wrench to tighten the bolts if necessary.
7. Connect supply and drainage lines. Use the crescent wrench to connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet. Use the pipe wrench to connect the drainage line to the sink.
8. Let the caulk set. Plug the sink and fill with water. Check for any leaks in the supply line. Allow the full sink to sit overnight, using the weight of the water to hold the sink down as the caulk sets. The next morning, drain the sink, checking for any leaks in the drainage pipe.