Installing an undermount sink in your kitchen is a great way to improve your residential or commercial kitchen. Kitchens can be some of the filthiest areas of your home, especially in and around the sink where bacteria thrive.
Having an undermount sink can help you minimize areas that can foster bacterial growth. These sinks are installed beneath the counter, leaving no space that could catch food waste and dirt
What Tools and Materials Does an Undermount Sink Installation Require?
Below is a comprehensive list of everything you will need for this project.
Tools:
- Work gloves to protect your hands when handling certain products.
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes while you work under the sink.
- Tape measure for checking how big of a sink you will need.
- Bar clamp to hold your planks in place and avoid damaging your sink during initial placement.
- DuraLedge Mounting brackets to keep the sink in place.
- Utility knife for cutting through old silicone sealant.
- Scraper for removing old silicone sealant.
- Caulk gun for applying new silicone sealant.
Materials:
- Two-by-four-inch lumber for anchoring your clamps to hold the new sink in place.
- Towels or rags for cushioning your lumber to avoid scratching your counter.
- Bucket for catching any dripping water.
- Cloth or rag for wiping any excess water on your counter.
- Denatured alcohol for prepping and disinfecting your counter as you work.
- Plumbers putty to help prevent any leaks while you install your new sink.
- Silicone sealant for creating a waterproof seal for your new sink.
- Sink drain for attaching to your new sink and plumbing system.
- Undermount sink of your choice.
How To Install an Undermount Sink
Installing an undermount sink involves two major stages: removal and installation.
1. Removing Your Old Sink
Removing your old sink is the first stage of installation. Learn how to remove your existing sink correctly and safely with the following steps:
Turn Off Your Water Supply
Shut off your main water valve. Put a bucket under the existing pipes to catch any dripping water that might flow out later and leave it there as you work.
Remove Plumbing Fixtures
Remove your old plumbing fixtures, including your sink and faucets. Get your utility knife ready since you may need to cut through old sealant before you can unscrew any clips that are holding your hold sink in place.
Scrape Off Excess Silicone Sealant
Once you remove your sink and other fixtures you intend to replace, see if there is any leftover sealant. Use a scraper to carefully remove them from your counter.
Clean Your Countertop
Use denatured alcohol to clean above and underneath your countertop. Disinfect the rim of your new undermount sink as well.
2. Install the New Sink
After prepping your countertop for a new sink, you can finally install it. Be sure you measure your space beforehand, so you can install the correct size. Follow these steps:
Apply Silicone Sealant to the Edges of Your Undermount Sink
Use a caulk gun to apply new silicone sealant along the edge of your undermount sink. We recommend using gloves to avoid getting any sealant on your hands. If gloves get in the way of your work, have some paper towels handy.
Set the Undermount Sink in Place
Have one person hold the sink from the bottom while another guides it into the correct position from the top. Be sure to position the sink below the countertop opening to ensure the new sink fits correctly.
Position Your Planks
Use two-by-four planks on top and under the sink to hold it in place. Be sure to put towels on your counter where you place the lumber planks to prevent any scratches.
Use Bar Clamps To Hold the Planks in Place
Use the bar clamp to hold your wooden planks in place. Tighten the clamps as much as needed to ensure the sink stays in place.
Attach Sink Brackets
Attach your DuraLedge sink brackets inside the cabinetry and snug the adjustable post to the bottom of the sink. Do not overtighten. Note that mounting brackets come in different options, so be sure to find the right one for your project.
Wipe Off Excess Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealant may ooze out of the sink’s edges while fastening it. Wipe it off with a damp rag or cloth before it dries up.
Remove Planks and Clamps
Slowly loosen the bar clamps and mounting brackets you used to hold the planks in place. Remove the two-by-four planks from the sink as well.
Allow the Caulk To Set
Depending on the kind of sealant you use, wait at least 24 hours for your caulk to dry and cure properly. Early exposure to water could cause failure so be sure to follow sealant instructions.
Reconnect Your Plumbing Fixtures
Reinstall any fixtures in your new sink, including faucets, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.
Turn On Your Water Supply
Turn your water supply back on and test your new sink. Water should easily go down the drain if you installed it correctly. In addition, there should be no drips around the edges if you sealed them precisely.
Final Words
Undermount sinks are stylish, modern fixtures suited for any residential or commercial kitchen. Installing one can be quite a task since these sinks tend to be heavy, needing more than one person to do a proper job, however, it is still DIY friendly.
Having the right tools and materials involved in installing an undermount sink will make the process go smoothly. We designed our adjustable sink brackets for quick and easy installation while maximizing space under your sink. View our selection of sink mount brackets at DuraLedge or get in touch with us today!
**The information contained here should not be taken as professional advice, but rather a general guide to do-it-yourself installation. For best results or professional advice, please consult a professional installer. DuraLedge is not responsible for failure or damage as a result of incorrect sink installation.