A sink is one of the parts that you can’t separate when it comes to renovating or remodeling a home. In a bathroom, it’s usually connected with the vanity, while for a kitchen it’s usually connected with the top. If you have a newly constructed home and want to experience a DIY project, you might want to install your bathroom sink by yourself. Of course, you can do this job by yourself, without a professional’s help.
Since you’re going to do the whole process by yourself, please make sure to be well-prepared from the tools, supplies, and safety gear. Doing a DIY job is indeed fun for some people because it feels like you know your home well than others. However, you’re always allowed to contact your trustworthy plumber.
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For some people, installing a sink can be done by professionals and yes, we agree on that if you want to have a professional result or want other parts installed as well.
HOW TO INSTALL A BATHROOM SINK
For a safe and smooth process, prepare these tools and supplies:
- Sink
- Protective gears (goggle and gloves)
- Utility knife
- Silicone caulking
- Plumbers’ wrenches (a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers)
- Basin wrench
- Set of plumbing sockets
Once all equipment is ready, let’s start with the main event!
Shut Off the Water Supplies
For a smooth process, please make sure that there is no electrical connection to the sink. All you need to do is:
- Turn off the water supply valves that are usually installed under the sink.
- If you can’t find the valve under the sink, then you will have to shut the main water supply.
- To make sure that the water supply completely gets cut off, try turning on the hot and cold water of the sink. If you don’t spot any leaks, you’re ready to move on.
If you’re replacing a sink, you can check this DIY Project: How to Replace a Bathroom Sink in 7 Steps for a more detailed explanation.
Mounting the Sink
Let’s start with the opening step. For some specific sinks, you may need someone to help you hold them. Again, make sure the sink shape or design first.
- Put a thin bead of caulk around the bottom lip of the sink.
- Set it into the hole and clean up any excess silicone.
- Depending on the sink’s design and the opening where it connects to the plumbing lines, you may need to caulk in on a different spot. You may also need someone to hold the sink from above for under-mount sinks.
- By following the manufacturer’s guidelines. use connective clips to make the sink stays in place along with the sealing caulk. These clips usually come with the new sink.
Install the Faucet
Installing a faucet can be done before or after sink installation.
- Some faucets may have a rubber gasket around the base and screw on easily. Some others may need silicone caulk to secure to the sink or counter.
- Depending on the design of each fixture, it might be better to install the faucet before the sink.
- Make sure the space for the faucet matches the location of the sink, using the template to measure before you install anything.
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Install Tailpiece and Drain Kit
- Drop the tailpiece through the sink and screw on the tailpiece nut from underneath by using gaskets that go between the sink and tailpiece.
- If you can’t find the gasket, use non-hardening plumbers’ putty or silicone to create the seal.
- Install the gasket, the cardboard washer, and the locknut to secure the tailpiece.
Complete Other Fixture
Before wrapping up this project, please ensure that the water lines match the new fixture.
- There are three common sizes of threads that are commonly used to prevent leaks from the valve: half-inch pipe thread, which is a coarser thread used on single-handle sinks, ½ or 5/8ths compression, and 3/8ths compression.
- If your sink comes with lines and they don’t match valves, you can get additional line matches. If you put two pipe threads together, splice them with teflon tape.
- Connect the water supply lines with the corresponding joints on the new faucet. You can get the right size of the connectors in the instructions for the specific faucet that you’re installing.
- Please check the pop-up that allows you to open and close the sink drain, usually made of a simple metal rod with a ball attached to it.
- Follow the manual instructions to drop stopped into the sink from the top, slide the short end of the rod into the opening on the tailpiece, making sure that the opening for the ball is facing toward the lever for the pop-up.
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Wrap It Up!
Once the last step is done, it’s finally come to the end with a few double checks here and there.
- To make sure everything on place, fill any gaps around the top of the sink or anywhere that the basin of the sink meets the wall with caulk.
- Let it dry for about 24 hours before turning on the water.
- After 24 hours, turn on the water and check for leaks. If you spot small leaks from the rubber connections, try tightening more. It’s also good to check the gasket that goes under the tailpiece.
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Exploring something new with your own home can be very tired but also fun at the same time. One of the DIY projects that you can start with is by installing a bathroom sink. Of course, we won’t blame you for hiring a professional to do the job for a better result. However, if you love being active with DIY stuff, you might want to try this by yourself!
