The excitement of kitchen remodeling can take you over. You may wonder what to do and how to begin because you can’t wait to see your cooking area look fresh and new with a few upgrades here and there. While it is fun, you have to be careful with every change you make in this place. For instance, you may have bought a new sink for your kitchen and want to use it as soon as possible. The reason behind the hurry is understandable, but you cannot afford to make mistakes that would hamper your redesigning goals. And when it comes to sink installations, you need to be wary.
The task of installing a drop-in or top-mount stainless steel kitchen sink can be easy or challenging based on your plumbing skills and conditions of the materials. Still, it is always better to pore over the manufacturer’s instructions and be aware of standard building codes. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a professional plumber for it. Anyway, the replacement sink has to be suitable for your countertop. Most drop-in sinks with single or double bowls can fit into any countertops. For under-mount sinks, you need a solid surface or natural stone countertop. Right now, you will learn a few things about installing a top-mount or self-rimming sink.
Installing a top-mount stainless steel sink in your kitchen
Measurements
Find out the dimensions of your existing sink so that you can figure out if the new one can fit into there as it is. Otherwise, you may have to work on the countertop opening. Some people take their old model to the store to get the exact replacement in terms of dimensions. However, if you buy online, you can note the distance between the sink wall and the drain center for an idea.
Removal of the old sink
Click a picture of the plumbing fixtures and installations to use for guidance later. You can stop the hot and cold water supply from below the sink in the cabinet or basement. If you fail to locate it, shut off the main water line. Let the water stored in the faucet line drain out by opening the taps and disconnect the supply pipes with the wrench. You don’t need to remove the faucet just yet. Both sink and faucet can come out as a single unit. Besides, you have to unplug the garbage disposer, if there. Remove the dishwasher drain pipe also.
Go down under the counter and check the sink’s corners for metal clips; you will need a screwdriver to untwist them. Also, take the caulk off from the sink’s perimeter with a utility knife. Once done, you can remove the sink from its place by pushing it up from below the counter. Clear everything from the area, including plumber’s putty, grime, and others.
Installation of the new top-mount sink
After cleaning the area, you can start the process of installing your new purchase. You can take it out from the package and fit it into the countertop hole to ensure you don’t have to modify anything. If your new stainless steel sink is large, you will need to create a fresh cutout with a suitable tool. Once you cross this hurdle or stage, you can shift the sink from the countertop cut out to fix the clips inwardly. Then, the faucet and other components will go. Please make sure you have a plumber’s putty as you will need it to install the drain strainer.
You have to turn the sink a bit to its side to attach rubber gasket and flange to the sink drain from beneath. The process will be the same if there is another drain. If you see excess putty around the drain, remove it with a soft cloth. You will need a screwdriver to fix its mounting bracket to the sink’s bottom for a garbage disposer. Besides, you will also need a silicone sealant for the sink’s edge.
Later, you will need to push your sink into the countertop hole in proper alignment. To secure it firmly in its place, you will need to adjust the metal clips and nuts or screws from under the countertop. You can install the supply lines with tight connections. If there is a garbage disposer, you will need to check the brand’s user manual for steps. You will also have to take care of the dishwasher drain. If all the fittings are proper and safe, you can put the sealant on the sink’s border. Connect all the pipes and supply lines before running a final check for leakage.
You can face a challenge when installing the pipes, which can be either shorter or longer than what you require. If it is not long enough, you can buy a suitable one from the market after verifying the length needed for easy installation. And if the pipes are longer, cutting the size as per the requirement can be the right solution.
One thing you need to remember is that you have to be extra careful about sink installation. If it doesn’t fit well, you will not reap the benefits, regardless of the sink’s superior quality. Therefore, you have to be confident about your DIY decision from the beginning. If you feel time can be a constraint or your plumbing skills need some polishing, it’s better to play safe. Get a professional plumber for the job. They can install your new feature in a few minutes because of their experience, knowledge, and practice. Make sure you hire only licensed people as they can be trustworthy too.
Since stainless steel sinks have always been in trend, you can be enthusiastic about your choice. After all, the latest styles and designs match modern sensibilities, doubling up as the full workstations for your small kitchen space also. Whether you choose a single bowl or double, it can immediately elevate your sink area’s beauty and functionality merely through its presence. Hence, it is easy to assume why you can hurry to get it fixed.
