Proper Procedure Of Installing The Undermount Sink
An under-mount sink has a sleek look. Unlike the drop-in sinks, the undermount sinks attached to the underside of countertops, make it a little trickier to install. The proper procedure for installing the undermount sink is shown below:
Cutting The Countertop
- Choose A Spot For The Sink: If you are working with a new countertop then choose a place for the sink. Figure out where to install the sink. Usually, the location depends on a few factors, like the location of the water supply lines in the home. Most of the sinks sit right in the middle of the countertops, but some of the installers like a different look.
- Select A Reveal Style: The revealing style is used to determine how much the rim of the sink remains visible after the installation is done. This is very important for appearance as well as also has some effects on the cleaning. Most of the people go with a zero reveal, this means the countertop’s edge is properly flush with the sink’s opening. Sinks having a zero reveal will look more professional and also don’t leave any of the extra space for germs as well as for the food particles to slip into.
- Trace The Sink’s Outline: On the countertop trace the sinks outline. Turn the sink over and then trace all around it with the help of a pencil. After that, remove the sink and measure the width of the rim. Usually, it will be about 3/8 inches wide. From the original lines make a second outline 3/8 inches in the inward direction. Erase out the original outline so that user will not cut it by mistake.
- Cut The Countertop: Wear the safety gear, like dust mask and the goggles. Then, take a saw for the material that is to be cut. If cutting the stone, then take a circular saw with a diamond-coated blade. For a laminate, choose a jigsaw with a laminate-cutting blade.
- Clean Up The Countertop And Sink: Remove the old caulk, sawdust, or any other debris on the countertop if there is any with the help of denatured alcohol. Take a scraper to remove any dried-out adhesive all around the opening.
Installing Over The Countertop
- Turn The Counter: In order to be able to install the sink in this way, the countertop must be free from the cabinets that are underneath it. This method works very best for the new countertops. Bottom-up installations are known as quicker and the easier, but there is not a good view of the positioning of the sink’s on the countertop.
- Fit The Sink Over The Hole: Flip the sink upside down also remember that the countertop is in upside down direction, so everything is turn out right side up when it is turned later. Perfectly center the sink as much as possible on the hole. If the user is able to, then take a peek under the countertop to help in positioning the sink.
- Trace Around The Rim Of The Sink: Hold down the sink firmly while tracing it with the help of a pencil. Make sure that all the outline is dark as well as visible. Once done, keep the sink aside. Remove the template if used one to fit out the sink.
- Position The Sink Clips: Position a sink clip at each of the corners. The remaining sink clips will fit between the corners. Space put all the clips evenly, placing them 10 inches apart or less. Now fit the clips so that the solid ends will hang under the sink's rim. The clips are usually included with most of the sinks. If extras are needed, then they are available at most of the hardware stores.
- Glue The Clip Sink Clip Studs: The best and the simple way of doing this is by getting epoxy resin as well as the hardener. Take a wooden mixing stick then combine an equal amount of both ingredients and start mixing. After that quickly apply the epoxy on the studs, try to push it down with the help of a mixing stick. This way the epoxy will get through the holes in the stud and under it as well. Leave the epoxy to dry for about 24 hours.
- Spread Silicone Caulk: The user will need a caulk gun as well as a bottle of the caulk. Cut out the tip of the bottle of caulk and then load it into the gun. Place the nozzle in-between the outline that was made and the edge of the hole that is in the countertop. Apply a steady amount of the caulk all around the entire hole.
- Place The Sink And Clip It: Now in this step the user needs to center the sink in the upside-down direction again. Take a peek under the countertop to make sure the sink’s positioning is proper. After that, slide the clips in the studs and then fit a wingnut through each one of them. Twist the wingnuts in a clockwise direction with the help of hand to fit the sink in place.
- Wipe Up Any Remaining Caulk: Take a rag and denatured alcohol to remove remaining caulk. Remove any of the tape or the template used during the installation process. Make sure that the sink secures tightly with the countertop. Finally, clean up all the excess caulk, then scrub the countertop with the help of more denatured alcohol.