Replace a Kitchen Sink and/or Fixture

Step 4: Mount the Sink

Now that you've made the cutout and connected the faucet, water supplies, and drain, turn your attention to mounting the sink. Various mounting styles for sinks are described earlier in the chapter.

The sink shown mounts in a tile countertop; you can do the tiling either before or after mounting the sink. If you tile first, you'll have to make a precise place for the sink. If you place the sink first, the faucet may get in the way of tiling. We brought the tile near the sink, placed and connected the sink, then finished tiling.

Finally, it's time to place and fasten the sink. Stainless-steel sinks are lightweight and should be held down to the counter with concealed clips.

For plastic and cast-iron sinks, put the sink in its final position. Mask the countertop with tape, right next to the sink. Remove the sink and place silicone caulking on the countertop, then reposition the sink. Stopper the drain, fill the sink with water to weight it down, clean off extra caulk around the edges, and let the caulk set overnight.

Step 5: Connect the Drain and Dishwasher

At this point, you've made most of the connections in a comfortable position. It's time to dive under the sink.

Connect the Drain

Kitchen sinks use a 1 ¹⁄₂" P-trap, which can be adjusted in angle and length. The trap connects with slip nuts and big washers. If the drain parts do not reach, buy an extension tube.

As you tighten the slip nut with pliers, make sure the big washer seats smoothly.

Connect the Dishwasher

The dishwasher air gap is already connected, but you need to connect the lower end of the tubes. Connect the ⁷⁄₈" tube from the air gap to the Tee connector. Wastewater from the dishwasher exits the air gap and enters the Tee connector, just below the tailpiece.

Connect the ⁵⁄₈" tube from the air gap to the dishwasher outlet.

Step 6: Connect the Water Supplies

With the sink in place, and the drain and dishwasher connected, make the final connections to the water supply tubes.

Remove the spigot strainer so it does not catch rust or sediment from the pipes. Open the stop valves and check the faucet operation. Replace the strainer.

Feel the plumbing underneath, and if your hands stay dry, you're done! If not, check and gently tighten connections. Major leaks indicate that a washer is missing or badly placed.