DIY Network

Kitchen Sink Installation From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-207

Host Amy Devers teaches homeowner Stephanie Pickett how to cut a hole in the countertop for the new kitchen sink. Afterward, Karl Champley and a plumbing expert will teach her how to install the drain and garbage disposal.

Sink Installation

Materials:

tape measure
pencil
straight edge
drill with spade bit
jigsaw
adjustable wrench
plumbers putty
sink
strainer assembly, faucet, and accessories of choice
disposal (if it comes with sink)
mounting clips
silicone caulk

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

1. Turn sink upside down and set it on counter top where you want to install it. Trace around the outside perimeter with a pencil. When tracing the sink opening on the plywood or countertop, leave at least 1-1/2" on the front edge of the sink. Remember, if your countertop is wider than 24", leave more than 1-1/2" depending on the size of the countertop, but no more than 3 -4".

2. After tracing, remove the sink and use a straight edge to draw a line 3/8"-1/2" inside the traced outline of the sink (figure A)

3. Next, cut the hole for the sink. Use your drill with a 7/8" spade bit to drill four holes, one in each corner inside the inner line (figure B). 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. Once your holes are drilled, saw along the inner line between each hole with your jig saw (figure C). Since the rim of the sink will cover the sawed edges, it’s crucial for the edges to be perfectly straight. Tip: If you don’t have a jigsaw, a hand saw will work just as well for the straight edged sawing and a keyhole saw will work for the curved edges.

4. Place sink upside down on a flat surface. Distribute plumbers putty along the edge of the drain opening and press the strainer body into place. Once the drain is correctly in position, tighten the locknut with a wrench. While tightening with a wrench, hold the drain steady with pliers the keep the strainer from turning out of place. Remove the excess plumbers putty.

5. Fit gasket on sink-drain tailpiece and attach it to the strainer with its slip nut. Tighten nut by hand while holding strainer.

6. Attach the garbage disposal (if you have one) unit to the drain assembly (figure D). Turn it clockwise until it’s securely attached. Then attach the pipe assembly that comes with your sink (figure E). Tip: Be sure to use plumbers putty wherever you have a threaded seal to ensure a water tight connection.

7. Apply a layer of plumbers putty around the perimeter of the underside of the sink. Flip the sink over and carefully place it, with all of the drains and attachments secured, into the hole. Press down firmly.

8. After the sink is positioned and securely in place, place plumbers putty around the underside of the faucet and secure it into place.

9. To pull the sink down tight against the countertop, use mounting clips that hook onto the lip on the underside of the sink and tighten with a screwdriver.

10. Attach all plumbing connections to water source (figure F). Apply a bead of silicone caulking along the perimeter of the sink where it meets the counter to create a watertight seal. Once your sink is installed, consider filling the sink with water overnight to add weight and help it set to the countertop.

Next: Install a Garden Window