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How to Install a Kitchen Sink

 

It seems very difficult to install a kitchen sink by yourself. But in fact, if you can trace around a template and cut out a hole, you can install a kitchen sink easily.

Measure the width and depth of your lower cabinets before making a purchase. Because you want to make sure the new sink fits your countertop and the cabinet below it.

Generally, a sink can up to 22 inches deep (from front to back) in a standard 24-inch-deep cabinet if you have no backsplash; if your countertop doesn’t have a backsplash, it will only take a sink up to 20 1/2 inches deep. Of course, your options will increase if you are also changing your cabinetry and countertop.

If you want to install the kitchen sinks by yourself, you can follow the directions below:

1. Generally, the sink manufacturers will provide a template. Position the template to make sure it is centered on the sink cabinet and is at least 1 1/2 inches back from the countertop's front edge. If your countertop is deeper than 24 inches, you can place it farther back, but please not more than 4 inches. Tape the template in place and mark the outline.

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2. According the marking outline, remove the template and and drill a 3/8-inch-diameter hole in the corners. Use the saber-saw blade from one of the holes and start cutting along the inside of the line. Remember to screw a scrap of wood from front to back on the top of the cutout long enough so it spans the opening, plus a couple of inches at first. So it can prevent the cutout from snapping off and falling through when you complete the cuts.

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3. Before you put the sink on the countertop, you had better install the faucet and sink strainer firstly. (You can have a reference at How to Install a Kitchen Faucet). If we have got full access to the sink, it will much easier than fitting the pieces from the below after the sink is install.

 

Next, tocreate a watertight seal between the sink and the countertop, apply a bead of silicone caulk or plumber's putty around the entire perimeter of the underside of the sink's lip.

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4. Then, carefully flip the sink over and insert into the opening, please taking care not to disturb the caulk or putty. If your sink is heavy, get help lifting and installing it. You can also consider placing a couple of scraps of wood near the edge of the opening to support the sink and protect your fingers when you drop it into position.

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5. Mounting the clips to hook onto the lip on the underside of the sink, then follow the manufacturer’s directions for spacing these lips, tighten the screwdriver or nut driver. Don’t forget to remove the excess with a clean soft rag to make sure the edges are tightening strictly.

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At last, check the installation is finished. Then turn the water from the faucet to flush the system. Make sure everything is ok. 

 

You also can have a reference at "How to Replace a Kitchen Sink".