Do Plumbers Install Kitchen Sinks?
- By: Amer ZaghloulehUncategorizedComment: 0
Believe it or not, the question of who handles the installation of kitchen sinks, and whether it’s a plumber or some other contractor, is one that we get often. If you’ve also been wondering if plumbers install kitchen sinks, we’re here to finally set the record straight that YES, plumbers can and frequently do install kitchen sinks. In fact, instead of going the DIY route, we recommend that you have a plumber take care of this project for you.
While you might assume that plumbers are reserved to installing toilets and fixing clogged pipes, they are the ideal professional to handle the installation of a kitchen sink. In this post, we’re going to shed some light on the process so that you can come away with a better understanding of how kitchen sink installations work and why this is something that is often best left to professionals.
Step One: Prep the Kitchen Sink
The first step in the installation of a kitchen sink is to gather the measurements from the old one to ensure that you get the proper dimensions. As you’re doing this, make sure you pay close attention to the location of the drain. If you can’t get a new sink that has the same dimensions and location of the drain, you likely have to either change your plumbing, countertop, or both. When you’re planning for a new kitchen sink, you also want to consider whether you also need to replace the faucet or any other parts – it’s easiest to replace everything at the same time.
Step Two: Disconnect & Detach the Old Sink
Before the old kitchen sink can be removed, the hot and cold water supply lines must be turned off. This can be done under the sink or you can turn off the supply lines in the entire house. Once the water shut off, turn the faucet on to release any remaining water and pressure in the line. If your sink has a garbage disposal, shut off its power circuit.
Quick Tip: You also may want to snap a quick photo of the pipes underneath your sink before you start disassembling things. If you’re not an experienced plumber, it’s likely that you’re going to forget how things connect and where everything should go.
Underneath the sink, place a bucket under the hot and cold lines and disconnect them using a wrench. Locate the P-trap, or the U-shaped pipe, and detach it and the drainpipe. You’ll also want to disconnect the line to the dishwasher, assuming you have one. Finally, loosen the top of the kitchen sink from your countertop using a utility knife and disconnect the metal clips that are holding the underside of the sink to the counter. Then, you should be able to press up on the base of the sink to loosen and elevate it out of your kitchen counter.
Before you proceed any further, make sure you use some solvent and a putty knife to clean up any remaining caulk. You’ll want the counter to be smooth and clean to guarantee a good seal on your new sink.
Step Three: Install the New Kitchen Sink
Once the old sink is removed and everything is prepared for the installation of the new one, hold it over the hole to verify that it’s going to fit properly. If it doesn’t fit flush, you may have to alter the countertop with some power tools. For the first part of the installation process, attach the bottom clips and make sure that they are turned inward so they don’t get bent when you position the sink. At this point, you can install the faucet and any other components. It’s always easier to install the accessories before you put the sink in place.
Then, apply silicone caulk or plumber’s putty around the edge of the strainer and push firmly to ensure a good seal. At the bottom of the drain, you can also install rubber gaskets and the threaded flange. If your sink doesn’t have a garbage disposal, repeat these steps for the additional basin. Though, if you do have a garbage disposal, it should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once everything is attached properly, put a silicone sealant along the edge of the basin and the lower your new kitchen sink into place. Underneath the sink, shift the clips so they face outward, reattach the water supply lines, install the garbage disposal and reconnect the dishwasher and P-trap. Once you have everything installed, turn the disposal and water back on. Finally, run the faucet to check that the sink is functioning as it should.
Your Kitchen Sink Installers
As you might have noticed, the process of installing a kitchen sink isn’t an easy one. It’s incredibly important that all the steps are done right in order to avoid potential damage and guarantee that everything operates correctly. With that said, we always recommend leaving the installation of a kitchen sink to a trained professional.
If you need to have a kitchen sink installed or just have questions about the process, give Anytime Plumbing a call at 831-431-6593 today!
