Installing an Under-Mount Sink

Installing a kitchen sink is an easy Do-It-Yourself project that can significantly change the overall look of one of the most important rooms in your home.

Time: No more than half a day

Price Range: $250-$500

Difficulty: Easy

Materials:

• glue
• sink
• (Optional) Undermount Sink Installation Tool
• sink mounting clips
• silicone caulk
• strainer assembly

Step 1: Position and Cut the New Sink Opening

Place the sink cut-out template on the countertop, where the sink is to be installed. Trace around the outside perimeter with a pencil. When tracing the sink opening, set it back at least 1-1/2″ from the front edge of the countertop. If the countertop is wider (front to back) than 24″, leave more than 1-1/2″ to retain strength at the front edge, but no more than 3″ to 4″.

After tracing, remove the template. Use a straightedge if necessary to straighten out the traced outline. Use a drill with a 7/8″ spade bit to drill four pilot holes, one in each corner inside the outline. These holes will be your starting points for sawing the hole, so they must be large enough to fit the blade of a jig saw or keyhole saw.

Cut the hole for the sink, using a jig saw to cut along the outline between each hole. Because the rim of the sink will cover the sawed edges, it’s important to follow the line but not crucial for the edges to be perfectly straight. If you don’t have a jigsaw, a keyhole saw will work just as well for both curved and straight cuts.

Step 2: Install the Sink

Instructions:

1. Clean the bottom of the slab where the anchor bolt will go as to be free of any debris whatsoever. Surface must be dry and clean, it should also be rough so that the glue may bond well.
2. Position the sink in its desired location and mark it on the bottom, also mark the locations of all anchors now (as suggested above). Depending on site conditions the amount and position of clips may vary. You can install the anchors either face up or face down, face down is the easiest and fastest.
3. Mix enough glue for all clips, place a dab on the intended location and place the anchor on top of the glue, flatten the excess glue flush with the anchor plate, the plate should have about 1/16” of glue on it. Let dry accordingly.
4. Place a small bead of caulking between the sink and the surface.
5. Install the sink in its desired location. insert clip into anchor, then the washer then the butterfly nut, tighten gently. If the clip does not sit on the sink and surface properly you will need to bend it as shown on 2, so it may tighten.
6. Once you are content with the position of the sink tighten clips as needed.
(Image 1 shows recommended mounting clip placement.) (Image 2: Overmount Sink Fastening Detail.)

FOLLOW ALL LOCAL BUILDING AND SAFETY CODES IN YOUR AREA.
THE ABOVE IS ONLY A SUGGESTED METHOD TO BE PREFORMED AT YOUR
OWN RISK. REFER TO OSHA FOR PROPER SAFETY PRACTICES.