How to Install a Kitchen Sink? 7 Simple Steps

(Last Updated On: September 4, 2023)

The kitchen sink is an essential part of the kitchen, and a stylish modern sink enhances your kitchen elegance.

There are many reasons for installing a kitchen sink, such as a cracked sink, leakage in the sink, rusted sink, you want to get rid of an older sink, or you are installing a sink the first time.

People want to know how to install a kitchen sink without a plumber. So, you are at the right place; we came up with information about it.

You can give a new look to your older kitchen or improve its utilization by installing a new sink, and you can do that yourself without calling any plumber.

You can install a double bowl sink replacing one bowl or a modern, stylish sink to improve your kitchen’s beauty and make it more attractive.

Every sink has a different installation method, and the wrong installation process may damage your pipeline system, shelves, or cabinets.

The difficulty of installing a sink is fixing and perfectly connecting the sink parts like the sink drain, tailpiece, p-trap, etc. 

Before installing a new sink, you must determine which type of kitchen sink you will install and which method is perfect for installation.

This article gives you a perfect installation method and installs a sink efficiently and smoothly.

Sink installation may take some hours, but this will help you in the installation process. You can also replace the kitchen sink to change the look of your kitchen.

Before Start:

Before installing a kitchen sink, go through these necessary things. After that, we will guide how to install a kitchen sink.

These simple steps lead the way to remove the older sink if you are not installing a sink the first time.

Ø Estimate the Current Sink Size:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

Measure the sink that you are currently using. It is crucial because this gathered information highlights the drain’s exact position, dimensions, etc.

The information will also prove beneficial in the installation adjustment process.

If the drain position and dimensions vary between the older and newer kitchen sink, then you have to hire a professional for alteration on the countertop for installation.

After estimating the size of the current sink, it is vital to check whether the new sink you want to install fits in your space. 

Ø Inspect the Hardware:

Deciding whether you will replace any component or add a new element to the sink is crucial.

If you decide to replace any component, do it while installing a new sink.

When you add new components to the sink, like a soap dispenser or hot water sink, you add new components. To do so, you must make some extra sinkholes.

Avoid buying such types of sinks where you need to make some alterations. Buy the sink that fulfills all your needs.

Ø Disconnect the Older Sink:

Following are the mandatory steps to disconnect the older sink:

Switch Off the Water:

Mainly the water supplies are positioned just below it. Sometimes you cannot detect the valves, so switch off the water supply. Turn off the store from here.

After that, during the disconnection process, click the pictures of the pipe’s configuration and valves.

This is for your help during the installation of the new sink. You can conveniently reconnect your pipelines and set the valve with the help of these pictures.  

Turn On the Taps:

Turning on the sink’s taps will relieve all the water pressure and help drain the water line completely.

Remove Supply Lines and Disposal.

To disconnect the supply line, use a wrench, then switch off the disposal circuit. Disconnect the P-trap of the sink. Allow all the water to drain from it.

After all that, it is time to remove the disposal motor. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to remove the disposal.

Ø Unlock the Sink:

Pick a screwdriver and start loosening the clips that hold the sink. Then, with a razor’s help, open the closing around the sink.  

Ø Get Rid of the Old Sink:

Now it is the final step. Start Removing the sink from the bottom by pushing it. Push the sink until it completely separates from the countertop.

If it cannot separate, check the clips, clogs, or grime around the sink and countertop that may grip them together, and you face difficulty separating them.  

 Related: How to install kitchen cabinets

The Tricky Part of Installing a Kitchen Sink:

The hardest part of installing a sink is perfectly connecting the sink and the pipe drain.

Correct alignment of the tailpiece/bottom with the drain and the perfect connection of the drain pipe and P trap is crucial.

A trap adapter will help you in making a correct alignment connection. Installing the kitchen sink creates no issue if you do it correctly and efficiently.   

Different Types of Sinks: 

There are several types of sinks, including trendy and traditional. After discussing sinks type, we will discuss how to install a kitchen sink and the tools used.  

  1. Flat mount sink
  2. Flush mount sink
  3. Classic insert
  4. Undermount
  5. Sit-on sink

Equipment to Install a Kitchen Sink:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

These tools will help you in the installation process of the sink.

  • Jigsaw
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Measuring tape
  • Knife
  • Mechanic pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Tubbing cutter
  • Drill

Now, we are going to discuss the complete process of how to install a kitchen sink. It will guide and help you to install a new sink in a few hours easily.

It will be time-consuming, but you can install your kitchen sink after following this process. Now, let’s take the start.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Install a Kitchen Sink:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

Step 1: Estimate and Trace the Kitchen Sink Arrangement:

Measure the size of the sink using a measuring tape. Verify the fitting of the sink on the countertop.

If it fits, it is excellent, but if the dimensions of the countertop and sink are not the same and cannot fit in the countertop, use a tile cutter or jigsaw to alter the countertop opening.

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

Place the sink upside down on the countertop.

Trace the outline and cut lines at the countertop according to the sink size. Use tape to mark the system and cut the lines of the sink.

Step 2: Clips Attachment:

Attach the clips to the sink and turn inward to close the bowl.   

Step 3: Install Faucet:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

Place the sink upside down on the counter. Keep the tailpiece and faucet supply tube down and then pass it from the sink’s hole. Now, connect the faucet to the sink.

Pull the washers and mounting nuts toward the downside of the sink. Check whether the faucet moves through the arc, then tighten the nuts.

Step 4: Attach Filter on Top of Plumber’s Putty: 

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

At the downside of the sink, load the thick layer of plumber’s putty under the filter corners, then start pushing it towards the upward direction through the drain holes of the sink.

Slide the washer, housing (if the filter has one), and stopper/gasket on a filter instead of the bottom of the sink. Spread the pipe-joint fusion onto uncovered joinings.  

Use pliers to join the locknut with the filter by hand, hold it at the right place, and tighten it. 

Pick the stopper/gasket to fit it on the sink drain tailpiece. Use a slip nut to join it with the filter. Hold the filter in hand and start tightening it. 

Step 5: Install the Sink and Begin the Water Supply:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

The sink is still upside down; separate the tape by pulling it toward the midpoint of a countertop hole.

Then squeeze the drops of silicon covering the base of the sink corners.

Turn the sink upward so the front and countertop are parallel, and start setting it on the countertop.

To close the valves, connect the faucet using stainless-steel coiled tubes. Attach the sprayer tube at the joining of the faucet and tailpiece. 

Step 6: Attach the Drain Pipes:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

Attach the trap connector on the backside of a sink drain for the trap connection with the trap and connection of the drain elbow with the waste line, and cut PVC pipes in the correct size.

Slide the trap toward the backside to fix the pipes in exact lengths and alignment. 

Pick the drain pieces separately and remove the cut end with a knife. Use PVC primer to cover them and their twisted pieces. Leave them to dry. 

Put PVC cement at both ends of the parts you want to join. Quickly join the pieces together and hold them for 30 seconds.

Rejoin all the twisted connections and tighten them with a hand.

Step 7: Connect Dishwasher Drain and Cleanup:

How to Install a Kitchen Sink?

At the bottom of the sink, connect the dishwasher drain line with a waste point. Tight the pipeline clamp using a screwdriver.

Remove the extra putty from the filter and turn on the faucet to run the water. Check for leakages at the drain lines and supply lines.

If there is leakage at any part, tighten the nuts until the leakage stops.

Check once again whether the sink is parallel to the countertop or not. If it is parallel, fill the sink with water and leave it overnight for permanent adjustment and fitting.

After the perfect installation of the kitchen sink, your drain may unclog or create problems for you in the future, so try to keep the drain clean.

Conclusion:

Now, the question of how to install a kitchen sink is resolved. Many people install a new kitchen sink with the help of a plumber, but you can install it by yourself without calling any plumber in just a few hours. Installing it by yourself can save you money.

You can install a kitchen sink using essential equipment, supplies, and our guide on installing a kitchen sink. The process is convenient and helpful.

So, try it if you want to give your kitchen a new look that will enhance the elegance of your kitchen. But before starting the installation process, there are some cautions that you have to follow must.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it easy to install a kitchen sink?

Yes. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the sink by separating the pipes, cut the caulks or twisted parts, and open the sink clamps. It is a straightforward process that you can handle by yourself.

Do I require plumber putty for the installation of the kitchen sink?

If the sink has its rubber gasket or stopper, use it instead of the plumber’s putty. If the gasket is not available, use plumber putty. You can also use silicon caulk.

Which type of sink is easy to install?

The Drop-in sink is easy to install because it is smoothly set into a cut hole in the countertop. It has rounded, raised edges that help keep the debris and water inside the sink.   

What do you pace between the countertop and kitchen sink?

Place the countertop caulk or covering between the kitchen sink and countertop; with it, your sink will fit tightly in the countertop hole, which prevents water leakage.

Is it worthwhile to put silicon around the sink?

Sealing a kitchen sink or drain with silicon will help keep your sink in good condition and save you from future problems. 

What grasps an under-mount sink in its place?

The two-part epoxy adhesive used to attach the under-mount sinks and silicon caulking is used in its edges.